Scenes from the Dharma Assembly: An Interview with Skanda Bodhisattva

The Vigilant Guardians of the Dharma Assembly

During every Thrice Yearning Ceremony held at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Skanda Bodhisattva and the various Dharma protectors are exceptionally busy. They work tirelessly to maintain order within the site of the ceremony. To the eyes of those who can perceive the spiritual realms, one can see a vast array of sentient beings present. These beings arrive from the six realms of existence, the four holy realms, and even from distant star systems across the universe.

Ordinarily, these beings exist in entirely different dimensions. However, once they enter the sacred grounds of the temple, the limitations of time and space are shattered. Within the temple, one can clearly see layer upon layer of overlapping dimensions. Every single space is densely packed with countless sentient beings. Between these dimensions, there is almost no gap at all. Although these spaces overlap, they remain independent of one another. The chanting of the Buddha-name and the radiance of the Buddha-light during the ceremony are powerful enough to transcend these boundaries, allowing all sentient beings to hear the Dharma and witness the light. As the ceremony progresses, beings respond according to their own Causal Conditions. Some follow the chanting of Namo Amituofo, while others remain silent. Regardless of their individual state, all are immersed in the Buddha-light, and through this connection, they eventually disappear from the assembly, having been guided to a better destination.

Choosing the Path of Golden Light

During the ceremony, Practitioner Su often reminds everyone of the significance of the different colours of light that manifest. Golden light represents the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss; it is the light of the Buddha and the only path that leads to liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Yellow light corresponds to the celestial realms, while white light corresponds to the human world. Practitioner Su emphasises that it is vital for all beings to choose the golden light. Only by making this correct choice, aligned with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, can they enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is a moment of profound importance, and those sentient beings with the necessary karmic affinity who hear this guidance are able to make the right decision.

Every session of the ceremonies held at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre serves to save immeasurable and boundless beings from the spiritual realms. Because these beings are bathed in the Buddha-light and receive the blessings of Namo Amituofo, their spiritual quality is significantly elevated. Those who seek Chao Du are then able to proceed to their next destination based on this improved state. Many of these beings are able to follow the assembly in chanting Namo Amituofo. These are often the more sensitive and higher-quality spirits, including practitioners from past lives who chanted the Buddha-name, monastics who had vowed to reach the Western Pure Land but were unable to fulfil that wish during their lifetime, beings from the four holy realms or celestial beings, beings from other star systems, and karmic creditors and attached spirits residing within the fourfold assembly who have previously heard the sutras and learned of Namo Amituofo. These beings, having developed a deep connection to the Dharma, are able to enter the Buddha-light and successfully attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Compassion of Namo Amituofo

There is another group of beings who do not yet fully understand the nature of Namo Amituofo or the Western Pure Land. They may not realise that chanting the Buddha-name is the essential key to entering that realm. Among them, one can find various spirits of animals, plants, and other elemental beings. Although their spiritual state is elevated during the ceremony, they do not chant the Buddha-name and lack the specific vow to enter the Western Pure Land. Consequently, they are naturally guided by the light to be reborn in the celestial or human realms. Even so, this is a far better outcome than their previous existence as wandering spirits.

Many of these beings, upon seeing the Buddha-light emitted by Namo Amituofo or even witnessing the Buddha himself, are moved to express their awe and gratitude. They develop faith in the existence of Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land, and they become willing to chant the Buddha-name. This transformation of life, which turns their destiny around, is the most precious aspect of the Buddha’s manifestation and the ceremony itself. Such occurrences are rarely seen in ordinary temples. It is only in a bodhimanda that upholds the True Teachings and practises the Pure Land Dharma Gate, where the one leading the ceremony is a true practitioner of great virtue, that one can witness such a profound response from the Buddha, benefiting all beings in the Dharma Realm.

The Unique Depth of Practitioner Su’s Practice

Witnessing Namo Amituofo not only instils immense faith in the beings but also encourages them to trust in the Pure Land Dharma Gate they are learning. It inspires them to chant the Buddha-name with unwavering devotion. For those who are particularly attached to their own intellectual views, the Buddha and Bodhisattvas may manifest to teach them directly, helping them to let go of their ego and willingly chant the name of the Buddha.

During the ceremonies, whenever Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body performs Chao Du, the Four Heavenly Kings and Skanda Bodhisattva follow closely by his side. Beyond the standard routes of deliverance, Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body reaches even deeper into the spaces of his own past lives, saving those beings with whom he shares a karmic connection. This is truly an inconceivable feat. The depth and breadth of this Chao Du go far beyond what is typically seen. While other practitioners of the Great Vehicle may be able to save beings who are present or who actively seek help, it is rare to hear of one who can actively enter the spaces of past lives to deliver beings. To achieve this, one must be able to travel freely to and from the Western Pure Land and have the ability to easily guide beings there. Currently, Practitioner Su is the only one known to possess this capability. Furthermore, he possesses the profound understanding of the existence of these spaces and the ability of his Dharma Body to enter them. This is a tremendous blessing for all beings connected to him, as those trapped within these hidden spaces would otherwise have no way to emerge.

Even as Practitioner Su continues to work with the spirits attached to his own body, he remains steadfast. The purification of his own head and body has only made him more sensitive and capable. Regardless of how his physical form changes, his vow to save beings and his pace in doing so never falter. He does not fear the darkness; instead, he actively ventures into the darkest places where no one else dares to go to save those who have been forgotten. This is truly a great blessing for all sentient beings. Namo Amituofo.