Rebirth Example - Professor was Received by the Buddha 熊公哲教授 – 夢佛接引

(English subtitles) This is a rebirth example in the Land of Bliss (Sukhavati) from Taiwan. Lectured by The Return Thinker 思歸子。
Subtitles:
Let’s take a look at this layman, Mr. Xiong Gongzhe, a professor at National Chengchi University. He was a famous scholar at that time, specializing in Confucianism. In his early years, Mr. Zhou Xuande, who founded Buddhist clubs in colleges and universities, gave him several Buddhist books and advised him to study Buddhism. Because Professor Xiong was dedicated to studying Confucianism, he tended to neglect Buddhism. As a result, his child read those Buddhist books and became a Buddhist specialist. Gradually Professor Xiong became older, and he hadn't learned Buddhism till his 90s. Finally he fell ill and was confined to bed.
1:00
His Buddhist son was very concerned with his father's rebirth. When he came across us, he mentioned the condition of his father. He made a vow to transfer all his life's merits to his father, wished him to recite the Buddha and be reborn in the World of Bliss in the future. On hearing that, I was so touched and said: “We may visit him and advise him to chant the Buddha.”
He said: “Is it convenient? My father is totally unfamiliar with Buddhism.”
“It doesn't matter, our teacher has taught us: Outer Confucianism, and inner Buddhism. We can contact with those who are not Buddhists. We're bookish in appearance. Our teacher said: As long as they are people with a descent profession, such as scholars, farmers, workers, businessmen, soldiers, lawyers, and doctors,
2:00
we can contact them and develop the spirit of a Bodhisattva everywhere. Because we who chant Buddha are always remember the Buddha's great compassion. That is to say, although he is not a Buddhist, it is natural for us to visit him politely since we know you.”
He thought it made sense after hearing my words. Then we went to his home. Because professor Xiong lied in the bedroom, we met his mother first and exchanged greetings, talking about the benefits of rebirth in the Bliss World by remembering the Buddha.
Ms. Xiong was also unfamiliar with Buddhism. They have children in the USA believing in Christianity, the other one is in Taiwan believing in Buddhism.
3:00
She was still hesitating whether to believe in Christianity or Buddhism. She didn't know about Buddhism clearly. Then we told her the advantages and stories about rebirth by chanting Buddha. After listening to me, to my surprise, Ms. Xiong said full of emotion: The stories you told are so convincing, I guarantee that you are telling the truth. Otherwise, the made-up story wouldn’t be that inspiring. She was so inspired and vowed instantly: Rebirth is so worthy. I wish my pal will get reborn in the future. Can you come to help him with chanting? Professor Xiong, who was in the room, was so moved by hearing that and almost shed tears. As a result, it was a satisfactory gathering.
After talking with Ms. Xiong, we were going in the room to see Professor Xiong.
4:00
I kept reminding myself that I was used to chanting Buddha, facing an elder, who was a Confucianism Scholar and not used to chanting Buddha, we shouldn't embarrass him. We can't say Buddha's name lightly but should pay more attention to basic etiquette, and chant the Buddha silently. When we were entering his room, Professor Xiong was well versed in the ways of the world. He heard his wife and we were talking about Buddhism happily outside. He knew these were his son's Buddhist fellows. On seeing us, he first clasped his palm and said Amitabha. I felt so touched. He was indeed a Confucian scholar. His mental competence was outstanding.
5:00
His child was very happy, so were we. We talked for a while and helped him take three refuge. His child happily said: Thus, my father had taken refuge and also was a disciple of three jewels. So, think about it, it stems from a thought of filial piety, and it inducted many good causes and occasions.
It's said: Filial piety is the first of the one hundred virtues. Our Buddhism also regards filial piety as the base. In the Brahma Net Sūtra's Bodhisattva Precepts, the topmost method of cultivating the way is filial piety.
Why should we vow to ferry all sentient beings? They have been our parents and teachers since time immemorial. We have received countless favors from them throughout our lives. May we be reborn in the Bliss World and be free from suffering.
6:00
But our ability is limited. In front of us, there are two people in every family: our parents. You have to come up with an expedient way to lead them to Buddhism, so they will be achieved and reborn in the Bliss World in the future. Otherwise, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Because you can't let your parents rest in peace with the wealth you've earned so desperately, you can't help them get out of reincarnation and the suffering of the bonds of birth and death, and you'll regret it for the rest of your life.