Buddhist Devotee Hou Yushan Passed Away, Leaving a Legacy of Spiritual Journey
On June 1st, 2002 Buddhist disciple Hou Yushan peacefully passed away at his home in Los Angeles. Witnessed by his wife, Hou Li Qingqiu, the celestial realm appeared before him as Shakyamuni, Amitabha Buddha, and Avalokiteshvara, guiding him towards the ultimate state of bliss. Prior to his passing, Hou Yushan expressed his unwavering determination to learn Buddhism in this lifetime under the guidance of his master.
Hou Liqingqiu, a devoted practitioner of Chinese medicine in California, addressed over 20 monks who gathered in their home for a Buddhist practice session in honor of Hou Yushan. She shared the remarkable journey of her husband, stating that he had dedicated many years to the study of Buddhism. Diagnosed with lung cancer four years ago, Hou Yushan had endured arduous and prolonged treatments. However, his life took a transformative turn a year and a half ago when he and his wife attended the Yiyungao International Cultural Foundation, where they listened to the enlightening teachings of Master Yiyungao (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III).
Deeply inspired by the teachings on the pre-recorded dharma discourse, Hou Yushan developed profound admiration and sincerity towards Great Master Yi. He actively participated in the group cultivation programs of the foundation, he never missed an opportunity to listen to the pre-recorded dharma discourse. Despite the advice of others to focus on rest and recovery, Hou Yushan insisted on continuing his full-time volunteer work at the foundation, driven by his desire to meet Master Yun Gao Yi as soon as possible.
In February of year 2002, Hou Yushan and his wife sought refuge under the guidance of Great Master Yi Yungao (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) through the American Master Yiyungao International Cultural Foundation, led by Lobsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Upon meeting the revered master, they were pleasantly surprised to find that their preconceived notions were far from reality. Master Yi was not the distant figure they had imagined, instead, he displayed approachability and warmth. With utmost sincerity, they sought empowerment to learn the Dharma, presenting their offerings. However, Master Yi, without even glancing at them, humbly declined their offerings, explaining that he could not set such a precedent. Nonetheless, Great Master Yi graciously provided them with the empowerment and transmission of the Dharma. Hou Yushan diligently practiced the teachings and swiftly progressed, experiencing a sudden disappearance of his cancer pains.
On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Bathing Day in May 2002, Hou Yushan and Hou Liqingqiu had the opportunity to reunite with Master Yi Yungao (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III). When asked about his wishes, despite his terminal illness, Hou Yushan expressed his sole desire to learn how to attain a stable rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. In response, Master Yi advised him to adopt a different practice method, specifically the Pure Land School’s method of reciting Buddha, with a particular emphasis on Amitabha. Additionally, Master Yi imparted a secret handprint of rebirth, promising that through this method, Hou Yushan would soon witness the state of Amitabha and be guided by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to the Paradise of Ultimate Bliss. The compassion demonstrated by the master was profound, as he called Hou Yushan to his side and secretly shared the sacred handprint with him. Hou Yushan experienced indescribable excitement and joy upon receiving this precious gift—the profound Great Dharma of the Supreme PureLand Buddha Dharma.
Ever since Hou Yushan received the transmission of Amitabha Dharma on the Buddha Bathing Festival, his wife has witnessed a remarkable transformation in his condition. Hou Liqingqiu, the wife saw golden rays of yellow and red light radiating from his head and back at any given time. As a result, all the cancer-related pains in his body have vanished, along with the swelling. He no longer required the morphine painkillers prescribed by the hospital.
One day, Hou Yushan asked his daughter Lily, who worked as an anesthetist in the hospital, about his complexion. Lily responded, saying, “Dad, your complexion is genuinely vibrant, and your spirits are high. One would never guess that you are a patient.” On the morning of May 25, Hou Yushan shared with his wife that during his Dharma practice the previous night, he entered a state of samaya and visited the Land of Ultimate Bliss. He described the indescribable beauty of the paradise, filled with captivating shades of red, green, and purple.
Hou Liqingqiu eagerly inquired, “Can you provide me with an analogy to illustrate its beauty?” After a moment of contemplation, Hou Yushan responded, “The Paradise of Ultimate Bliss surpasses any scenery in this world. Do you recall our visit to West Lake when we were young? In the early morning, the misty air and the colorful reflections on the lake created a breathtaking view. However, the beauty of the Paradise surpasses even that. Furthermore, the Buddha informed me that he would come to fetch me in seven days, urging me to proclaim to the world that the greatest Dharma in existence is with our master.”
On May 31, Hou Yushan carefully settled all family matters and left final words for his daughter. He advised her, “Do not hold your mother responsible for everything in her life. However, there is one thing you can admonish her for: if your mother ever strays from Buddhism and deviates from following Vajra Master (Master Yi Yungao – H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III), remind her to earnestly practice under our Master Yungao’s guidance without hesitation.” Then, he turned to his wife, Hou Li Qingqiu, and earnestly said, “In your life, it doesn’t matter if you make other mistakes, but there is one thing you must not falter in: wholeheartedly follow the Vajra Master in dedicated practice. Your success lies solely in following his guidance, as his Dharma is the true path.”
Hou Yushan informed his wife that he would pass away that night and advised her, “Pay close attention tonight. At the moment of my passing, I fear I may fall into drowsiness and enter a demonic realm. Do not sleep, but remind me to visualize the Vajra Master above my head and Amitabha Buddha atop my head, while reciting the mantra wholeheartedly.” That night, in their seaside home, Hou Li Qingqiu had already foreseen that her husband, Hou Yushan, would depart to the Buddhist realm. Therefore, she set four alarms to ring at different times, once every hour. True to her premonition, at 6:15 a.m. on June 1st, Hou Yushan’s pulse and breathing slowed down. Hou Li Qingqiu shook his bed, and together they chanted, “Namo Vajra Guru! Namo Amitabha!” Hou Yushan held the secret handprint taught by Master Yi Yungao.
At that moment, Hou Li Qingqiu heard heavenly music, and Hou Yushan’s body emitted increasingly powerful golden light. She witnessed the appearance of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the sky by the seaside. The merging rays of light grew more potent. After about five minutes, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, along with the celestial splendor, disappeared. It was then that she remembered to check Hou Yushan’s pulse, which had ceased along with his heartbeat.
Zhang Tianyou, the president of the American Master Yi Yungao International Cultural Foundation, was the first to arrive at Hou Yushan’s residence after his passing. He observed Hou Yushan, who appeared peacefully asleep, with no signs of pain on his face. Hou Yushan’s hands held the secret handprint from his previous life.
The incident deeply moved Long Hui, the chairman of the International Federation of Buddhist Monks and Nuns and the abbot of Huazang Temple. She continuously praised the greatness of Master Yi, stating that she often witnessed the suffering experienced by lung cancer patients at the end of their lives. However, the Pure Land method of reciting Buddha taught by Master Yi could transform a lung cancer patient’s condition within a month, filling their surroundings with auspicious golden light and relieving their pain. This would ultimately lead them to be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss under the guidance of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Long Hui marveled at the tremendous power of Tathagata-rectification, beyond the capacity of words to express.
On the night before his passing, Hou Yushan personally prepared gifts and $5,000, and said to his wife, “The master never accepts offerings. He did not accept my offerings. Tonight, as I pass away, tomorrow you shall make the offerings and send them to the master. Please ensure he accepts them.” On June 1st, Hou Li Qingqiu faithfully followed her husband’s final instructions and sent the offering package to Yi Yungao, kneeling on the ground with tears in her eyes. She implored Master Yi to accept the offering, shouting loudly, “My supreme Buddha Vajra Master!” The master replied, “Do not address me as such, for I am not a Buddha. I am merely an ordinary practitioner, just like everyone else.” Hou Li Qingqiu explained that it was Hou Yushan’s testamentary offering, to which the master responded, “It seems there is no other way. These relics of Layman Hou shall be displayed in the temple and not for individual use.” The master immediately transferred $6,000 from his personal funds for Layman Hou’s burial expenses and informed the masters of two prominent temples to offer their support in accumulating merit for the deceased.
Buddhist Devotee Hou Yushan Passed Away, Leaving a Legacy of Spiritual Journey
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Peace LiLy 