Beyond Innovation: A Spirit's Journey to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Steve Jobs, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition and his observations of the spiritual realm. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Haize, on August 30, 2017.

Steve Jobs speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am filled with such immense gratitude. I never imagined a scene like this. I am no longer a person of the human world, yet I have discovered that the world after death is far more colourful and vibrant than the life I lived on earth. Every single moment brings a new discovery—it is far more fascinating than any scientific research or technological innovation I ever pursued in my life. This is a new world, a world of the heart.

In my past life, I spent my time assembling models, checking if they fit, taking them apart, and reassembling them. It was a constant cycle of planning, modifying, and updating. But here, there is no need for such things. All that is required is the heart—a heart of gratitude, a heart of repenting, a heart of learning, and a heart that is empty. There is no need for comparison, no hierarchy of high or low. I simply move forward, driven by the sole purpose of ensuring that everyone finds a good destination. In a very short time, I suddenly became aware of the karmic connections I shared with others. They seemed to know it too. In that instant, there was no question of resolving conflicts; there was only the urgency to move forward without hesitation, knowing that a beautiful world was waiting ahead. I am so grateful to Practitioner Su for giving me this opportunity. Among the many beings connected by karmic affinity, I found so many who shared a bond with me. Perhaps, in this very moment, the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss has gained many new companions."

A Global Gathering of Spirits

"I have seen countless spirits of different forms, appearances, and skin colours. They wear different clothes and belong to different races. There are men and women, young and old, tall and short, thin and stout—it is truly an international gathering. What kind of Causal Conditions and power could bring everyone together in this place? There are even birds, beasts, animals, and insects, as well as celestial beings whose bodies are covered in golden light, their faces beaming with smiles. Practitioner Su and the three of us, at this very moment, are using the power of heart-to-heart communication. I wave my hands, signalling them to keep moving forward. Behind us, they arrive in an endless stream, batch after batch. We send them off, and more arrive. There are even generals, soldiers, horses, common people, and temple devotees. Even the blue sky, white clouds, and dark clouds have come along. It turns out that they are all living beings, all connected by karmic affinity. The presence of Practitioner Su makes me feel that this is the true compassion of the Buddha.

In the information I have seen and heard recently, there were many things I did not understand. But in this process of Chao Du, I suddenly understood. The study of the Buddha’s teachings is not limited to paper and scriptures; it is found in the actual power of Chao Du. I have also come to realise what it means to be filled with Dharma joy. That is a feeling that no invention or success in the human world could ever replace. It is a power that keeps you moving forward, never hesitating, never fearing, and never feeling terror. Especially when I saw a magnificent horse running, its mane flying in the wind, and in the blink of an eye, the horse transformed into a powerful general, who then seemed to step on a lotus flower and fly forward. It was truly a wonder of the world! It is a real world that no great magician could ever conjure. It is just a pity that the eyes of the living cannot see it."

The Most Meaningful Work

"Practitioner Su, this is the most meaningful thing I have ever done in my life. It is something that no worldly wealth could ever buy. I wait for this moment to arrive every day. In this process, I forget myself. I forget the existence of time and space, and I even forget that I no longer have a physical body. Seeing the mountains, rivers, and the physical world—wishing to be as free as the wind, mountains & rivers—the flowers, trees, flowing water, stones, fish, and shrimp, they all seem like one family. Everyone is moving together toward the same destination. What broadens one's horizons is that they can all shed their outer forms and return to their original human bodies. This is an act of ultimate compassion. My heart is filled with such emotion. No one had ever taught me that every life has a past, a present, and a future, but here, I have seen it! The things done in the past have led to the present state, and the power of the Buddha’s teachings can allow them to return to the past, while their future is to go together to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. And this is all being accomplished by everyone together in this moment. It is inconceivable! My heart is full of joy and gratitude."

Written by Steve Jobs.

Namo Amituofo.