Breaking Through Names and Forms: Teachings from Skanda Bodhisattva
An Interview with Skanda Bodhisattva regarding Practitioner Su
Recorded on January 18, 2021
The Hidden Mountain Within
During the process of spiritual deliverance performed by Practitioner Su, a remarkable discovery was made regarding the spirits residing within his physical form. While Practitioner Su was working to resolve conflicts and perform the , it was revealed that a famous mountain was lodged within his head, pressing against the scalp just behind his ears. Although this mountain was vast and majestic in its original state, it had been compressed to an incredibly small size—no larger than a tiny fish. Had it not been for the process of extraction, where the mountain expanded back to its true proportions, it would have been nearly impossible to discern such a massive entity among the countless spirits and objects being invited out.
This mountain contained within itself entire forests, towering trees, flowing rivers, and a multitude of animals, plants, and sentient beings. To witness all of these being extracted at once was truly astonishing. One might wonder: how could such a grand mountain be compressed into such a minute space within the head of Practitioner Su? This is not the first time such phenomena have occurred; Practitioner Su has previously extracted vast oceans, massive ships, and giant sea creatures from his head and back. In our human understanding, these names and labels immediately conjure images of physical volume and scale. However, the reality of the spiritual realm defies these conventional limitations.
The Illusion of Physical Scale
We must understand that physical volume is merely a concept, and names are labels assigned by human beings to help us navigate the world. What is being extracted here is the spiritual state of these entities, which exists entirely outside the boundaries of human cognition. A large physical form does not necessarily imply a large spiritual state, nor does a small physical form imply a small spiritual state. This is the profound mystery of the truth of reality. The Buddha’s teachings constantly remind us not to be limited by names and forms, for if we rely solely on these labels, we will often fail to comprehend the true nature of existence. What our eyes can perceive in this world is merely a tiny fraction of the vastness of the universe and the infinite dimensions of space.
In truth, the Buddha’s teachings aim to educate us on far more than just this small, visible portion of reality. They encompass the entirety of the past, present, and future, as well as all realities across time and space. This is precisely why many people struggle to understand the classic Buddhist paradox: The Sumeru Mountain can be contained within a mustard seed, and a mustard seed can contain the Sumeru Mountain. It is easy for the human mind to accept that a vast mountain can hold a tiny seed, but it is difficult to grasp how a tiny seed can hold a vast mountain. This is because our thinking is trapped in relative dualities:
- Size: We distinguish between large and small.
- Height: We distinguish between high and low.
- Judgment: We distinguish between right and wrong.
- Clarity: We distinguish between light and dark.
To perceive the reality of space, one must break through these boundaries. Only then can one appreciate the true meaning and the actual state of existence. The names of the mustard seed and Mount Sumeru are used to help us understand that, regardless of size, all beings possess the same spiritual nature and Buddha-nature. They are all equal and all possess the same capacity for sensitive awareness. Within the Buddha-nature, there are no such distinctions as more or less, or high or low. By breaking through these limitations, one gains access to infinite malleability and possibility. Our true self and Buddha-nature are exactly like this, as is our capacity for sensitive awareness.
The Infinite Capacity of the Awakened Being
This is why, whether it is a high mountain, a small fish, or a single blade of grass, all can be contained within the space of Practitioner Su’s head. They are all in a spiritual state. Furthermore, because Practitioner Su is an awakened being, his Body is not restricted by the original physical volume of these entities. In the Dharma-nature of one who has realised their true nature, anything in a spiritual state can be infinitely large or infinitely small. This is the very reason why the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and the Western Land of Dharma Nature can be infinitely vast, capable of encompassing an infinite number of sentient beings. This is the mystery of the spiritual realm, which differs greatly from the concepts of space held by people in this world. To study the Buddha’s teachings, one must break through these habitual concepts of space to recognise the truth, understand the root of our problems, and follow the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way without deviation.
Practitioner Su has been performing the work of inviting spirits for over a month, and the process continues, which is truly beyond human imagination. Practitioner Su is enduring suffering on behalf of all beings. Within the bodies of the fourfold assembly and ordinary people, there are similarly countless spirits—oceans, mountains, palaces, and vast lands—along with beings connected to us from past lives. These are often extracted in immeasurable numbers. The difference lies in the nature of these beings. For ordinary people, these are their or attached spirits, carrying the fruits of past good and evil deeds, coming to settle debts. This is what causes the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, which people mistakenly believe is an inevitable part of life. In contrast, the spirits that enter Practitioner Su’s body are in a static state until they are restored to their original dynamic state and extracted. This is the fundamental difference between the one being saved and the one who is saving others.
Internalising the Path of
The teachings of Practitioner Su, both through his actions and his words, serve as the most direct textbook for all Venerables and lay practitioners. We are all participating in this process. The compassion, mind-capacity, and Wisdom of Practitioner Su are evident to all. This is the most practical and applicable form of learning. It is my hope that everyone can internalise these lessons into their own hearts, making them the provisions for your own journey of self-liberation and the salvation of others.
Namo Amituofo.
This interview message was recorded by the Buddha’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library