Leading Beings to the Western Pure Land: An Interview with Steve Jobs

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Steve Jobs, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now reflects on the nature of life, death, and the path to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This testimony was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on November 22, 2017.

Steve Jobs speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Facing the vast emptiness, there is always a leader, a guide to show everyone the direction forward. This is the true Great Path that can liberate one from the cycle of birth and death. How many people truly know about the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss? They know that chanting Namo Amituofo can lead to rebirth there, yet no matter how they chant, they still cannot seem to go. What conditions, beyond just chanting, must one possess to truly reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss? In reality, everyone harbours a deep-seated fear regarding the process of rebirth—a fear so fundamental that one might not even be consciously aware of it. Carrying this timidity, along with so many attachments that one cannot let go of, how can one possibly reach the West?

The Illusion of Letting Go

Many who seem willing to 'let go' have not truly seen through the vanity of the world. Rather, their bodies have already failed them; they have been given a death sentence by their doctors. At this stage, human beings are at their most obedient because they have truly run out of options. They will try any method that might be good for them. Because the fear brought on by death is so persistent, even when they chant, there is always a sense of uncertainty—an uncertainty about whether they can truly reach the West. In this world, who can be certain that their family members who passed away with auspicious signs have truly reached the Western Land? If they haven't, what then? Most people prefer to believe in such good news rather than doubt it. Thus, the destination of a person after death often ends in uncertainty.

After shedding this broken body, the forty-nine days following death determine the destination of the next life. Or rather, the thoughts you held before death have already sealed your fate. At that moment, a single stray thought can make your dreams—or nightmares—come true. You report for your next destination during those forty-nine days, continuing the cycle of rebirth in every life. Now, if you are willing to believe in the 'leader' who can guide everyone toward the West without the slightest doubt, then you are saved!"

A Journey into the Unknown

"Recently, several people with tremendous blessings arrived at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. From the moment they stepped out of their homes, they were filled with unease: 'Is this real?' They saw the people picking them up at the airport, who were very friendly and kind, and who briefly explained the general situation of the temple and some precautions. Outside the window was an unfamiliar place; everything was strange. However, upon entering the main gate of the temple, one feels a sense of refreshment and vastness. There is a stone at the entrance inscribed with the words 'Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre'.

After entering, one is greeted with kind smiles and a sincere 'Namo Amituofo'. Then, they ask, 'Did you sleep well on the plane last night?' Most answers are 'no', because from the moment one steps out the door, it is an unknown future. Carrying this anxious heart and a broken body, this trip is a special and unknown journey. With the sound of the Buddha-name echoing twenty-four hours a day, listening to the central Buddha-name being broadcasted continuously, the body seems to relax a little. After waking up, one faces a large stack of documents. It says: 'The karmic creditors of so-and-so: I killed, I have demon crowds, I harmed women—all of them are unwilling to let go and have come to seek revenge.' What is this? I have never seen this before. Why does everyone say they are unwilling? I do not understand. With questions and a somewhat uneasy heart, I welcome the evening classes.

The Compassion of Practitioner Su

In front of the guests sits a lay practitioner who smiles with great compassion. He looks very energetic, yet he says he is already seventy-three years old, and his skin is very healthy. Throughout the class, everyone laughs heartily. In the middle, there are always interruptions: 'Your beings have arrived again. You didn't come, but they arrived before you.' 'Some come out looking very fierce. Kneel and repent, saying these are the sins committed in the past. Only by coming to this place can they be revealed. How do they know where my body is ailing? They ask immediately: 'Is your hearing unclear? Is your leg weak?' 'Yes! How do they know?' The day ends in exhaustion.

The next day, I have to get up at one o'clock. I knew this when I came, but I didn't expect everyone here to do the same. There are even young people who can do it. Prostrations, walking meditation, chanting sutras—a whole morning service is truly tiring. But when I see breakfast, it looks so delicious. After breakfast, I can finally sleep for a while. One o'clock in the morning is the time I usually go to sleep; I have never woken up that early before! It is truly special. At 7:50 AM, we are seated on time to listen to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks. It is vivid and brilliant. So, my illness was caused by the arrival of karmic creditors; I brought them here by thinking of bad things. In the middle, there is the 'inviting of spirits'—why did the beings on my body run over to Practitioner Su? I still don't quite understand what that means. This continued for several days in a row.

The Miracle of Healing

By Sunday's Dharma assembly, everyone is busy here and there. By this time, I am slightly acquainted with everyone. I begin to feel a sense of peace and security here that I have never felt before. During the Dharma assembly, one can write down the parts of the body that are uncomfortable. Some stop hurting immediately after writing it down; others still hurt because one is still unwilling to let go of oneself, and Practitioner Su needs to resolve the conflict. After Practitioner Su mediates for the beings, they are willing to go listen to the sutras first. The magical thing is that the body really feels much better. Every day, several batches are invited, and the body becomes more and more energetic.

The Dharma assembly lasts all day, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. It is so long; I have never seen this before. I have attended Dharma assemblies before, but they usually ended by 9:00 PM at the latest. I have never encountered such a long assembly because, in the meantime, the beings of the participants must also be resolved. Every hour, there is the Buddha’s words of teaching, which is very magnificent. Practitioner Su waves his hands before the Buddha, and the fourfold assembly chants the Buddha-name very loudly. I heard that many boundless beings are saved. After the assembly ends at 11:00 PM, we get up at 1:00 AM the next day to prostrate. At this time, Practitioner Su is the most energetic, while others look a bit more tired. After the assembly, the whole body seems even more comfortable.

A Living Signboard of the Buddha

The healing in this place is presided over by Namo Amituofo. After only a few days, the degree of physical improvement is surprisingly fast. My body, mind, and spirit feel much lighter. I have learned many truths here and seen many inconceivable things. I have never had such happy days and such a sense of peace. Every person who goes home after being healed is jumping with joy and asks, 'Can I come back again?' Practitioner Su says, 'Yes, you can! Treat this as your own home.' It is indeed so. After being healed, one becomes a living signboard of the Buddha. Upon returning home, one can promote the Buddha’s teachings, allowing more people to benefit from them. Hold up a big sign to promote the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre; the Buddha is truly in the world! It is truly possible to be free from illness and death.

In the future, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre will save more beings. Everyone must be prepared to welcome beings with the kindest smiles. Let more people benefit from the Buddha’s teachings, truly believe in the Buddha, and truly seek rebirth in the Western Land. In the future, everyone will be a member of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. We are all fellow practitioners of Steve Jobs. Namo Amituofo."