Insights from the Western Pure Land: An Interview with Steve Jobs

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 Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects his observations and reflections on the mission of saving the world. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on August 29, 2017.

Steve Jobs speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Venerable HaiZe, it is a great pleasure to meet you. I would like to ask you to convey the meaning of my words to others."

Venerable HaiZe:

"Namo Amituofo. You are too kind. This is my duty as a disciple. Please, speak your mind."

A Chance to Atone for the Past

"I am deeply grateful to the Grandmother for giving me this opportunity to atone for my past sins through good deeds. From my vantage point in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I have been observing those who previously made vows to descend to the human world to save sentient beings. Where are they now? I am looking for those who have the capacity to assist the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I pray for the Buddha's blessings to help them recover their memories or reawaken their original aspirations. Through the working of Causal Conditions, they may yet find their way to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

Looking at Taiwan, mainland China, and the rest of the globe, there are indeed many who descended from the Western Pure Land. However, they are scattered everywhere. Some have not yet been born, some are currently trapped within the six realms of existence, and others are still in their youth. These individuals are not yet in a position to save the world. For those currently active in the world, only those with the financial means or the physical strength to contribute can be included in the ranks of saviors. In truth, the Buddha is full of compassion; some of these beings have already been invited to the Western Pure Land by the Grandmother.

Navigating the World of Influence

"President Xi is currently extremely busy with state affairs. He leaves matters concerning the religious sector, as well as personal or family affairs, to his wife. His wife, in turn, is busy maintaining friendly relations with the outside world. If a matter does not offer practical benefits, she will either not handle it or set it aside. Therefore, if one wishes to gain her attention, one needs an influential person who can make contact with her. When the timing is right, one must present the various achievements and the profound influence of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to her. Only then will there be a chance to make contact with President Xi and his wife. Looking at the current situation, because the Grandmother’s past interactions were simple and she did not associate with political or business figures, the opportunities in this area are quite slim. However, if Chairman Tang, who has visited the temple before, is willing to help, perhaps that could be a ray of light.

Regardless of the nature of the relationship, we must try. The power of the Buddha is infinite. As long as one is willing to generate a sincere heart, any path that is good and correct for the temple should be explored. Perhaps success lies within that faint or subtle connection. As for Li Ka-shing, we could ask Lay Practitioner Wu Richang to kindly reach out. It would be best if he could contact him directly; otherwise, contacting his influential family members or relatives would be the next best option. Given his advanced age, if he wishes to go out, he is always accompanied by bodyguards—what people call his entourage. But let us make the contact first and see what happens."

The Fate of the Dharma Lineages

"There is another person, a powerful religious figure in Taiwan who is still alive at an advanced age: Venerable Hsing Yun, whose bodhimanda are spread across the globe. He, too, descended from the Western Pure Land. Initially, he was full of aspiration, but unfortunately, he was later controlled by the demon path. While he performed Buddhist work, he promoted 'Humanistic Buddhism,' and his attitude toward the Pure Land Dharma Gate was much like that of the late Venerable Wei Chueh of Chung Tai Chan Monastery and Venerable Sheng Yen of Dharma Drum Mountain. Today, one wishes to salvage the lineages of Chung Tai and Dharma Drum Mountain that they personally cultivated, and to save the disciples within those organizations so they may return to the Western Pure Land, but it is so difficult. Because the original masters are no longer in the human world, changing the course of these organizations is fraught with obstacles. Yet, if one had not gone through this process of experiencing the hells and the Western Pure Land, one could not feel such deep sorrow and such an earnest hope that their Dharma descendants might come here.

Looking at it this way, only the original masters who are still in the world have the standing and the ability to change their disciples and followers. However, this matter might require the Venerable Master or the Grandmother to step forward to change Venerable Hsing Yun’s attitude. After all, his physical body is still present. If he could also join the ranks of Pure Land saviors, it would be a joyous event. Moreover, it could save the vast Fo Guang Shan system, including its monastics, lay practitioners, and students. As for the current situation where Venerable Hsing Yun is controlled by demon crowds, we can ask Chang Ren to find a way. I wonder what the Grandmother thinks? I, Steve Jobs, am always here."

"Written by Steve Jobs."

"Message content recorded by the Buddha’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe."