Self-Power and Buddha-Power: An Interview with Skanda Bodhisattva

The Eternal Rhythm of the Universal Principle

There is no such thing as a free lunch in this universe, nor is there any achievement that comes without diligent effort. One must walk the path step by step, with feet firmly planted on the ground. This is the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, and the reality of the Dharma Realm. Even when we believe we have encountered good fortune or gained something without labour, it is never truly a matter of luck. It is the result of good causes planted in past lives, now ripening into good fruit. This is the law of karma and cause and effect, which transcends the boundaries of our past and present lives. Throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm, this truth remains eternal and unchanging.

Practitioner Su has seen through the reality of these facts. Consequently, he often shares a vital teaching: "Everything must rely on yourself; do not rely on others." This is a fundamental truth within the laws of karma and cause and effect. Practitioner Su not only understands this deeply but also embodies it in his every action. In his lectures and in his daily conduct, he constantly reminds everyone of this principle. It is truly a great pity that some listeners perceive these words as ordinary and fail to take them to heart.

The Path of Self-Reliance

In truth, while Practitioner Su’s words may sound like simple advice, it is precisely because he has understood and put them into practice that he has been able to realise his true nature and attain the Dharma Body. This entire process serves as a living testament to the principle of relying on oneself. These are the words and actions of a truly wise person. They are spoken only after personal verification. If those who hear them can follow this guidance, they will surely receive immense benefits.

Just as the sutras are the recorded teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, often concluding with the instruction to "have faith, accept, and follow the teachings," it is because every word spoken by the Buddha is the absolute truth. If future generations of believers can follow these teachings, they will undoubtedly attain great benefits. Practitioner Su’s conduct and his teachings serve as a constant reminder for everyone to do the same. This situation is identical to the instruction given by Shakyamuni Buddha. You must never ignore the importance of these words simply because you hear them often. On the contrary, you should listen and act upon them with even greater diligence, lest you lose out on the greatest of benefits.

The Synergy of Two Powers

Because of this understanding, Practitioner Su places equal importance on both knowledge and action. When he resolves to accomplish a task, he does not rely on the strength of others; he rises to the occasion and acts personally. This is why he is so often able to achieve successful results. The recent success in calling for rain is a perfect example. During the process, although Practitioner Su’s physical body and skin suffered from the strain, he was able to bear the burden and face the challenges without retreating. He was also able to adapt with great wisdom, allowing the salvation team to take on the heavy responsibility of chanting Namo Amituofo to seek rain.

Each member of the team understood the gravity of this responsibility, and thus, everyone chanted with profound sincerity and focus. Under the guidance of Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body, the team has maintained an uninterrupted, twenty-four-hour chanting schedule from the very beginning. Many members have felt the support of the Buddha’s blessings during their practice. Not only did they not feel fatigued, but their spirits were even more invigorated, leading them to chant with even greater effort. Consequently, the rain arrived in a very short time. This confirms the two powers of the Pure Land path: one must first exert self-power, and only then will one surely receive the support of the Buddha’s blessings.

The torrential rain that followed last night’s thunder and lightning was a brilliant achievement for this rain-seeking effort. The pink clouds that graced the sky this morning were a celebration of nature’s cooperation—a result born from the combination of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, diligent practice, and compassionate wisdom. The beneficiaries of this are the vast number of people and all the earthly creatures of this land.

Advancing the Art of Spiritual Deliverance

During yesterday’s Dharma assembly, through the compassion of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, an additional memorial tablet was added to the four already present in the space. This new tablet was visualised by the fourfold assembly, allowing them to lead sentient beings into it. It was evident that the fourfold assembly has progressed from their initial unfamiliarity to a point where they can now effectively guide beings into the tablets. Seeing this, I, Skanda Bodhisattva, felt great joy for the fourfold assembly. This marks a significant step forward in the practice of Chao Du through visualisation.

Although the number of spirits delivered into the tablets was not yet vast, this is only the beginning. I believe that if everyone can continue to practise this visualisation, you will become increasingly proficient. You will be able to more effectively deliver the sentient beings with whom you have karmic affinity. As Practitioner Su says, "If you visualise for long enough, it becomes your own." The greatest beneficiaries of this are yourself and the beings connected to you by karmic affinity.

A Sanctuary for All Beings

At the same time, Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body has never ceased the work of rain-seeking and Chao Du. The four large memorial tablets in the space allow the earthly creatures and all manner of beings to enter on their own. This has led to the purification of the entire environment, alleviating the suffering of many spirits who were injured, helpless, or grieving due to the drought and mountain fires. For thousands of years, or perhaps even longer, these spirits and this space have only accumulated more suffering, never having had the opportunity to be delivered or to leave suffering behind.

Now, because of various causal conditions and changes—most importantly, the compassionate vow and the steadfast, practical efforts of Practitioner Su—we are witnessing a series of real changes in the salvation of beings. This is helping immeasurable and boundless spirits receive true benefits. These events have also inspired those who listen to Practitioner Su’s lectures, especially those who have never encountered the Buddha’s teachings or those from foreign lands, to develop immense faith in Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Through his practical actions in the education of the Buddha’s teachings, Practitioner Su has demonstrated the true skills of one who has realised their true nature—solving the difficulties of sentient beings and delivering them to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Such a teacher is truly rare and difficult to encounter. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly worthy of being the place where Namo Amituofo abides. I, Skanda Bodhisattva, and the other Dharma protectors are fortunate to be here, and we shall certainly do our utmost to protect the Dharma, in order to repay the vast and boundless grace of the Buddha.

Namo Amituofo.

This interview was recorded by the Buddha’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.