Reflections on the Illusion of Life

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 reflects upon the nature of human existence, the futility of worldly pursuits, and the urgent necessity of awakening through the Buddha’s teachings. This session was recorded on August 18, 2019, and transcribed by the disciple Shi Faxin.

Steve Jobs speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Steve Jobs. Life is but a fleeting illusion, and the moment one truly awakens from this dream is a question that only the individual can answer. Consider the path of your own existence: what have you been pursuing from the moment of your birth until this very day? Does your focus shift at every stage of life? It certainly does, because the people, events, and objects you encounter are constantly shifting and mutating. As children, we chase simple dreams and are in such a hurry to grow up, believing that adulthood will allow us to fulfil those aspirations. But who could have known that halfway through, those dreams would change? They grow ever higher, driven by a desire for greater achievement. Everyone is conditioned to believe they must create 'self-value,' a value that brings pride, yet in many ways, it also casts a shadow of darkness over the heart. This is because such value is exchanged at a tremendous cost."

The Heavy Price of Worldly Ambition

"In the moment, it might seem like you are happy; the feeling of being respected brings a sense of pride and joy. But if you were to look at the reality beneath the surface, how much of that happiness is genuine? What are the true feelings hidden within? Look at the people coming and going on the streets, their different thoughts and perspectives overlapping. Are you simply repeating the same patterns as them? Because the goals everyone pursues rarely stray from these broad directions: career, relationships, and children. These are considered the 'perfection' of the human world. People spend their entire lives striving for these things and feel satisfied, because at the most fundamental level, human beings are mutually dependent, relying on one another to complete a life within the family unit. The human world does not know how to step out of this cycle, nor does it understand that learning the Buddha’s teachings is meant to lead one out of this framework, rather than merely praying for the safety of one's family."

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Samsara

"To see through life—what has it truly brought you, and what are you ultimately trying to grasp so tightly? These are all questions worthy of deep contemplation. Practitioner Su has dissected this life through her Dharma talks, allowing everyone to see clearly that the myriad phenomena of the world have myriad appearances. I am now one of these myriad states, one of the many spirits floating and sinking in the vast ocean of samsara. Once you possess this physical body, you experience a multitude of sensations, thoughts, and desires. These are all the pollutions of the Six Dusts that arise when the physical body comes into contact with the Five Desires. Often, once you have tasted these things, you continue to crave them, which eventually hardens into attachment. Over time, you begin to judge everything based on your own limited perceptions. As the ego grows larger, it becomes increasingly difficult to accept advice from others. The more extensive one's social experience, the more severe this condition becomes."

The Awakening Power of the Dharma

"This is how people grow old, die, and find themselves unable to return to their true nature. All these social phenomena follow this same path. This is why the Buddha chose to issue the 'Buddha’s Explanation of Meaning' to counsel the world in plain, accessible language. It seems that without such methods, the world cannot be saved. Practitioner Su uses a vivid, powerful voice to make everyone sit up and take notice. The force of her Dharma talks is enough to awaken the heart, allowing even the karmic creditors to listen, understand, and resolve the conflict. The majestic power of her Dharma talks transcends the Dharma Realm, travels through space, and vibrates within the very cells of our being. Those who listen and understand will awaken; those who do not yet understand must wait for the right conditions. The Buddha’s teachings do not force anyone, but they hope to help all those connected by karmic affinity."

A Call to the Dharma Assembly

"The upcoming Dharma assembly is already being awaited by countless sentient beings. Within the universe, a magnetic field is currently being nurtured and brought to life, as all beings prepare to participate in this magnificent event. This is a magnificent Chao Du, a deliverance that is being yearned for by the masses. Namo Amituofo."