The Boundless Compassion of Practitioner Su: Sentient Beings Following

The Vigilant Protector

Skanda Bodhisattva stands tall and majestic, positioned constantly by the side of Practitioner Su. Throughout the twenty-four hours of every day, he remains vigilant, never allowing himself a moment of laxity. His sole purpose is to guard Practitioner Su, deeply concerned that even the slightest oversight might lead to an intrusion upon the physical form of the Practitioner.

Wherever Practitioner Su travels, he is always accompanied by a vast multitude of sentient beings. Some follow from a distance, while others remain incredibly close. Most of these beings harbour no intent to cause harm. Instead, they are drawn by the brilliant golden light that radiates from Practitioner Su. This light acts as a beacon, attracting a diverse array of spirits and creatures from across the universe:

• Animal spirits: Including those of insects, birds, and various land animals.
• Spiritual entities: Such as ghosts, wandering spirits, and plant spirits.
• Celestial and cosmic beings: Including celestial beings, asuras, and beings from outer space.
• Human spirits: Ranging from infants and children to the youth, the middle-aged, and the elderly, as well as practitioners of the Buddha's teachings.

Truly, beings from all ten directions of the Dharma Realm are present, drawn to the light of his compassion.

The Dynamic Flow of Spirits

In the realm of spirits, wherever Practitioner Su goes, the sound of the Buddha-name and the radiance of the Buddha-light follow. This presence opens the space, allowing beings from different dynasties, eras, and backgrounds to gather. Whether they were once blind, deaf, or mute, or whether they were animals such as fish, shrimp, pigs, ducks, cats, or dogs, they all surround Practitioner Su in layers of spiritual energy.

These beings form a dynamic, flowing stream. Some follow the countless emanations of Practitioner Su, while others remain steadfastly by his side. Some may leave for a time, only to return later, while others follow for a while, depart, and then find their way back to him. During Dharma assemblies, many who witness the Buddha-light and hear the chanting of the Buddha-name are drawn into the light, experiencing a profound transformation.

While many do not enter the physical body of Practitioner Su, they remain within the protective circle established by the Dharma protectors. This includes even the smallest creatures, such as moths, frogs, and various insects. Each being follows at a different pace. Some are physically impaired, perhaps missing limbs, and cannot keep up with the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su, so they remain close to his physical form. When Practitioner Su travels at high speeds, some beings are unable to keep up and must wait behind, only to continue following when he returns or by heading back to the temple to await his arrival.

The Path to Liberation

Since the establishment of the five memorial tablets in the air, Skanda Bodhisattva and other Dharma protectors have frequently encouraged these beings to chant the name of Namo Amituofo. By doing so, they can enter the memorial tablets, directly enter the Western Land of Dharma Nature, and find the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Those with greater blessings, upon hearing this guidance, readily follow the instructions and enter the tablets. In doing so, they finally liberate themselves from their spiritual form in this life and enter the path of Goodness. However, many others remain filled with fear and anxiety. They dare not leave the side of Practitioner Su, as his presence provides them with a sense of peace and security they have not known for a very long time. Others simply enjoy listening to Practitioner Su deliver Dharma talks and are reluctant to depart. These are but a few examples of the many situations that occur.

We also see generals and soldiers leading their armies who have turned to follow Practitioner Su, listening for his instructions. Mothers often bring their infants, who, having seen the Buddha-light of Practitioner Su, cease their crying and fear. They remain by his side until they witness their children being saved through the process of Chao Du and entering the memorial tablets, at which point they follow them in.

The Sacrifice of Compassion

Today, the body of Practitioner Su is protected by a vajra-shield, preventing external beings from entering, while those already within are being guided out. In the past, however, even with the protection of Dharma protectors, these beings were incredibly persistent. They could shrink themselves to an infinitesimal size, entering the body of Practitioner Su unnoticed. One can only imagine the sheer number of beings that once resided within him.

Yet, once inside, many were subdued by the compassion and Wisdom of Practitioner Su. Within his body, they were still able to listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma. Most became well-behaved and obedient, causing no interference. However, some harboured deep-seated resentment and malice, causing Practitioner Su to experience physical symptoms such as soreness or muscle cramps. The injury to his left leg in the past was the result of years of accumulating such heavy burdens on behalf of these beings.

Regardless of the challenges, Practitioner Su has consistently sacrificed his own comfort to save immeasurable and boundless beings, helping them achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land or ascend to the celestial realms. When one adds the countless beings he has saved through the practice of Chao Du, the total number is truly beyond calculation.

A Model for the Fourfold Assembly

The spirit world is a vast universe, ranging from the infinite expanse of the Dharma Realm to a space smaller than a single pore. These phenomena are visible in the life of Practitioner Su and, to varying degrees, in the lives of the fourfold assembly of disciples. The difference is that the beings Practitioner Su encounters and saves are those with whom he shares a karmic affinity, and he takes on their suffering to liberate them. The disciples, meanwhile, primarily encounter their own karmic creditors and attached spirits.

For thirty years, the heart of Practitioner Su has remained unchanged. His vow to save beings has only grown wider, his cultivation deeper, and the number of beings saved is beyond measure. He is truly the finest model of one who saves the world and delivers sentient beings. His ability to subdue such vast crowds of spirits is rooted in his genuine, profound cultivation.

The fourfold assembly of disciples, following Practitioner Su in learning to change their ways, must strive to practise with sincerity. Only by truly mastering the skills of Practitioner Su can they live up to the teachings of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. It is our duty to continue the Pure Land path, ensuring that more beings can be saved, leave suffering behind, and be reborn in the Western Pure Land.

Namo Amituofo.

This interview was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi HaiZe.