Steve Jobs, the visionary behind modern technology, sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. This interview, recorded on September 2, 2017, by Venerable HaiZe, captures his reflections after visiting the Demon Realm alongside Grandma and Chang Ren. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, where he continues his spiritual journey.
Steve Jobs speaks:
". This morning, I, Steve Jobs, visited the Demon Realm alongside Grandma and Chang Ren. I discovered that the Demon Realm, much like the human world, has its own unique way of life and set of rules. Although their appearances are more distinct and eccentric than those of humans, they are a remarkably honest reflection of their inner intentions and thoughts. It is a way of facing oneself with complete transparency, without any attempt at concealment—a quality that is sorely lacking in the human world."
The Mirror of the Demon Realm
"Their bright red hair highlights the burning anger within their hearts. Their bizarre clothing signifies a desire to command attention, a refusal to conform to fixed patterns or societal norms. Their long, sharp nails express a high degree of aggression and a need for self-defence. Their peculiar voices are used to mask inner anxiety and weakness. Their ferocious expressions are designed to convey their dissatisfaction with you; they want to make you feel uncomfortable. When your discomfort becomes visible, that is precisely when they feel a sense of satisfaction and pleasure. All of these traits present a stark, polar contrast to the way ordinary people behave."
"Could it be that my own perspective, mind-capacity, and outlook have changed? Looking at these conditions in the Demon Realm, I no longer feel the rejection or even disgust I felt while I was alive. Instead, I feel a sense of understanding and shame. In truth, they are genuinely expressing their own and dissatisfactions. This is a manifestation of the various physical and mental problems currently plaguing human society. The only difference is that humans choose to handle their problems by covering them up, hiding them, ignoring them, or pretending they do not exist. The result is only greater disaster and harm. The beings of the Demon Realm, however, choose to express these things in a more pronounced, unconventional way."
The Hypocrisy of Human Concealment
"I suddenly felt ashamed. How many regrets have been caused by human self-concealment—or, to put it bluntly, hypocrisy? It turns out that the so-called Demon Realm is merely a manifestation of the dark, contradictory, and conflicting aspects of one's own character. Who dares to claim they do not possess this side? If one truly did not have this side, there would be no need for practice. Is practice not meant for correcting and changing one's erroneous thoughts and actions? If one were already perfect, one would be a Buddha or . Such a being would not suffer from illness, mental stagnation, or unhappiness; instead, they would be filled with satisfaction, , and a radiant smile. Everything is mind-only. It is truly so."
"The greatest victim of human hypocrisy in relationships is, in fact, oneself. It is no wonder that people seek satisfaction in the illusory worlds and games found on mobile phones and computers. They are willing to spend money to upgrade their virtual combat gear and defensive capabilities, satisfying a hollow sense of achievement. In reality, the more one invests in these things, the more one creates a false sense of self-perception. One begins to believe they are truly that powerful, or that life must be lived this way to gain the upper hand. Consequently, they become overly inflated through these games. When they encounter the realities of life, they either hit walls at every turn or end up harming those around them, still thinking they are inside a video game. This leads to legal consequences that ruin their lives. More importantly, even when they face the consequences of the law, do they ever wake up and realise where their mistakes lie? I dare not think about it any further. I was wrong, and the harm I caused to the human heart was profound."
The Path to True Liberation
"I had thought about this before, but I selfishly transformed it into another idea: that the mobile phone was merely a tool, and that its many functions depended on how one used them to improve life. Even games, I thought, were just a way to shift emotions and improve one's mood, not something to become addicted to. But the result has been that many people are lost in them, unable to extricate themselves. What a sin! What a sin!"
"Nowadays, people's character is such that they easily forgive themselves and indulge their own weaknesses. They lack the ability for self-discipline and possess a weak will. Under these circumstances, if one wishes to elevate their spirituality, it cannot be achieved by changing external conditions. One must look inward, honestly admit the existence of this flawed side of oneself, and be willing to face and improve it, rather than covering it up or making excuses."
The Highest Skill: No-Mind
"Recently, I heard of another method taught by Grandma: no-mind and no-thought. Do not let a single thought arise; do not have feelings or . Paying attention to one's own feelings is merely tending to this physical body, which creates ripples. Once there are ripples, it allows to know your weaknesses. They can find your problems, hold onto them, and control you. Therefore, if you are without mind and without thought, they cannot find you! This is the highest level of skill. It is also the fastest and most effective way to ensure you are not controlled. This is true practice! It is worth doing. To find the true self and remain undisturbed, it is worth putting in the effort and energy. I am grateful to Grandma for teaching me such a valuable lesson today. Must I also learn to be without mind and without thought in the Western Pure Land? I suppose I must! This is a very challenging lesson. Grandma, I finally have a direction for my efforts."
