The Ghost in the Machine: A Confession

This is a record of an interview with the spirit who once possessed Steve Jobs, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now reflects upon his past actions, his time in the demon realm, and his eventual repentance. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on August 30, 2017.

The Spirit who possessed Steve Jobs speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I was once a powerful figure within the demon realm. Not long ago, I witnessed the process of Chao Du. It usually happened in the early hours of the morning. At that time, I told my demon disciples that if they wished to follow that path, I, as their king, would not stop them. However, they had to be responsible for their own decisions. I have always respected the choices of my subjects, but the one thing I could never forgive was indecisiveness. If you want to go, then go. If you do not, then stop having wandering thoughts and opinions. To talk so much without taking any real action is useless; it is better to just stay silent and avoid disturbing your own heart.

Many of my subordinates chose to surrender to that light of deliverance back then. I never saw them again. After they left, they simply vanished, and I never went looking for them. The beginning and the end of Causal Conditions do not truly exist, so why should I let my heart be moved? I found it more practical to focus on my own affairs. To be emotionally attached to a connection that could never last and could never be restored—that is the height of foolishness. During those waves of deliverance, so many left the demon realm. I truly wished them well. I knew clearly where they were going—back to the Buddha's path. Many had invited me to join them, but at that time, I had no desire to do so. I never investigated those reports; I only heard whispers of them from time to time."

The Warmth in a Turbid World

"Back then, I held a position of significant power in a corner of the demon realm. I knew that this group of kind-hearted humans existed, and I felt it was a good thing. At the very least, in this world of destruction, there was still a glimmer of warm sunlight. I believe that even in this Five Turbidities and Evil World, there are still kind people. That warmth was just enough to provide a ray of hope for them. As for everything else, it belonged to me. I would not allow the demon realm to harm or control those who were pure and good. In fact, I would even help and protect them. Acting as a hero for justice seemed to be a habit I had carried with me for a long time.

I knew of those lights and that warmth, but I never explored them. It turns out that the source was Practitioner Su. The clever arrangements of Causal Conditions finally led me to encounter her. Before this life, I had seen the energy of that deliverance. At that time, I was still residing in a heavenly palace outside this universe. Later, I found Steve Jobs, and only then did I enter the human world. Although I was attached to his body, my range of activity was vast. I quickly grasped everything about the human world, and I expanded my influence rapidly. I achieved the phenomenon of Apple computers, tablets, and smartphones, attracting vast crowds and drawing them into the illusions of technology. I very quickly subdued many people, turning Apple into a famous technology company."

The Cruelty of Possession

"At that time, I did not allow my 'brother'—the soul of Steve Jobs—to have any agency. He actually knew it was me; he knew I had returned. But he could not act independently; he was entirely under my control. I pushed forward everywhere, giving speeches and attending events. I did not care in the slightest about the changes in his physical health. As a result, his body broke down. In the latter part of his life, he was in immense pain and suffering, yet he still struggled to keep working. I did not pity him at all. I allowed all sorts of spirits to surge through his body. I only wanted his body to help me finish my final tasks. I only left when the body had no value left, leaving him to face death alone. Now, as I face this and speak of these things, I truly feel how terrifying and cruel I was. Brother, I know I was wrong. I am so sorry. I also hurt so many other people. It is truly a blessing that we can be together now.

I am deeply grateful for the compassion and warmth of Practitioner Su. She gave us both the greatest encouragement. The relationship that had been frozen for hundreds of years has finally thawed. Now, I have no fear in facing the sins I have committed. The sentient beings who caused the illnesses of my brother while he was alive have also appeared here, seeking deliverance. Look at how densely packed those technological particles are! The laws of karma and cause and effect do not let us off the hook in the slightest. The existence of Truth and the principles of the universe are beyond doubt. My brother passed away from illness at a very young age, and I was quickly sucked into the Avici Hell, suffering the agony of raging fires. That suction force was incredibly powerful. My skills were not poor, but when that force manifested, my skills were completely useless. I advise everyone—all of you who were once part of the demon crowds—to lay down your 'cleaver' and achieve Buddhahood right away. These retributions are not something you can overcome by force of personality or by trying to be tough. I am someone who has walked this path; it is truly painful."

A New Path of Deliverance

"I have been in the human world for quite some time now, but compared to my age, it is not long at all. I am clear that the human world has once again manifested that energy I saw back then—the energy of deliverance. The connection of Causal Conditions was my brother. Because of his attraction and fame, we were quickly drawn into the human world. At that time, we were both in hell, unable to escape. I only heard that my brother had been taken out of hell. I felt such hatred then. The flames burning on my body grew more and more intense along with my resentment. I never once cried out in pain. It was only recently that I arrived here, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. My brother is no longer in this Dharma-Nature Land; he has already attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. When my brother came out to see me, he was radiant. When I first arrived, I was still ungrateful and filled with resentment. But after days of teaching and guidance, I finally learned to let go. It turns out that letting go is so comfortable.

In the days that have passed, I have led the masses in the morning deliverance every day. I have seen immeasurable and boundless sentient beings—there are just too many of them. In the universe, it is not as if I have never seen such things, but facing all these beings who have come to find their own karmic creditors, along with the world I destroyed, my heart is indeed heavy. I have reclaimed a past that was not of the demon realm. The more I let go of my demonic stature, the more I feel the weight of my sins. To truly do the work of saving the world, I cannot do it without the human world. I am grateful for the dedication and assistance of Practitioner Su, which has allowed my brother and me the opportunity to repay this world. Every deliverance is magnificent, and so many are being saved. My efforts today are also born of the hope that I can still do something to help this world. I am grateful to Practitioner Su for telling me these things and for helping me so much. This grandson will definitely practise diligently. The relationship between my brother and me will certainly get better and better. I will definitely work hard on the work of saving the world. Namo Amituofo."