Reflections from the Western Pure Land: A Message from Venerable Master Wei Jue

The Illusion of Worldly Peace

Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Master Wei Jue. I am sending this message to you from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is my deepest wish that these words serve as a beacon for all who are currently walking the path of practice, helping you to avoid the pitfalls that I once encountered. Many believe that rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the natural destination for any dedicated practitioner. As the leader of the Chung Tai monastery, I was once of the opinion that my life of service and leadership would naturally lead me there. I believed that by guiding others, I was securing my own path. However, the reality of the situation was far different from what I had imagined.

After I passed away, I did not find myself in the Western Pure Land. Instead, I found myself standing before the King of Hell, facing a rigorous interrogation. The King of Hell asked me a question that left me completely speechless: If I had spent my life spreading the Dharma, saving beings from suffering, and teaching them how to transcend the cycle of birth and death, why was it that not a single person under my guidance had successfully achieved rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? I had no answer. I was filled with profound shame.

The True Goal of Practice

I had taught my students to find peace and stability in the face of life's impermanence. I taught them to use meditative concentration to keep the mind unmoved by the impurities of the world. While I succeeded in providing them with a sense of temporary comfort, I had neglected the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. I had forgotten that the true purpose of learning the Buddha's teachings is not merely to find peace in this present life, but to achieve awakening and rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, which is the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

Consider the consequences of failing to reach this goal: If we remain in the six realms of rebirth, we are merely continuing our journey through samsara. Even if we have formed a connection with the Buddha in this life, there is no guarantee we will hear the Dharma in the next. Many practitioners become trapped by their own karmic obstacles, finding it impossible to chant the Buddha's name when they are suffering from illness or confusion. Without the ability to focus on the Buddha, one is easily pulled into the Three Evil Realms by the demands of karmic creditors. It is essential to educate all beings on the importance of resolving conflicts with karmic creditors while we are still alive. Monastics, in particular, must possess the genuine ability to perform Chao Du, helping beings reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Only then can one truly say they have a firm grasp on their own rebirth.

The Compassion of Practitioner Su

Although I am now in the Western Pure Land, my heart is filled with deep repentance. I have tried to send messages back to my former monastery, hoping to share the importance of the Pure Land path. Unfortunately, my messages were met with doubt, suspicion, and even mockery. People assumed these were merely internet rumours or the words of an impostor. The very mechanisms of protection that the monastery established to guard against outside influence have, ironically, become a barrier to the truth. If these words could change the monastery, it would allow me to reduce the karmic burden I created. If things remain as they are, I must accept the consequences of the collective karma I helped foster; it is a grave mistake on my part.

I must express my deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su. It was Practitioner Su who rescued me from the hells. At first, my own arrogance as a monastic prevented me from accepting help from a lay practitioner. I could not believe that someone who was not a monk could possess the power to save me. This arrogance caused me to fall back into the hells, only to be rescued by Practitioner Su once again. I urge you all: do not let the appearance of a person blind you to their true spiritual attainment.

The Manifestation of Vimalakirti

When Shakyamuni Buddha appeared in this world, there were two figures who worked in tandem to save beings. One was the Buddha himself, and the other was the lay practitioner Vimalakirti. Vimalakirti appeared as a layperson, yet his virtue and meditative concentration were so profound that even the great disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha would bow to him and listen to his teachings with the utmost respect. You must understand that Practitioner Su and Vimalakirti are one and the same in their mission. Though the eras and the outward appearances differ, the essence remains the same. Once one has realised their true nature, the ability to save beings and guide them to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. If you have doubts, I implore you: do not slander the Dharma or those who are working to save beings. The consequences of such actions are severe, and the path to the hells is paved with such misunderstandings.

A Rare Opportunity at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

The Buddha's teachings are vast and boundless. The miracles performed by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to save beings are not merely stories found in textbooks; they are happening right now. While the human world remains largely unaware, countless beings in the spirit realms are receiving the benefits of Practitioner Su's work, being saved and reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Today, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is preparing to build the Mituo Village. If you believe the words I have shared, you will understand how magnificent and rare this opportunity truly is. The centre is protected by Namo Amituofo, Practitioner Su, and the thirteen patriarchs of the Pure Land school. I urge you to seize this opportunity to reside there. Protect your own spirit as you would protect your own life, and ensure your rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Cherish this time, for it is precious beyond measure. Namo Amituofo.