Steve Jobs: A Vision of Transformation at the Dharma Assembly

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Steve Jobs, who observed the presence of demon crowds at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He reflects on their transformation and the profound power of the mind. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on September 3, 2017.

Steve Jobs speaks:

"Inconceivable! Truly an eye-opener! Yesterday, the local spirits were in their respective homes across the four cardinal directions, but today, they are all here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre with Practitioner Su. It is incredibly lively. There is an immeasurable and boundless crowd of demons. How should I address them? In the past, I did not recognise them, so like everyone else, I called them 'demon crowds.' Now that I recognise some of them, that term seems a bit impolite. Let us call them 'Demon Bodhisattvas' instead. I heard some of them respond: 'We dare not accept such a title! We dare not!'"

A Gathering of Boundless Beings

"In the Buddha's words, Namo Amituofo once taught that the Buddha and the demon are but a single thought apart. I have also heard the Venerables refer to all beings as 'sentient being Bodhisattvas.' It turns out that our interactions should be based on mutual respect and a calm, peaceful heart. Even when it is necessary to speak loudly, there is a purpose behind it. For example, when Practitioner Su speaks loudly, it is to wake the other party up, to prevent them from remaining deluded and continuing to make mistakes in their self-righteousness. That is why she must shout to stop them. Otherwise, Practitioner Su is always compassionate, wise, and gentle toward us. She has given us skills we could never have achieved on our own, the ability to guide us to rebirth in the Western Pure Land, and a warmth we have not felt for a very long time. This is why we and the Demon Bodhisattvas are so deeply moved, bowing down in total submission. I heard the Demon Bodhisattvas respond again: 'Yes! Yes! That is exactly it! This is what we call the heart of a Buddha or Bodhisattva—strictly disciplining oneself while being generous to others. When it is time to show her true capability, she makes you truly convinced. So, this is what it means to have a 'no-mind' state."

The Power of Mind-Only Transformation

"Right now, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is filled with these Demon Bodhisattvas. They are in the air, around the temple, and even standing beside the various virtuous practitioners. Some people who have the 'divine eye' might see them but not recognise them. Now, Practitioner Su has decreed that they must cut their long red hair. Some did not have red hair, but a mixture of red, black, and white, or hair that was curled beyond belief, or just messy, tangled locks. Now, their hair has automatically fallen away, replaced by neat, short styles. I did not see them use scissors; the hair simply transformed on its own. This proves that the Demon Realm is also created by the mind alone. Whatever the mind desires, it manifests; there is no need for physical action, just a change in thought.

The clothes they were wearing—those garish, strange costumes—also automatically unified into white garments. There was no need for tailoring, cutting fabric, or custom measurements. The old clothes simply vanished, replaced by a full set of white attire. There was no need for recycling or waste management, and the speed of this transformation was incredible. Seeing a whole group of people change their appearance in an instant was truly a magnificent sight. The old clothes just disappeared! They look so much like kind, ordinary civilians now; it fits the atmosphere here perfectly. Practitioner Su, some of them are asking: since we are about to have a grand feast, some want to drink alcohol and have brought their own. But in this Buddha-land, it seems alcohol is not permitted. What should they do? What if they lose their decorum after drinking? Will they be unable to go to the Western Pure Land?"

A Toast with Sparkling Water

"Oh! Practitioner Su replied: 'The precept against alcohol must be upheld! Sparkling water will replace the wine!' Someone asked: 'What does that mean?' Another replied: 'It means you must observe the precept; you cannot drink alcohol! But sparkling water is not bad either!' Someone else said: 'Sparkling water? I have heard of it, but never tasted it.' Another added: 'Well, since you are here, let Practitioner Su treat you. Drink it and you will know!' In an instant, the alcohol I had just seen vanished! A world where thoughts manifest into reality is truly convenient! If you want something, it appears; if you do not need it, it disappears. It is fast and efficient. If these abilities were all used to help sentient beings, that would be truly extraordinary! Turning evil thoughts into good thoughts, changing a bad heart into a good one, transforming the desire to harm into the desire to help, and bringing those with karmic affinity to the temple to study the Buddha's teachings and support the construction of the temple—this world will become a different place!"

A Peace Envoy in the Spirit Realm

"They are currently discussing what Practitioner Su just said. Many of them want to go directly to the Western Pure Land, while others want to stay behind to support Chang Ren. Most of the younger ones want to stay and gain some experience. However, there are also many wives who want to stay or leave together with their husbands. It seems that most of the older Demon Bodhisattvas prefer to go to the Western Pure Land. It turns out that the social organisational system of the Demon Bodhisattvas also includes the elderly, the weak, women, and children. I, Steve Jobs, seem to have gained a bit more understanding of these Demon Bodhisattvas. It turns out that this universe has many commonalities and consistencies, though it is not immutable. However, those who are sharp-eyed, quick-handed, and have fast reactions are better able to survive in a changing society. This seems to be the same at every level.

There are still many arriving one after another—some with their families, some alone, both men and women. It is very lively, truly like a wedding celebration. Today, Practitioner Su is the host. Everyone is looking forward to it. I heard that even the Wind Demons have arrived! However, after they were written down by the Venerables, they are now already in the Dharma-Nature Land. Practitioner Su, they are asking: is there a simultaneous feast being held in the Dharma-Nature Land? Are they also drinking sparkling water there?"

"It seems that today, I am a peace envoy, acting as a communicator and coordinator. I am very happy to take on this role. And Chang Ren? Oh! He is very busy meeting his friends and old acquaintances, who are congratulating him on his successful turn toward goodness! Today's Thrice Yearning Ceremony is another scene entirely. Namo Amituofo."