Acorus (Shichang pu) in Buddhist lore
In ancient times, there was a venerable monk named Wu Chi, who resided in a mountain temple. He was well-versed in Buddhist teachings and often used Acorus gramineus for offerings, reciting sutras to drive away evil and help the suffering.
One day, villagers came to seek his help. A child in one of the households had been ill for several months, appearing emaciated and dazed, unable to sleep at night, often seeing ghosts and screaming in terror. The villagers earnestly requested the monk to perform a rite for the child’s recovery.
Wu Chi pondered silently for a moment, then took several stalks of Acorus gramineus, washed them in clear water, and gently recited the Buddha’s name with a solemn expression. Holding the Acorus, which seemed to emanate a divine fragrance, he reverently placed it in the incense burner and closed his eyes to recite sutras, his voice resonating like a bell, filling the space around him.
As night deepened and the moon shone brightly, Wu Chi focused his energy, and the incense burner in his hand began to tremble slightly, as if connecting with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Suddenly, winds rose and clouds gathered, and dark shadows appeared—an evil spirit approached, seeking to invade the child’s body. The monk remained calm, his heart focused on the Buddha’s teachings, chanting a spell twenty-one times. Instantly, a powerful aura radiated from the incense burner, repelling the evil spirit with an invisible force.
The malevolent spirit, upon seeing this, howled in fury and fled, unable to approach any closer due to the power of the Acorus. Wu Chi continued to recite sutras, visualizing healing medicine on the child’s body. He formed hand seals and recited the spell one hundred eighty times, then placed the sandalwood he carried on the child until the first light of dawn broke. The evil spirit had completely vanished. The child’s complexion gradually returned to a healthy hue, and he seemed to awaken from a dream, slowly opening his eyes, now shining with clarity.
Once the child recovered, the villagers were filled with gratitude, bowing and thanking the monk. Wu Chi smiled and said, “Acorus is a purifying substance that can drive away evil and avert harm, but the key lies in the sincerity of the heart. With firm faith, one can turn peril into safety.”
From that day on, the villagers frequently made offerings of Acorus and practiced Buddhist teachings, living in peace and safety. Everyone felt grateful for the monk’s benevolence and spread the story, using Acorus as a protective charm.
Thus concludes the tale, wishing all beings peace, the driving away of evil, and the cultivation of kindness in their hearts, bringing lasting blessings.
