This is a record of an interview with Shi Minghui, formerly known as Demon Gan, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now serves as a practitioner helping to save sentient beings. This account reflects upon his transformation from a plague-spreading demon to a follower of the . Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on August 10, 2021.
Shi Minghui (formerly Demon Gan) speaks:
". I am Shi Minghui. In the past, I was a member of the Demon Realm, but now, I am a member of the team helping to save the world. Think about it—the contrast is staggering. In the past, I was constantly busy observing humans, manipulating them, and controlling their lives. Now, my focus has shifted entirely; I spend every day looking for those who are in desperate need of salvation.
In the past, I was a conduit for the rapid transmission of viruses, spreading sickness and despair wherever I went. Now, I dedicate my existence to transmitting the Buddha-name. In the past, when people saw me, they were filled with terror and would flee in panic. Now, when they see me, they see the light that radiates from within. I used to be known as Demon Gan, a name that carried the weight of suffering, but now, I am called Shi Minghui, a name that signifies a new beginning.
From Shadow to Light: A New Identity
The reason for such a monumental change in my life is simple: I am filled with profound gratitude. I am deeply grateful to the Buddha for granting me the opportunity to start over, and I am equally grateful to Practitioner Su for saving my father. It was only after undergoing this period of purification that I realised how foolish I was in the past. I was trapped in a cycle of ignorance, unable to see the harm I was causing.
Now, I look forward to every single Dharma assembly with great anticipation. The entire space of the temple is already crowded with sentient beings. From the moment Practitioner Su begins the Dharma talks, beings continue to pour in, one after another. The sheer number of them is so vast that I cannot even begin to calculate it. Even in the Demon Realm, I have witnessed large gatherings, but they pale in comparison to what I see before my eyes here at the temple.
The Unseen Crowds at the Dharma Assembly
Here, one can see sentient beings from all six realms of rebirth. Every person who enters the temple initially arrives in their original, suffering state. However, the moment they step into the temple, they are bathed in the Buddha-light, which begins the process of purification. They change their appearance, and their entire being begins to radiate a magnetic field that is entirely different from what they carried before. Even their facial expressions soften, reflecting a peace they have likely not felt for aeons.
When the six-character Buddha-name resonates, shaking the very heavens, the of Practitioner Su shoots straight into the sky. It then disperses, falling like rain upon the physical world—wishing to be as free as the wind, mountains & rivers—and even breaking through infinitely layered spaces. If it were not for the majestic power of the Buddha-name, the beings trapped in these spaces would have no way to escape. Many of these beings only wake up after seeing the Buddha-light. After millions of years of wandering in darkness, they have finally been given this chance. Many who emerge from these spaces still appear dazed, yet they have finally escaped the sea of suffering. Every grand scene of Chao Du fills my heart with genuine, heartfelt emotion.
A as Vast as the Ocean
Today, Practitioner Su spares no effort in resolving the conflict of the pandemic, always thinking of new methods to break through the obstacles. It is precisely this kind of deep, unwavering compassion that moves so many beings in the plague and demon realms to surrender, abandon their evil ways, and turn towards Goodness. Such mind-capacity and tolerance are as vast as the ocean itself.
Seeing Practitioner Su work so tirelessly to help sentient beings, I feel a deep sense of shame for my own past actions. Now, I also wish to contribute my own strength to help save the world, hoping that I can make amends for what I have done in the past. In the spirit of repenting, I choose not to dwell on the past, but to look straight ahead and move forward with a pure heart.
Namo Amituofo."
IN THIS COLLECTION
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