Auspicious Signs in the Sky: An Interview with Sangharama Bodhisattva

A Celestial Symphony of Light

On the evening of the first day of the Dharma assembly, the sky above the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia became the stage for a remarkable and rare celestial event. Despite the vast, clear expanse of the night sky, where the moon and stars shone brightly, a powerful display of thunder and lightning began to unfold. The flashes of light were continuous, illuminating the horizon with an intensity that seemed to defy the natural order. It was clear to those with spiritual insight that these were not merely atmospheric disturbances, but a manifestation of spirits seeking help. They were gathered in the distance, observing the strict boundaries of the temple, yet their presence was undeniable. The dark clouds above were transformed into brilliant, glowing tapestries by the relentless lightning. In a moment of profound significance, a brilliant meteor streaked across the heavens, vanishing into the distance. These auspicious signs were all concentrated here, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, marking a moment of deep spiritual convergence.

The Plea of the Lightning Spirits

Sangharama Bodhisattva, observing this phenomenon, inquired of the lightning: Why has this thunder and lightning persisted for so long? What is the reason for this display? The lightning spirits responded with a plea for salvation. They explained that they had come seeking Chao Du, the spiritual deliverance that leads to liberation. They noted that while many prayers and ceremonies are dedicated to the spirits of wind and rain, the spirits of thunder and lightning are rarely acknowledged. Having wandered for countless ages, they expressed a deep, heartfelt desire to return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. They humbly requested that Practitioner Su extend his great compassion to them, so that their long-held wish might finally be fulfilled. They explained that even as lightning, they possess the capacity to illuminate the heavens, and they now sought the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss through the assistance of Practitioner Su.

Restoring the Universal Order

The lightning spirits further revealed that their presence was tied to the restoration of the natural order. They sought to use this moment of lightning to help realign the world, hoping that the skies might clear, that aviation could return to its normal, safe operations, and that humanity might be relieved of the suffering caused by the pandemic. They explained that in every fleeting second of their flashing, they were vibrating through the entire Earth, working to adjust the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, ensuring that the world remains undisturbed by chaos. Their goal was to help the world return to its proper, harmonious orbit as quickly as possible. They expressed their gratitude to the Venerables for their compassionate hearts and their profound respect for all beings in the universe, which allowed these spirits to be protected and guided toward the light.

The Path of True Awakening

Sangharama Bodhisattva offered a vital teaching on the nature of practice. He explained that as long as one’s actions are directed toward benefiting others rather than serving the self, one will not deviate from the path. The essential point is to truly understand the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, rather than relying on human-made laws. To ensure one does not violate these principles, it is imperative to have the guidance of a virtuous teacher. A person who has realised their true nature, like Practitioner Su, will never lead others astray. Without such guidance, practitioners risk falling into worldly traps or creating heavy karmic debts based on their own limited standards. This is a critical warning for all practitioners: many who begin on the path eventually fall into the hells or find themselves unable to overcome their past karma because they have lost their way and failed to follow the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. As a Dharma protector, I observe the actions of practitioners to see if they are in accordance with the True Teachings. The work being done here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia is fully supported by all Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. The fact that spirits come here seeking Chao Du is clear evidence that this is the true home of the Pure Land school and a precious bodhimanda that must be cherished by all.

Namo Amituofo.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Hailiang.