The Burden of the Dharma Master: A Warning from the Beyond

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Venerable Master Wei Chueh, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his insights into the nature of spiritual practice and the responsibilities of those who lead Dharma assemblies. Recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi on July 5, 2017.

Venerable Master Wei Chueh speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Wei Chueh. To 'repay the four heavy debts and relieve the suffering of the three lower realms'—this principle is not merely a phrase to be recited; it is the very heartbeat of our practice. It is the core, the essence of what it means to be a follower of the Buddha. But one must ask: are you truly living this, or is it just a hollow performance? Are you a true practitioner, or are you merely wearing the robes of one?

The Mask of Superficiality

Many people mistake the external appearance of Buddhism for the spirit of the Dharma. They focus on the statues, the rituals, and the outward display of piety, yet their internal cultivation remains stagnant. If you only practise the surface, how can you hope to reach the ultimate truth? It is like wearing a mask—you may fool others for a time, but you cannot fool the laws of karma and cause and effect. When the mask inevitably slips, the truth is revealed. You may appear to have true attainment, but in reality, you have none. And who suffers the most from this deception? You do. You are the one who must face the consequences, for the cause and effect are yours alone to bear.

Think about it—if your attainment is not genuine, the results will be devastating, especially when you are tasked with leading a Dharma assembly. The master who leads the ceremony is the focal point of the entire hall. Everyone looks to you. But if you are merely a figurehead, if you lack the true power of cultivation, the outcome is absolutely terrifying. Have you ever wondered why so many sentient beings are drawn to these assemblies, yet the master feels completely drained and exhausted the next day? This is not a normal phenomenon.

The Danger of Empty Rituals

I did not understand this when I was in the human world, but now that I am a spirit, I see these matters with absolute clarity. The reason the master feels such exhaustion is that the beings have not truly been saved. There are many reasons for this, but the most fundamental one is that the master is simply unable to conduct the ceremony effectively. The sentient beings may not be able to ascend to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, or perhaps they are unwilling to leave. There is a common saying in Taiwan: 'It is easy to invite the spirits, but difficult to send them away.' This is a massive, thorny problem.

I am not saying that we should stop holding Dharma assemblies. Far from it. But I am asking you to examine your heart: with what intention are you conducting these rites? Without true, boundless compassion, not only will the participants fail to benefit, but the sentient beings may not be sent away at all. This is a frightening reality, but it is the truth, and we must have the courage to face it. A dark, weary complexion is not the sign of a true practitioner. There are many capable people in this world, and beyond the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, there must be others who can see this truth. This issue is incredibly serious.

The Power of True Compassion

When I participated in the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies here, I was deeply stirred. During a ceremony lasting over twelve hours, I witnessed immeasurable and boundless beings being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This success lies entirely in the mind-capacity, the compassion, and the vow of the one leading the ceremony. Everyone should study this well. Do not let jealousy, obstruction, or slander cloud your judgment. Such actions are not in accordance with the Dharma. We must have the courage to break through our limitations and change our ways, for life passes by in the blink of an eye.

On the path of spreading the Dharma, if you fail to save even a single being, the responsibility you carry will be an agonizing burden. Take my advice—I am someone who has already walked the path. I know that these words may still cause many to doubt, but I believe there are those who will listen. You have good roots; you should stand up. I do not care what others think; I only wish to help, to change the reality that I still can. I pray for the Buddha's protection and compassion.

Now, I have regained the vitality of a forty-year-old. Here, in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, the more you let go, the more cool and refreshing your heart becomes. Everything is exactly as you wish. Why would you not seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land?"

Namo Amituofo.