The Ancient Demon's Path to Redemption

This is a record of an interview with Mo Guo-ta, a primordial demon who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his existence spanning six billion-billion-trillion years. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Shi Fa-ru, on March 24, 2026.

Mo Guo-ta speaks:

"Heaven is about to place a great burden upon a person; it must first frustrate his heart and will, exhaust his muscles and bones, and starve his body. I suppose this is the encouragement I have given myself. To be honest, my journey through the Dharma Realm has been incredibly difficult. You could call me a 'failure,' or you could say I encountered endless obstacles and hardships. In any case, I struggled through immense suffering just to survive in the Demon Realm. Every time I achieved some success, it was always snatched away by others. That is why I eventually started calling myself 'Mo Guo-ta'—the one who loses his fruits."

A Life of Wandering and Betrayal

"In the past, this seemed quite tragic, but now, here in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I feel quite fortunate. It is a blessing that my achievements were always stolen, for it meant I created relatively less negative karma. That is the silver lining. After wandering the Dharma Realm for so long, I eventually gave up on building anything lasting. I rarely entered samadhi in the Dharma Realm because I was too busy aggressively trying to expand my territory and business, yet it never went smoothly. I could never truly have my wishes fulfilled. Usually, just as I reached a certain scale, I would be liquidated. Sometimes I was betrayed by my own subordinates who seized most of my territory; other times, I was swallowed up by competitors. I was always in a state of 'active expansion.' It is just like the old saying: 'Without the bitter cold of winter, how could the plum blossoms smell so sweet?'"

"Furthermore, I was chased all over the Dharma Realm by other demon crowds. Can you believe it? At my age of six billion-billion-trillion years, I was still being chased around. You see, people do not necessarily respect you just because you are old. If you do not have any real skills or a massive army of demon children and grandchildren, you are at a huge disadvantage in the battles of the Dharma Realm. Wherever I went, people knew I was an 'old demon,' but if I lacked real strength, they did not necessarily look up to me."

The Reality of the Demon Realm

"This is a common phenomenon in the Dharma Realm; after all, the level of one's demonic power is visible at a glance. Perhaps I simply lacked sufficient demonic nature, so I could only wander and develop wherever I could. But I did not always complain or blame others; these things can only be resolved by one's own continued efforts. So, I lived this drifting life."

"Perhaps my thoughts or personality were not 'demonic' enough, as I was always a bit too soft when it came to fighting and snatching things from other demon crowds. It is not that I was not tough or ruthless enough, but even though I was always defeated, I never felt like I had lost everything. At the most critical moments, I was always able to escape the immediate danger. Thinking about it now, it does not matter. My personality is naturally more open-minded; if people wanted what I had, I just gave it to them. Later, as I drifted through the Dharma Realm, I eventually arrived at Earth. I took a good look and thought, 'This place seems suitable for the development of various demons.' Perhaps a demon like me, whose demonic nature is not strong enough, could find room to grow here."

The Accidental Demon

"Oh my, actually, I did not join the Demon Realm voluntarily at the very beginning! My original planet was a spiritual world, and we were all very kind, ordinary civilians. Later, our planet was invaded by the Demon Realm. Those who did not become demons were eradicated, and that is how I became a demon. But the kind of demon I became was a bit of a 'misfit.' To survive, I became a demon when I had to. But specifically, when it came to doing 'demonic deeds,' my nature was not actually evil, and I could not bring myself to do them. So, I was just a demon in name."

"After wandering the Dharma Realm for many years, I really did not accomplish anything significant. I just started small, scattered businesses here and there. When it came to actually controlling people or absorbing their energy, I always hesitated."

The Unique Energy of Earth

"The region of China looked very interesting from the perspective of Earth, so I decided to make it my base. It has one advantage: the people here have an extremely strong demonic nature. Basically, I do not need to exert any control to extract corresponding energy from them. The people here have such intense demonic nature that it is as if the energy is voluntarily given out; I do not even need to specifically absorb it. This place is just so unique. It is not just China; the entire Earth is like this. Heavens, how can Earth have such a special environment? It is something that leaves me completely baffled."

"Since I am one to adapt to circumstances, and having found a space on Earth where I could survive, that was fine. I built my small demon palace on a mountain in China. It is isolated from the world, and the demonic nature here is slightly lower. At least they would not easily discover me and steal my things again. Oh dear, I suppose I have been robbed so many times that I am a bit afraid of people taking my belongings."

A Semi-Retired Existence

"I stayed in my demon palace deep in the mountains, sometimes observing the surroundings. Sometimes I would live by absorbing a little energy, but I did not need much. I would enter samadhi in the deep mountains, living a semi-retired life. Originally, I should have been expanding my territory, but obtaining demonic power here is very convenient. It seems I do not need to recruit more demon children and grandchildren, expand my camp, or control more people. Anyway, I am just one demon spirit, and the demonic power here is so abundant that I can access it at any time. I do not need to expand or control a huge crowd. It feels unnecessary; I can just take a share."

"Perhaps this is because I gave too much to others in the past, and now it is time for me to recover it. Thinking this way makes me feel more at ease. However, when I look closely, the people here are truly quite pitiful. They are really being controlled back and forth by demon crowds, and they do not even know what they are doing. They always think they are doing what they like, what they are good at, or that they are contributing to society. Yet, within these various beliefs, all sorts of selfishness, emotions, and attachments are mixed in, and these are all being controlled by various forces. In my view, the people in this region are truly pitiful; they cannot be the masters of their own lives."

The Limits of Compassion

"Although I have such compassion in my heart, I am, after all, a 'demon.' I cannot go against the grain, can I? Moreover, I am weak and alone, and I do not have many demon children or grandchildren following me. If I were to meddle in other people's business, I would be annihilated. I have some sense of proportion in my heart; I cannot be too compassionate. How can a demon talk about compassion? If people found out about this, I would really have no place left in the Demon Realm."

"It has been a long time, and it has not been easy. Although I have been hiding and experiencing ups and downs, I have constantly tried to develop new businesses. After all, having wandered the Dharma Realm for six billion-billion-trillion years, I do have some experience. I will not foolishly do things that I cannot do, should not do, or that would prevent me from protecting myself. I just stayed in my demon palace deep in the mountains of the Sichuan region, watching the demon crowds of this area rise and fall."

The Golden Light of Deliverance

"The space I occupy is relatively deep and hidden. The younger generation of demon kings and their demon children and grandchildren cannot detect my presence. I am also relatively low-key; I am not the type to recklessly release demonic power or show off. Anyway, being alone is not bad. Now, those demon children and grandchildren who want to follow me can follow, and those who do not can go and manage their own affairs. I am very free. Anyway, most of my original war gains were stolen, which is my consistent attitude toward life."

"Not long ago, I saw a team shining with brilliant golden light all over China, destroying demon palaces. I found it quite fresh. In the past, it was always my demon palace being destroyed; that was a common occurrence for me, because my palaces were either usurped or destroyed by opposing camps. I had never seen anyone else's palace being destroyed. This time, I watched carefully. So, every demon has such a reaction when their palace is destroyed. Seeing everyone's palaces being destroyed, I still felt a trace of sadness in my heart. It seems this is not something we can control; after all, the power of this golden light is too strong."

A Power Beyond the Demon Realm

"The speed of this sweeping, the depth of its penetration into space, and the breadth of its coverage are truly things that demon crowds cannot resist. From the perspective of my six billion-billion-trillion-year identity, this is truly a rare and seldom-seen intensity. Everyone might suspect that I am praising this golden light because my own demonic power is insufficient, but that is not the case. Although my strength is weak, I have fought in many battles, large and small, and I can distinguish between what is strong and what is weak. Are the opponents I have fought against all weaklings? Not at all! They truly possessed powerful demonic power."

"But I must say, to be able to move so quickly in the spiritual realm and to destroy such a vast number of demon palaces with such large patches of golden light and energy—I can clearly tell you all that in the years I have roamed the Dharma Realm, I have never seen any camp or faction with such strength. If you do not believe me, you can go to Earth and observe for yourselves. Actually, you do not even need to go to Earth; Practitioner Su's Chao Du of the ten directions can be seen everywhere. The speed is so fast that I fear you might not be able to see it clearly."

Joining the Salvation Team

"However, if you observe carefully, you will find that this speed, energy, and intensity are truly too astonishing. It can be said that it is alien to the Demon Realm; it certainly does not exist within the Demon Realm. So, there is no need for everyone to speculate anymore; this is actually Buddha-power. The power of the Buddha is boundless. The King of Buddhas, Namo Amituofo, the King of the Dharma Realm, Namo Amituofo—I wonder if you have heard of Him? This is very familiar to us ancient demons and old demons. The King of the Dharma Realm is quite famous in the Dharma Realm. Although I have not met Him yet, I think if I had met Him earlier, perhaps I could have learned some skills from Him and would not have lost so miserably."

"However, my judgment at that time was quite accurate. Since I could not fight and could not hide, it was better to join their camp. At that time, when I saw the golden light, that was my only thought. Because this power, energy, and strength were truly too great. So, I took the initiative to approach the light. Under the illumination of the light, my demon palace disappeared, and I was brought into the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This place is indeed different from the space of the Demon Realm; it is very bright, and the golden light is infinite. I immediately began to calculate the energy here, and wow, it was truly uncountable. Such vast, high-intensity energy with such high purity and concentration is something I have never seen in the Dharma Realm."

"With such strong energy, it is no wonder it can sweep across the Dharma Realm, the universe, and the Earth, and it is no wonder it can instantly destroy so many demon palaces. Oh my, this time I have really struck gold! If I can follow this powerful golden light and learn such techniques, expanding my territory in the future will be fast. However, after I understood, I realized this is Namo Amituofo's salvation team. It seems I do not need to build any demon palaces; I just need to follow the salvation team and destroy the demon palaces of my former opponents. That is my main job now."

A New Purpose

"Oh my, I wonder if I can follow them to perform Chao Du? This feels quite interesting. Those demon palaces that were snatched away by my opponents in the past—can I now destroy them one by one? Oh my, this thought seems a bit wrong. However, seeing Practitioner Su destroy so many demon palaces, I felt very satisfied; this is the pain I have tasted before. Oh my, such thoughts are not quite right either."

"Hehe, everyone, do not blame me for being blunt; I just speak my mind. Practitioner Su is here, following Namo Amituofo's salvation team to perform Chao Du on demon palaces, truly spanning vast and boundless spaces. Not only in various regions of China, but even the entire Earth, the Milky Way, the universe, the heavens beyond the heavens, the external paths, and the Dharma Realm—it is everywhere. It is truly inconceivable."

"However, the counterattacks from the demon crowds that Practitioner Su has received are indeed very severe, and even everyone at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has been attacked by the Demon Realm. Thank you all for your hard work. But actually, once you get used to being attacked, it is nothing. Like me, I am often attacked by demon crowds; this is something one must adapt to early on. Once you adapt, it is really no big deal."

"After all, the attack methods of the Demon Realm are just those few. They always want to destroy the soul, seal, tear apart, or turn people into ashes; anyway, they are all these evil tricks. In fact, as long as you change your mindset, it is no big deal to endure it."

The Power of the Holy Name

"Now, following Namo Amituofo, one must be fearless. When encountering many demonic attacks, there is no need to worry or panic. As long as you continue to chant the name 'Namo Amituofo,' those demonic attacks, when illuminated by the golden light emitted by the Buddha, are naturally destroyed."

"Everyone should believe in this Buddha-name. This is what I have observed in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. If an indestructible demonic attack encounters this six-character holy name—Namo Amituofo—it will instantly turn into smoke. When encountering any demon crowd, how can there be anything that this six-character holy name cannot solve?"

"Of course, when Practitioner Su is attacked by demon crowds, he is taking on the suffering of beings, giving these demon crowds a chance to accept Chao Du and enter the Western Dharma-Nature Land. However, when the fourfold assembly of disciples encounters attacks from demon crowds, they should actually believe in the Buddha even more. As long as you chant this six-character holy name loudly, basically, the Buddha's light will shine upon you, covering your whole body. No magic or demonic attack can withstand it, and naturally, your body will find relief."

"Although it may not be immediately effective, everyone should think: has your faith in the Buddha gone wrong? Or is it that you have not chanted the Buddha-name with complete sincerity? Everyone must have faith in the Buddha!"

Evil Cannot Overcome Good

"Practitioner Su leads Namo Amituofo to perform Chao Du on demon palaces, repeatedly destroying many of them. Everyone should know how to look at this; this is the best example of 'evil cannot overcome good.' If you can apply such a concept to yourselves, when you are attacked by the Demon Realm or experience various illnesses and sufferings, you might as well chant this Buddha-name to bless yourselves, letting your whole body be filled with Buddha-light and energy. In this way, these magic and demonic attacks will naturally disappear into nothingness, just like the demon palaces disappeared."

"A few days ago, we saw with our own eyes the demon crowds attacking wildly, causing the entire operation of the Buddhist temple to come to a standstill. Basically, everyone was under the control of demons. I also want to tell the beings of the Demon Realm: do not be so inhumane. Controlling the human world does not actually help you; in the future, you will have to repay the karma. It is not that simple. Especially attacking the Buddhist temple—the temple is saving demons and saving the world. If you attack them, the karmic retribution you receive will be very severe. Do not ever think that such behavior does not require paying a price."

A Message to My Peers

"Now I have finally broken through. After enduring the hard and long life in the Dharma Realm, the bitterness is over, and I have finally smelled the fragrance of the plum blossoms. Being able to follow Namo Amituofo to learn the Buddha's teachings makes me feel fortunate. It is a good thing that those demon kings, demon children and grandchildren, and my subordinates treated me that way in the past, seizing all my achievements in the Demon Realm and making me taste the bitterness of betrayal. But it is precisely because life in the Demon Realm was so difficult that I was able to create much less negative karma."

"Demon crowds who manipulate people in China, do you understand? You are living so smoothly, controlling so many people; how will you repay this in the future? You have not accepted the Buddha's education; you do not know how to follow Namo Amituofo. You only know how to use your magic and personality to control humans, find people who resonate with you, and absorb their energy. Have you ever thought that in the future, you will also be the ones whose energy is absorbed? Following the Buddha means you do not have to suffer, and you do not have to hurt anyone. Everyone should think about whether you can change your path."

"In the Dharma Realm, my former subordinates—no, my good friends—and my former opponents, although you are not my demon children and grandchildren, you should all remember me. I can be considered an elder to many of you. Although you do not have to call me 'old demon' or 'ancient demon,' you should at least listen to some advice. Life in the Dharma Realm is actually dark and has no goal. If you can follow the Buddha to learn the Buddha's teachings, you can escape the predicament of the Demon Realm early and enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss early."

"You can consider this; it can be considered a karmic connection I am giving you. You have learned so much from me, so you should at least turn back and listen to a few words from me. If you cannot listen, there is nothing I can do. You have a karmic connection with the Buddha, so naturally, you will be able to hear the universal principles; even if you want to hide, you cannot!"

A Final Word to Humanity

"Finally, I would also like to advise the people who are being controlled. I see that you are actually quite kind. As long as you do not follow the desires and personality of your own body to do whatever you want, basically, you will not be controlled by demons so severely."

"I presume you have understood the content of the previous articles very clearly. What demon crowds can control essentially lies in the fact that you have the exact same personality as them: what you like, what you hate, and all kinds of desires and emotional entanglements are the targets they control. If you can come into contact with Namo Amituofo's Buddhist education early, basically, you can avoid being controlled."

"If you are living in this world, can you use your body to learn the Buddha's teachings and save more people to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? Would that not be better than being controlled all day long? Although it is easy to say, it is indeed very difficult to do. The human world has always been like this; but this is also the high expectation that Namo Amituofo has for all the Chinese people. After all, China has been a major country for the inheritance of the Buddha's teachings since ancient times. Relying on such good roots, blessings, and causal conditions, I believe that the Chinese people, with their kind nature, still have the opportunity to learn the Buddha's teachings."

"Do not miss this opportunity. Take the initiative to contact the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, take the initiative to help circulate the True Teachings and Good Teachings, let more people understand their core problems, and let yourselves understand—do not be controlled by your own personality anymore. Truly join the salvation team; such a life will appear more meaningful and will have a different turning point. Otherwise, everyone faces birth, aging, sickness, and death. This is not limited to civilians or the wealthy; this is equal for everyone. The efforts of this life, the achievements of this life, just like my efforts for a long time, can be snatched away at any time. In the past, when I was in the Demon Realm, I would be very resentful, but now I know that all of this is impermanence."

"Is there no impermanence for humans? This is what Practitioner Su often says: 'When one breath does not come, nothing remains, and nothing can be taken away.' It is indeed so. Do not wait for the day when you cannot catch your breath, or encounter some unexpected car accident—no one can predict that; or suddenly encounter an acute illness at home and fall down; or encounter a change; or be sentenced to death by a hospital examination. These impermanences cannot be predicted by anyone, so why be like this? It is better to join the salvation team as soon as possible. You can also chant the Buddha's name, be free from aging and sickness, and your spirit will never die. Is that not quite good?"

"The Chinese people can consider this; these are my heartfelt words. I will say this much for now."

"Mo Guo-ta bows in reverence, Namo Amituofo."