Skanda Bodhisattva on the Constant Breakthroughs of Chao Du

The Constant Breakthroughs of Compassion

Practitioner Su often declares during the Dharma assembly, "Today, we have achieved another breakthrough! We have saved so many more beings!" While the disciples may have grown accustomed to hearing these words before the dedication of merit, the reality is truly profound and beyond measure. It is not an exaggeration to say that each breakthrough represents a monumental achievement in the work of salvation.

Recently, four memorial tablets were established in the sky, and with the addition of another, a total of five tablets now fill the firmament. Each tablet radiates a brilliant, golden light that is exceptionally bright and clear. Behind each of these tablets stands the figure of Namo Amituofo, appearing incredibly compassionate and tall, with a gentle smile upon His face. His robes can be seen swaying softly in the breeze. This scene of Chao Du is truly unprecedented. The number of beings that Practitioner Su has guided into these tablets is immeasurable and boundless, far beyond any human calculation.

Through the profound Prajna wisdom of Practitioner Su, and his ability to navigate both the principles of the Dharma and their practical application, there are countless methods employed to ensure that the work performed at any given moment achieves the greatest possible effect. When such methods are applied to the salvation of the world and the liberation of beings, it is truly a tremendous blessing for all.

The Boundless Mind-Capacity of the Practitioner

Since Practitioner Su began his work of Chao Du thirty years ago, the number of beings he has saved is already beyond count. It is even more difficult to quantify the beings he has helped over these many years. The mind-capacity of one who has realised their true nature, such as Practitioner Su, is truly vast. As Namo Amituofo has previously taught, the size of one's own Buddha-land is determined by the size of one's mind-capacity. Today, the Buddha-land within Practitioner Su's own heart is immeasurably wide and deep, a fact that inspires deep admiration in all who witness his work.

Every action he takes is rooted in the intention to save the vast and endless number of suffering beings. He assesses the reality of the situation, does what he can with the resources available, and always strives to open a path forward. Once the Dharma affinity with the people is expanded, he then proceeds to further developments. This is how Practitioner Su operates at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, working within the limits of available manpower and financial resources to do his utmost. The construction of the Amitabha Village, the headquarters of the Pure Land School, and the living quarters for the monks have all been realised in this manner.

Living in the Present Moment

Practitioner Su achieves infinite and long-term results despite the limitations of his physical energy. This has been the case in the past, it remains true in the present, and the future holds great flexibility. Regardless of the level of diligent practice shown by the fourfold assembly of disciples, Practitioner Su’s pace, as he follows Namo Amituofo, will never change. While he clearly sees and understands the development of each disciple with his Buddha-eye, he also knows that before events unfold, there may be variables of progress or retreat.

Nevertheless, Practitioner Su’s faith in Namo Amituofo and the temple remains unshakable. He lives fully in the present moment, never letting a single minute or second pass in vain. Every action he takes is for the benefit of all beings, and in this, Practitioner Su provides the most perfect demonstration of the path.

The Swift Path to the Western Land

Yesterday, before the memorial tablets for the Wind God, Rain God, Thunder God, and Lightning God were written, these deities, along with their families and subjects, waited in an orderly fashion. As soon as the tablets were inscribed, Practitioner Su chanted their names and struck the bell. With incredible speed, they entered the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the temple, becoming members of that sacred realm. Naturally, they will eventually become members of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

This process was completed in approximately ten minutes. For many of these beings, the vow to enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss had been a wish held for many lifetimes. Now, in this place, that wish was fulfilled in a mere ten minutes. Although they have not yet arrived in the Western Land, they have already crossed the threshold. As long as one has the vow and the willingness to be reborn in the Western Land, that destination is right before one's eyes.

It is no wonder that at every Dharma assembly, countless celestial beings come seeking Chao Du. This is true for celestial beings, and it is equally true for the four sages. To be reborn in the Western Land is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter in millions of years, yet at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, this is happening constantly. This is a reality that the world has yet to fully grasp. Those who know of it may find it difficult to believe, or they may choose not to believe, simply because their Dharma affinity has not yet matured or their blessings are insufficient. If it were otherwise, the number of people coming to Hsiang Kuang would far exceed the current situation. This will become evident in the future, and it will be a tremendous blessing for all who come to Hsiang Kuang.

The Ongoing Purification

Regarding the beings currently remaining within the body of Practitioner Su, I and the other Dharma protectors continue to assist in their removal. Looking at the beings present now, they are mostly those from several years ago, or even further back, whom Practitioner Su had compassionately sought to save but who had not yet departed for the Western Land. Through long-term exposure to his influence and the hearing of the Dharma while within his body, they have shed their former anger and resentment. Although it was not their initial choice, they are now willing to accept the current arrangement, to be drawn out, and to proceed to the Western Land of Dharma Nature. Some even choose to depart on their own during the Dharma assembly. The process of drawing these beings out has become much smoother. This is the current situation, and we continue to protect his body without ceasing.

Namo Amituofo.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.