From Demon King to Dharma Practitioner

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Ren, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He reflects upon his past life as a Zen master, his descent into the Demon Realm, his acts of vengeance, and his eventual transformation through the compassion of Practitioner Su. This account was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Xi, on February 12, 2019.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. From ancient times until now, there has never been a place of practice quite like the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The fact that the Buddha has descended here with such compassion, and that Namo Amituofo is truly present, is a rare and magnificent occurrence—it is solemn and extraordinary. Practitioner Su is like a grandmother to us all. Her kindness, her gentle nature, and the way she leads everyone with such selfless compassion—these are real, tangible truths, not mere fabrications.

A Descent into Darkness

Over eight hundred years ago, I was a Zen master who eventually entered the Demon Realm. In my past, I once believed that I would never return to the True Teachings. At that time, my heart had become utterly desperate regarding the Buddha’s teachings. I felt as though the Buddha had abandoned me, so I stopped studying the Dharma and ceased to believe in the Buddha. As time passed, I became a Demon King, wandering freely beyond the reaches of the universe. I stopped believing in the goodness of the human heart, and I certainly did not believe that a truly sincere person could exist in this world.

I was once a very diligent Zen master. I spent many years meditating in the mountains and forests, indifferent to fame or fortune. However, after many years, I was forced into the world by the actions of others. I became the scapegoat for my own brother. I harboured such deep hatred for him because he had deceived me. For years, I remained in a state of deep meditative concentration—sometimes for as long as three years at a time. I never imagined that after emerging from that state, the dissatisfaction and resentment festering in my heart would destroy the fruits of my many years of practice. My hatred grew deeper and deeper. After I died, I entered the Demon Realm. My only goal was revenge, though I did not wish to kill the innocent; in fact, I sometimes helped the weak who were being bullied, standing up for those who could not defend themselves.

The Vengeance of a Demon King

After I ascended to the position of Demon King, the first thing I did was return to the world to find my brother from that past life. I began to take my revenge by attaching myself to him and interfering with his life. He is the man known in this world as the founder of Apple, Steve Jobs. I used him to commit many evil deeds. In particular, I manipulated him into creating various forms of technology and internet networks that would cause destruction in the world. I wanted to ensure he would be burdened by karmic debts he could never repay, and ultimately, I caused him to fall ill and die in agony. I finally achieved my goal of revenge.

Yet, after the revenge was complete, I did not feel any joy. Instead, the demon nature within me only grew stronger, and my personality became increasingly twisted. In truth, I was only trying to protect the deep sense of inferiority hidden within my heart. Once Jobs died, I was sucked into the lava hell to suffer. No matter how hot or searing the hellfire was, I never cried out in pain. My heart at that time was hardened, and I was filled with defiance. Every day, I thought only of returning to the world. While suffering in hell, I became even more rebellious. This defiance caused me to lose my reason entirely. I lived in a state of constant, burning hatred—a hatred so consuming that I even forgot how long I had been trapped in that hell.

The Light of Compassion

Then, one day, a voice accompanied by a brilliant light appeared before me. I was not surprised that someone had come to find me. That voice and light sought me out, and I followed it until I arrived at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The moment I stepped into the Centre, I knew this was a place of the Buddha. The magnetic field was so gentle, and everywhere I looked, there were images of dignity and solemnity. However, because my heart was still defiant, even though I knew it was the Buddha who had brought me here, I still wanted to resist. I did not want to surrender so easily.

The person in charge at the time was Practitioner Su. I saw her, and although I knew she was compassionate and a true practitioner, I had spent too long distrusting humanity. I entered her body for a day, wanting to see how she practised and to probe her heart. It was only when I discovered that her heart remained completely unmoved by my interference, and that she was actually helping me heal my wounds, that I was truly moved. I was finally willing to surrender. I had never experienced such warmth before. The appearance of Practitioner Su helped me transform my very character.

A Path Home

Now, I remain by Practitioner Su’s side. I have learned the importance of repenting and changing my ways. My heart is now focused solely on helping the Buddha save the world and supporting the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I only wish to be a volunteer for the Buddha. I want to walk the path home and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The vastness of the Buddha’s teachings finally allowed me to turn back. It was the warmth of Practitioner Su that saw the restlessness within Chang Ren’s heart. Her support and understanding moved me deeply. I speak plainly because I hope to share the insights I have gained over these years, hoping to help everyone rediscover their own true nature and awaken from this Five Turbidities and Evil World.

We can all be capable individuals in the Buddha’s work of saving the world. I hope that none of you will ever lose your way again. I am deeply grateful that the Buddha has come to reside here, and that the Buddha explains the true meaning of the Dharma. Namo Amituofo."