The Word Spirit of 'Difficulty': An Interview with Practitioner Su

The Scholar's Unfulfilled Ambition

During a profound Dharma talk held in Hong Kong, Practitioner Su spoke on the deep significance of the character 'difficulty.' As the teachings unfolded, a unique presence manifested—a spirit residing within the very structure of that written character. This spirit, known as a Word Spirit, shared a poignant history that spanned over a century.

The spirit revealed that in a past life, he was a dedicated scholar living during the final years of the Qing Dynasty. He had spent his youth preparing for the imperial examinations, hoping to serve the people and bring honour to his family. However, despite his exceptional literary talent, the timing of his life was unfortunate. He failed to place in the examinations, and his ambitions to become a voice for the common people remained unfulfilled. Disheartened, he returned to his village to teach children, living a life of quiet service until his eventual passing.

The Cycle of the Written Word

As he approached the end of his life, the scholar reflected deeply upon his existence. He had spent countless hours crafting beautiful prose and poetry, pouring his heart into every stroke of the brush. He realised that his life's work—the many characters he had written—held a resonance that transcended his physical form. In those days, it was a common practice for people to treat written paper with great reverence, often burning discarded calligraphy in a respectful manner. Through this process, the scholar's consciousness became intertwined with the characters he had created, and he was reborn as a Word Spirit.

For over a hundred years, he existed within the realm of the written word, passing through many cycles of rebirth as different characters. He witnessed the changing tides of history, yet he remained bound to the ink and paper, waiting for a moment of true liberation. He explained that his existence was a testament to the power of the written word and the karmic connections that bind us to our creations.

Awakening in the Buddha-light

The spirit expressed his profound gratitude for this encounter, noting that the Buddha-light permeating the venue was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was through the compassionate guidance of Practitioner Su that he was finally able to manifest and articulate his story. He shared that the character 'difficulty' had been his home for a long time, representing the struggles of his past life and his long wait for salvation.

He spoke of the immense fortune of encountering the Dharma, stating that this was a rare and precious opportunity. By hearing the teachings and being bathed in the light of the Buddha, he finally understood the true meaning of his existence. The weight of his past, which had kept him tethered to the character of 'difficulty,' began to dissolve as he embraced the path of awakening.

Liberation and the Name of the Buddha

As the interview concluded, the spirit experienced a profound sense of release. He was no longer bound by the frustrations of his past life or the limitations of his existence as a Word Spirit. He expressed his deepest gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su for their boundless compassion. In his final moments of manifestation, he joyfully embraced the name of the Buddha, finding peace in the practice he had learned that very morning.

He identified himself as Gong Zhixiong, a name he reclaimed as he stepped forward into the light of liberation. This remarkable account was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, to serve as a reminder of the infinite compassion of Namo Amituofo, who reaches out to save all beings, even those residing within the strokes of a written character. May all who read this story be inspired to cherish the Dharma and seek the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo