The late Venerable Master Wei Chueh, who sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This message, reflecting his deep concern for the future of the Buddha’s teachings and his successor, was recorded on June 30, 2017.
Venerable Master Wei Chueh speaks:
"There is always someone better; there is always a higher authority. Not everyone in this world is a bad person. Honest advice may be hard to hear, but if you listen carefully and observe closely, you will find that it is all the Truth."
The Struggle of the Human Heart
"The Buddha’s words regarding the 'direction of the heart' may seem simple and easy to understand, but they contain profound skills. It is not easy to practise, nor is it easy to realise it, because it is not easy to change. And what must one change? It is the personality—that is the most difficult thing to alter.
I was once a human being, too. I know full well how difficult it is to change one's personality. I even understand that many people simply give up on trying to change at all. However, if one practises in such a state, it is equivalent to practising in vain, because nothing has truly changed. When it comes to how much one has changed, or the depth of that change, who has truly seen it through? One must change until they reach the point of zero—a state of complete purity."
A Shared Purpose Beyond the Grave
"I, Wei Chueh, had quite a temper. Perhaps some knew this, and others did not. Now, it is of no consequence, and there is no need for further explanation. What I wish to express today is this: are you truly willing to change? Venerable Master Sheng Yen spoke so many words of advice to the Drum Mountain community with such earnest, painstaking care. He spoke truly well. I have no intention of comparing myself to him. Venerable Master Sheng Yen’s literary cultivation was very high, which is truly admirable. Today, we appear together for the same purpose: repenting and saving the world. That this world has become what it is today is something none of us wishes to see. Furthermore, we are both monastics. Although we may not have always lived up to the name, even if there is the slightest chance, we must stand up and support the True Teachings.
When we were in the world, we allowed ourselves to be eroded bit by bit by greed. Now, it is different. We have arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and we no longer have any need for those desires. We are now very clear-headed, and we wish to tell the people of the world what we have come to know: the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is truly magnificent. Are you willing to reunite with us in the near future? Everyone has that moment when their life in the world comes to an end. Can you remember the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss at that time? If you can remember it, you will be able to reach it. It is actually very simple; it is only because of everyone’s deep-seated attachment that they cannot let go."
A Direct Plea to the Successor
"Jian Deng, if on the day you must depart, you cannot let go of the territory and influence of Chung Tai, then you will be in great trouble. I do not know if there will be another Practitioner Su to guide you to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss then. Of course, several of the current Venerables have the potential to realise their true nature, but Jian Deng, that also requires you to have the affinity to meet them! Your Master’s experience tells you this: the hells are truly agonising! Only when you have left home and possess nothing in your heart can you truly be considered a monastic who has reached the other shore.
The beings here practise in purity. They have never mentioned themselves to the outside world, so you must surely feel confused, or perhaps even feel as though you are being slandered. But they are truly, sincerely trying to uphold the Buddha’s teachings. The Buddha’s teachings are currently in decline! These words are truly transmitted by us personally. If I, Wei Chueh, were still in the world, I would be the one receiving this letter, because the people here are capable of knowing your level of cultivation. Jian Deng, there is always someone better; there is always a higher authority. Not everyone is a bad person. Honest advice may be hard to hear, but if you listen carefully and observe closely, you will find that it is all the Truth. The Buddha’s words you receive are the true, profound essence—the treasures of the Great Canon. Even if you look at them carefully, you may not necessarily understand their meaning. Your affairs are clearly understood here, but they can choose to look without seeing, because everyone must bear the consequences of their own laws of and cause and effect.
Jian Deng, search your own heart and weigh this. If you believe it, come and find your old Master. I did not practise perfectly, but I have walked this path, and I am now in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. You are still young. Listen to your old Master’s words and do not miss this magnificent Dharma affinity. Whether it is right or wrong, if you wish to deceive yourself and others, so be it. I hope you see this letter yourself and decide personally whether you will come to see your old Master."
