Fearlessness: An Interview with Skanda Bodhisattva

The Illusion of Scale in the Universe

While we often perceive the universe through the lens of physical dimensions, the distinction between small and large is merely a construct of our limited, tangible world. In the realm of the invisible, where beings themselves are formless and space is not defined by physical boundaries, the small universe and the vast universe are one and the same. The essence contained within them is identical. For the spirits residing within the body of Practitioner Su, this space is no different from the vast expanse of the universe they once inhabited. In fact, it is even better; it is a place that offers them purity, peace, and coolness. Consequently, these beings enter a state of hibernation or quiet stillness, and they do not cause direct harm to the physical body of Practitioner Su. Had we not continued the work of inviting these spirits to hear the Dharma, we might never have discovered this profound reality.

The Sanctuary of an Awakened Body

The visible world and the invisible world are two entirely distinct realms. The magnetic field emitted by a human body is a form of invisible power that exerts a direct influence upon the invisible world. This is precisely the situation regarding the spirits attached to the body of Practitioner Su. Because Practitioner Su possesses a pure body, the magnetic field he radiates is one of purification, compassion, and vast mind-capacity. This state of purification, compassion, and mind-capacity is maintained in a constant, unwavering manner. Therefore, the beings residing in such an environment can also remain stable. They feel no fear and experience no turbulence, allowing them to enter a state of deep rest or calm stillness. This is the unique condition of spirits attached to the body of one who has realised their true nature.

The Burden of the Karmic Body

In contrast, the body of an ordinary person is composed of karma. Throughout their life, their physical condition follows the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, dictated by destiny. Such a body is trapped in a state of fluctuating emotions, highs and lows, and the constant flux of impermanence. Consequently, the more than fifty trillion cells within the body, as well as the invisible karmic creditors and attached spirits, are also subject to these emotional states, fluctuations, and the instability of impermanence. This inevitably leads to various forms of direct harm or interference with the physical body.

The Path of Transformation

For practitioners—whether they are Venerables, lay practitioners, or volunteers—the body exists in a state of transition before they reach Awakening. Their purification, compassion, mind-capacity, and personal habits are all in the process of being adjusted and refined. Therefore, the fifty trillion cells within their bodies, along with their invisible karmic creditors and attached spirits, are also in a state of unstable transformation. Before one has successfully transformed their karma, the body remains under the control of karmic forces, subject to the inevitable cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. However, because they are engaged in practice, they have the precious opportunity to:

• Change their character and nature
• Listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma
• Resolve conflicts with karmic creditors
• Perform Chao Du to save beings

These actions can alleviate and reduce the suffering caused by aging, sickness, and death. If one wishes to transcend the process of aging, sickness, and death entirely, or to no longer be threatened by the pain they bring, one must elevate the quality of their practice and the purification of their spirit. Only when one reaches Awakening can the attached spirits reside within the body as they do within Practitioner Su, free from the control and interference of the body's karmic forces, and remain in a state of peace and stability. This is the profound difference between a body that is engaged in genuine practice and one that is not.

The Courage to Save Beings

Through the work of inviting spirits out of the body of Practitioner Su over the past month, we have learned that the vast number of beings present is the result of more than twenty years of accumulated Chao Du efforts. Although Practitioner Su is fully aware of this situation, he has not reduced his efforts nor retreated from the path of saving beings. On the contrary, drawing from his own experience, he reminds the fourfold assembly of disciples that they must not reduce their vow to save beings out of fear of being attached by spirits during the process. If one allows fear to take hold, it will be impossible to realise one's true nature.

Practitioner Su continues his daily morning Dharma Body Chao Du and his regular Dharma assemblies without being affected in the slightest by this experience. He has not reduced the scope or the duration of his work. Fortunately, due to the power of his Chao Du and his accumulated merits, he is protected by a Vajra shield, ensuring he is no longer disturbed by external spirits. Practitioner Su often says, "If I am not saving beings, I should return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss." These are the true words of one who has come from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. He is naturally able to remain fearless in the face of external harm and physical suffering, manifesting infinite compassion and boldness. This inspires great admiration in Skanda Bodhisattva and all who witness it, leading us to willingly follow his instructions and teachings. This example of teaching through both action and word is something we should all study and emulate. Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.