The Famine and the Father's Return

This is a record of an interview with Shi Fengcheng, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his life approximately 490 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on February 26, 2026.

Shi Fengcheng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Shi Fengcheng. Looking back at my life four hundred and ninety years ago, the memories remain as vivid as if they happened only yesterday. I remember a time when the sky seemed to open up, and a miraculous rain of white rice fell upon our town. The townspeople were overjoyed, dancing and cheering as they were drenched in this sudden, blessed downpour. Our town had been suffering through a brutal famine for quite some time; food was scarce, and there was simply not enough to go around. The relief funds sent by the government had vanished into the pockets of corrupt officials, leaving us poor civilians without the aid we so desperately needed. Many of the weaker townspeople had already perished from starvation, and the entire town was in a state of utter chaos. People were becoming restless and volatile, driven to the brink by the primal need for food.

The Dream of Rice Rain

"This rain of rice offered a temporary reprieve from our starvation. Families rushed out with buckets, pots, and baskets, lining the streets and crowding their doorsteps. Everyone was desperate to collect enough white rice to keep their families alive for a few more days. The smiles on their faces were the brightest I had seen in months—smiles that were wide and genuine, reflecting a hope we had almost forgotten. Without food, human life is fragile, and even the closest of friends can turn into enemies when fighting for a scrap of sustenance. In that moment of life and death, I witnessed the most raw and realistic side of human nature. I sat up from my bed, rubbing my eyes, and looked around the room. 'It was just a dream,' I whispered to myself, 'but that rain of rice felt so incredibly real!' Just then, I heard the sound of hurried footsteps outside my room. My younger siblings burst in, shouting, 'Big brother, hurry! Someone has brought us food! Come out and eat!' Still dazed and confused, I was pulled out by my siblings. When we reached the living room, I saw that the person who had brought the food was none other than my father.

The Secret Life of a Father

"My siblings turned to me and said, 'This man is so kind. He brought us so much food—look, big brother, there is both sweet and savoury! We haven't had a proper meal in so long; our mouths are watering just looking at it. Can we start eating?' I barely heard a word they said, for seeing my father standing there left me completely stunned. Three years prior, when I was nine, my father had left us. My siblings were very young then, and because he was rarely home, they had forgotten what he looked like. I, however, had his image deeply etched into my mind. I had longed for him to stay, but he was always away for work, returning only for two or three days at a time before rushing off again. I knew my mother missed him dearly. Whenever he wrote to say he was coming home, she would tidy the house, dress herself in her finest clothes, and sit in the living room from dawn, waiting. She told me she didn't want him to walk into an empty house. She would barely leave the room, even to use the washroom, for fear of missing his arrival. Watching her wait like that always filled my heart with a profound sense of sorrow, though I never spoke of it, for to her, that waiting was a form of happiness.

A Reunion Amidst Despair

"However, when I was nine, I overheard my parents arguing while I was supposed to be asleep. It was the first time I heard my mother speak with such intensity, so unlike her usual gentle self. I sat up in bed, listening, and was shocked by what I heard. My father had been working so hard not just to support us, but to provide for another woman he had taken as a mistress. He knew my mother could never accept a second wife, so he had kept this other life hidden away. If this woman hadn't come to our door herself, my mother would have remained in the dark. I sat there in the dark, listening to the woman's delicate voice, realising the truth of my father's absence. After that day, he never returned. My mother said nothing, and I never asked, for I knew exactly what had happened. Now, seeing him sitting there, I was overwhelmed. 'Father,' I called out. My siblings looked at him, repeating the word in unison. He had aged significantly, and his clothes were fine, showing he had been living a prosperous life. He asked if we were well, and I told him of the famine. His expression softened with pity, and he promised to bring more food to help the townspeople. I am truly grateful to him for that act of Generosity, even if it cost him a great deal. It was worth every penny to see the townspeople smile through their tears. Namo Amituofo."

A Glimpse into Opulence

Before me stood a magnificent, sprawling estate, so dazzling and ornate that it took my breath away. This was where my father lived. Over these past years, he had truly amassed a great fortune, and his life was one of immense luxury. As soon as my younger siblings caught sight of this grand house, they erupted in excitement, shouting with glee. Seeing their joy, my father immediately instructed the servants to escort them inside for a tour. As my father and I sat in the living room, a sudden thought struck me: 'Why haven't I seen the concubine?' My father replied, 'The servants mentioned she had stepped out for a while.' I nodded, suddenly at a loss for words. I gazed at the intricate beams of the ceiling, the exquisite murals adorning the walls, the vases placed carefully on tables and floors, and even the teacup I held in my hand—every single item was of the highest quality, far beyond what an ordinary person could ever hope to possess.

My father asked, 'What is on your mind?' I hesitated for a moment before speaking: 'For all these years, Mother has taken care of the four of us, and life has been incredibly difficult.' My father sighed, 'She refuses my money. If she were willing to accept it, you wouldn't have had to suffer so much! She simply refuses to listen to me; she is stubborn and holds onto her temper. It has been so many years, and even now, she is still angry with me!' I could not respond. It was not my place to intervene in the affairs between my parents; after all, I am their child, and no matter which side I took, it would be inappropriate. Just then, a maid called out from outside, 'The Mistress has returned!' I assumed this must be the concubine, so I stood up immediately, waiting for her to enter the living room.

A Lesson in Generosity

The concubine entered, accompanied by two or three maids, each carrying several baskets. She instructed them, 'Please take these to my room.' I greeted her, 'Auntie.' Upon seeing me, she beamed with joy and said, 'You must be Fengcheng, right? You have grown into such a fine young man! I have wanted to meet you for so long. Your father tells me you are a kind and good-hearted child. I love children like you. It is a pity I could not bear any children of my own; otherwise, I would have hoped for a well-behaved son just like you. Where are your younger siblings?' I replied, 'They have gone to play in the back garden.' She smiled and said, 'Children always love novelty. The back garden is truly beautiful; you should go and take a walk there yourself.' I nodded with a smile. She was indeed a beautiful woman, many years younger than my mother.

She continued, 'I heard that there is a famine in your town, so I immediately asked your father to send some grain to you. Did you receive it?' So, it was she who had prompted my father to send the supplies. I immediately expressed my gratitude for her Generosity. She added, 'But please, do not tell your mother, or she will surely throw it all away, and that would be a waste.' I nodded in agreement. Suddenly, she remembered something and told her maid, 'Quickly, bring that item to me.' A moment later, the maid returned with a small package. The concubine said to me, 'Fengcheng, this item was always meant for you. Your father said it was for the descendants of the Shi family, but since I have not been able to bear any children, it is only right that I return it to you. You are the eldest grandson of the Shi family, and one day, everything here will be yours. This jade pendant has been passed down by our ancestors; please, accept it and carry on the family line.' I glanced at my father, and he nodded, saying, 'Take it. It was always meant to be yours.' I took the pendant and tucked it into my pocket. I was stunned; the concubine was nothing like I had imagined. Her mind-capacity was vast. Despite being my father's concubine, she showed no desire to possess his wealth. I felt a wave of shame, for before I had even met her, I had already harboured preconceived notions about her.

Broadening Horizons

We stayed at my father's home for three full months. During this time, I truly broadened my horizons, witnessing a side of the world I had never seen before. Every day, the concubine took us out to visit various places. She explained, 'Over the years, your father has built his business, allowing our family to live in comfort. However, I know that there are far too many people in this world living in hardship, just like the people you see now—they are hungry and cold. That is why, every month, I take a portion of your father's wealth and use it for Generosity. Every place you have visited today is somewhere I have been helping regularly.' So, she had been performing acts of Goodness all along; no wonder her face radiated such dignity. Spending these days by her side, we finally realised how many people in this world were truly suffering.

The Weight of Emotion

When it was time to leave, my siblings were reluctant to go, wishing to stay longer. Although the concubine welcomed them, I knew my mother was waiting for us at home, so I had to insist that we leave, promising them we could visit again. Upon returning home, we found my mother sitting alone in the living room. My siblings shouted, 'Mother, we are home!' She turned around, a radiant smile breaking across her face—a smile I had not seen in months. She hugged them happily and asked me, 'Are you all well?' I recounted everything we had experienced over the past three months. My mother nodded and said, 'Her mind-capacity is indeed vast; I cannot compare to even a fraction of it. That is why I chose to live in this small house and let her take care of your father. I believe she is the one who can truly help him.' I looked at my mother; although she spoke these words, her expression was tinged with sadness. I asked her, 'Can you not let go of this suffering caused by emotion?' She lowered her head and remained silent. I continued, 'For these three months, I followed Auntie to many places and saw how much everyone suffers. If it were not for emotion, why would one need to make themselves so exhausted? To support a family, one pays such a heavy price. Working outside, one must endure the biting cold; caring for children at home, one must worry about the entire household. As for Father, although he lives in luxury, he too has paid a heavy price for his emotions. His home is grand and beautiful, yet he has aged so much. Watching him struggle for so many years, only to end up in decline—this is the life of people in this world. Mother, can we not break free? Can we not choose to stop living this life of suffering?' My mother shook her head, 'How can we break free? Are we not people living in this world?' Her words struck a chord within me: 'Must we live the life of worldly people simply because we are in this world? Is this the inevitable result?'

The Search for the Sacred

I carried this doubt with me as I explored the world. I believed that there must be someone living a life that transcends the mundane. Although I had yet to encounter such a person, I was convinced that it must be a sacred and supreme way of living. Having travelled to so many places, whether among the wealthy or the poor, I found that as soon as emotion was involved, everything became worldly. Even the stray dogs on the side of the road were immersed in affection and desire, unable to escape the shackles of emotion. When I reached a deep mountain, I stopped. The purity here was something I had never felt in all my travels. The person before me, who was drawing water, carried an aura unlike any ordinary person. It drew my gaze, and I found myself staring, unable to look away. Such behaviour was certainly impolite, but I did not know why—this person was simply so captivating. My intuition told me that in him, I could find the answer I was seeking. I watched him continuously, observing his every move. Strangely, he was not disturbed by my presence; he continued his task, one movement after another, steady and calm.

After fetching the water, he walked up a small path, and I followed closely behind him. I wondered if he sensed my presence right behind him. The path was somewhat rugged and difficult to traverse, yet this man, carrying two heavy buckets of water on his shoulders, did not spill a single drop despite the uneven terrain. He continued to climb steadily, step by step. Such meditative concentration is certainly not something an ordinary person possesses, and I followed him, filled with curiosity. As we walked, he suddenly stopped, and I halted as well. He set down his burden and walked toward a large tree. I could not hear what he was saying, but a plump wild rabbit emerged from behind the tree. The man spoke a few words to the rabbit, and it immediately hopped away in another direction. Just as I was about to step forward to ask him about this, two hunters holding bows and arrows rushed toward us. They asked the man, 'Have you seen a wild rabbit?' The man replied, 'I saw it; it ran down the mountain.' The two hunters followed his words and headed down the mountain. I stepped forward and asked, 'Excuse me, the road was so quiet just now, how did you know those two hunters were about to catch that rabbit? And how did you know the rabbit was hiding behind that tree? Also, what did you say to the rabbit? Why did it seem to understand you? Who exactly are you?' The man pressed his palms together and chanted, 'Namo Amituofo.' I followed his gesture and chanted, 'Namo Amituofo.' The man then said, 'I am a monk practicing in this temple. When I was fetching water, I had already heard the voices of these two hunters. At that time, the rabbit was hiding in the grass behind me, and it only ran away after I left. The sound of its movements was clearly transmitted to my ears, which is why I knew it was hiding behind the tree. I chanted the Buddha's name to it, performed a refuge for it, and taught it not to be a rabbit anymore, but to follow the chanting and seek rebirth in the three higher realms. Then I told it to go in another direction so it would not be caught by the hunters.' I looked at this monk in astonishment. How could one possess such ability? Walking along the path, I had felt only profound silence, hearing nothing but my own footsteps and the sound of my feet crunching on the fallen leaves. I had heard nothing else, yet this monk could hear the hunters' conversation and even the sound of a rabbit running. I was deeply amazed and could not help but praise the monk's skills. The monk told me, 'You, too, can regain such sensitivity. As long as you calm your heart, this is an ability that everyone possesses.' I stared at the monk with wide eyes, never imagining that I also had such potential; it was just that my heart was currently too turbid, and I had not yet recovered that level of sensitivity. The monk turned, picked up his two buckets of water, and I continued to follow him up the high mountain. We remained silent for the rest of the journey.

The Steadfastness of the Tree

The tranquil atmosphere of the mountain forest was refreshing, and I enjoyed being in such a natural setting, feeling my entire body relax and become light. The monk suddenly turned his head and said to me, 'Little Bodhisattva, look at this small tree in front of us. No matter how the wind blows, its trunk and roots remain unmoved. This means its foundation is unchanging, firm, and not easily swayed.' The monk's words served as a reminder: 'Indeed! It should be unchanging. No matter how the world changes, my heart should also remain unmoved. Therefore, people in the world do not necessarily have to follow the ways of the world; a life that transcends the world is absolutely possible.' At this moment, I noticed that the monk was actually barefoot. His soles and the sides of his feet were covered in mud and weeds, and there were even some bloodstains; he must have been scratched along the way. I asked the monk, 'Why don't you wear shoes? Your feet will get hurt.' The monk smiled and replied, 'Shoes are merely an external covering. If one can continue to walk forward without fear even after losing this layer of external self-protection, that is true practice.' The monk truly did not fear being hurt; no matter what kind of road it was, he could bravely step onto it. One must have such courageous strength to break through all kinds of obstacles.

A Place of Seeking

The solemn and majestic temple buildings stood atop the mountain peak, surrounded by clouds and mist. Above the mountains were towering Buddha statues, vast and incomparable. Before entering the temple, the monk used a little water to wash his feet clean and put on the shoes he had kept in his robes before walking inside. The volunteer Bodhisattvas in the temple saw me and came forward to show their concern. I told them, 'I wish to find a life that transcends the world. I wonder if this is the place I am looking for?' The volunteer Bodhisattva introduced me to the Buddha's teachings and the life of practice. I was deeply impressed; this volunteer seemed to have a profound understanding of the Dharma. I asked him, 'Are you also someone practicing in this temple?' The volunteer replied, 'I have served in this temple for over twenty years. Although my practice is not yet perfect, I can still offer a few words of introduction to the Dharma.' This Bodhisattva was truly humble and modest. He introduced the Dharma so well that I began to develop an interest in practice, and I believed this was definitely the life direction I had been searching for.

The Path of Diligent Practice

I seized the opportunity to serve in the temple, wanting to grasp this magnificent Causal Condition to calm my heart, learn the Buddha's teachings, and stay close to a true spiritual friend. Every day, I diligently completed my assigned tasks, and if I had extra time, I would take the initiative to help others who had not yet finished their work. If there was still time, I would sit under a large tree closest to the lecture hall, listening to the Master giving Dharma talks. Because the tree was a little distance from the lecture hall, sometimes I could not hear clearly, and I had to calm my heart even more to catch a few words. Sometimes, hearing just one or two key phrases was enough to provide me with endless benefit.

One day, after chopping wood, I hurried down from the mountain just to hear the first lecture. I didn't even have time to change out of my dirty clothes before sitting under the tree to prepare to listen to the sutras. Fortunately, I made it in time; the Great Master was just about to begin. The young monk inside was distributing scriptures to every monk participating in the lecture. At that moment, the Great Master on the podium suddenly said, 'Give a copy to the little Bodhisattva outside as well.' I was puzzled: 'The little Bodhisattva outside?' I looked around, and I was the only one there. I wondered to myself, 'Could it be me?' At that moment, the young monk actually walked out of the lecture hall toward me and said, 'The Great Master invites you to come inside and listen to the lecture together.' I was covered in dirt and feared being disrespectful, but since the Great Master insisted, I had no choice but to move lightly into the lecture hall.

Awakening in the Dharma

Inside the lecture hall, every monk sat upright, ready to listen. The Great Master gestured for me to sit in the back row, and I pressed my palms together to thank him. When I saw the Great Master's face clearly, I realized that the monk who had led me into the temple that day was none other than the Great Master himself. His appearance was pure and dignified beyond compare, capturing the hearts of all. Every word of the Dharma he spoke unveiled the confusion in my heart regarding life, like a bright lamp illuminating the dark corners of my soul. At that moment, I firmly resolved that in this life, I would walk the path of practice.

I seized every opportunity to enter the lecture hall to listen to the teachings, setting aside all my thoughts and focusing with respect. If there was something I did not understand, I would temporarily let it go and continue listening. Sometimes, as I listened, the doubts from earlier would instantly be resolved. At that moment, I understood that awakening and realization occur in a single instant. The Great Master's teaching was thorough and incisive, but he did not break down the meaning of every sentence. Instead, he wanted us to experience it with a pure and bright heart, just like the Buddha's. Under the Great Master's guidance, everyone could find their own point of realization and understand the Truth that the scriptures intended to teach the world.

I transformed what I had realized in my heart into practical action, practicing diligently on the Buddha's path without the slightest bit of laziness. Five years later, the Master shaved my head, and I officially accepted the mission of transmitting the Dharma. I dedicated my body and mind to the countless worlds, wishing to spend my life practicing the Bodhisattva path, working tirelessly to propagate the Dharma and benefit all beings.

Rebirth in the Western Pure Land

In this life of practice, my heart has only moved forward with courage, never retreating. Because I know the preciousness of the Buddha's teachings, how could I have a heart of retreat? Whether in favorable or adverse circumstances, when one is in the state of no-self, the environment naturally changes according to the heart. I am no longer a lost person in the world, but one who has awakened. When beings are lost, I help them wake up, teaching the sutras and the Way everywhere, helping beings turn from confusion to awakening. In this life, I have also used the Buddha's teachings to save my parents, aunts, and siblings. We each practice, and our realizations are different. I am grateful to have met the Great Master in this life, which opened the Causal Conditions for me to learn the Buddha's teachings. I practiced diligently throughout my life, and after my life ended, I achieved rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Practitioner Su, in her true form, never leaves the Land of Eternally Quiescent Light. She allows her cells to come to the worldly realm to be reborn many times. Whether manifesting as a king, a monk, or even an animal, it is all to save sentient beings, showing various forms to teach the masses. Being reborn as a daughter in this life, though in a female body, she possesses the spirit of a great hero. Everything experienced before learning the Buddha's teachings was just the life journey that ordinary people go through, such as marriage, having children, and running a business. However, Practitioner Su has deep good roots; after hearing the Buddha's teachings, she actively practiced the Way, let go of everything in the world, and practiced with firm determination, eventually transforming from an ordinary person to a saint and attaining Buddhahood. By manifesting this to the world, she wants people to understand that everyone can learn the same skills as Practitioner Su—the ability of the Dharma Body to save sentient spirits. Any ordinary person can realize the Buddha-fruit; as long as one practices the Buddha's teachings, diligently adjusts one's own heart, and truly practices, one will inevitably have realizations, achieve liberation, and leave suffering behind.

Nowadays, evil teachers and evil teachings are prevalent in the world, and all kinds of theories can be heard. People in the world have many defenses in their hearts, making it difficult for them to open up and understand, all because of the chaos in the world, which prevents clarity. Practitioner Su's teachings are concise and profound. Practice is not complicated; it is about entering the heart from simplicity, delving deep into the realm, and, like the Buddha's state, possessing great compassion and a vast heart to save all beings.

Focusing on one path and immersing ourselves in these teachings is essential. The "Explanations of the Buddha's Teachings" are written in plain language that is easy to understand. However, there is often a significant gap between "knowing" the Dharma and "practising" it. If one can bridge this gap and become a true practitioner, one will certainly escape the suffering of the cycle of rebirth.

The Path to Awakening

By chanting Namo Amituofo, one can be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. When one truly awakens, everything in this world is let go, and there is no longer any greed or attachment. I share this as an encouragement: let us vow to save all beings and join in the Buddha-actions to save the world. I am deeply grateful for the compassion of the Buddha and Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo.

This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Buddhist disciple Shi Fajing.