A Heartfelt Repentance from the Pure Land
The Fifth Letter of the Late Venerable Master Wei Chueh
Recorded on June 11, 2017, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
This message was recorded on June 11, 2017, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. The late Venerable Master Wei Chueh, who sought deliverance through the compassionate vow of Namo Amituofo, now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. In this poignant testimonial, he reflects upon his past teachings, the limitations of Chan practice in the -ending age, and his profound realisation of the supreme salvation offered by Namo Amituofo.
Words of Namo Amituofo:
"To all the disciples of Chung Tai. Namo Amituofo.
Yesterday, the words of Namo Amituofo were spoken. Today, let us speak again of what is meant by Chan.
Chan is the method of guiding the heart into the Dharma-heart. Within the Dharma, there is not a single fixed law. It manifests universally in emptiness, which is called emptiness-nature; it also manifests in existence, which is called empty-existence. Where do emptiness and existence reside? They reside within the Dharma-nature, and the Dharma-nature is contained within both emptiness and existence. In the midst of emptiness, there is existence; in the midst of existence, there is emptiness. Within the 'nothingness,' there is no existence, yet it contains everything.
The Boundless Nature of Chan
If one wishes to explore Chan within this, one finds it has no boundaries—how can there be a distinction between existence and non-existence? Although events occur, the objects themselves are already transient. By investigating the principles, one can understand the relationship between existence and non-existence. Who truly understands the profound meaning within this? To claim one 'knows' is not true knowledge. In knowledge, there is existence and non-existence; in the absence of knowledge, how can one know that within non-existence there is true knowledge? All Dharmas are interconnected within the Dharma-nature. True nature understands the existence and non-existence of all things. Can one truly realise 'True Emptiness' through Chan? Within the Dharma, there is no time for 'true knowledge.' If you wish to understand the true meaning within the Dharma, you must wait until you have fully comprehended the meaning of the Dharma itself."
Venerable Master Wei Chueh speaks:
"To the monastics of Chung Tai, the Dharma-protecting devotees, the volunteers, the students, and the children—and to all the many beings with whom I, Wei Chueh, have had karmic connections:
A Realisation of Supreme Beauty
The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is so magnificent and beautiful. How could I, Wei Chueh, ever enjoy it alone? I once believed that Chan was the ultimate path to liberation, and I propagated these worldly and transcendental teachings far and wide. Only now do I realise that I was ignorant and committed a grave error, one that has implicated the many beings within the Dharma realm of Chung Tai.
The Buddha-heart and Buddha-vows of Namo Amituofo are infinite. He universally guides all suffering spirits who have no one to rely on. All sentient beings in the Dharma realm benefit from this; He does not abandon a single person or a single spirit. Only I, Wei Chueh, was lost in the delusions of a dream. In that delusion, I did not wake up, and I dragged the people of Chung Tai down with me.
The Limitations of Chan in the Dharma-Ending Age
I propagated Chan instead of the Pure Land teachings. It was like a foolish person adding alcohol to a fire. No matter how good Chan may be for the beings of this Dharma-ending age, the result is merely a temporary sense of ease in this life. It is difficult to withstand the appearance of one's at the moment of death. Only the Pure Land and Namo Amituofo can save the stubborn beings of this degenerate age.
I, Wei Chueh, weep before Namo Amituofo. How can I ever atone for the sins of my past? I pray for the great power of Namo Amituofo to manifest. Please, save my Chung Tai from this place. I, Wei Chueh, pray that my plea may be answered. If only a few more people could manifest to witness this, they would know that I, Wei Chueh, speak no falsehoods. Again, I grieve in my heart and repent for my past. Again, I grieve in my heart and repent for my past.
Wei Chueh of Chung Tai, speaking in pain."
This interview message was recorded by the chief writer, the Buddhist disciple Venerable HaiZe.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library