The Cosmic Call for Rain: An Interview with Skanda Bodhisattva

The Celestial Gathering for the Rain

During the rain-seeking Dharma assembly held yesterday, our ranks were significantly bolstered by the arrival of external Bodhisattvas from the cosmos. This included celestial beings from the East, West, South, and North, as well as those from the zenith, the nadir, and other directions. We were also joined by Bodhisattvas from the heavenly realms and the Milky Way. When Practitioner Su recited the list of these noble beings during the assembly and invited them to enter the Dharma-Nature Land, the sheer number of them was staggering. Everyone present felt a deep sense of joy at their participation.

If one considers the scale of the entire salvation team, these new arrivals represent only a small fraction of the whole. This gives us a glimpse into the truly immense scale of the salvation team working for the benefit of all beings. Before the commencement of the Chao Du, when all these beings stood in perfect, orderly rows, they truly filled the entire sky. Yet, the Dharma-Nature Land is a manifestation of the mind, created through the power of Practitioner Su’s vows. No matter how many Bodhisattvas fill the sky, this space can always accommodate them. This is the practical reality of a mind-capacity that can contain the immeasurable and the boundless. While it may sound inconceivable, the actual execution of this reality is equally beyond ordinary comprehension.

The Sincerity of the Heart in Chanting

The rain-seeking efforts during yesterday’s assembly were made even more solemn and powerful by the participation of government officials, including the Prime Minister, the Minister for Immigration, and the Premier of Queensland, who all joined in chanting Namo Amituofo. The world of spirits is far simpler than the world of physical bodies. Because spirits are not bound by the limitations of a physical form, nor are they controlled by the heavy burdens of karmic creditors or attached spirits, they are often more capable of revealing their true intentions and original nature.

From the sincere and reverent manner in which they joined the assembly, and their focused, immersive participation in chanting, it is clear that they were truly earnest in their desire for rain. The Buddha-name knows no national boundaries. As long as one makes a sincere vow and chants this Buddha-name with a genuine heart, one will certainly receive the compassionate response of Namo Amituofo. The Buddha will bestow blessings upon the assembly through the Buddha-name, making it even more powerful and helping us to realise our wish for rain as soon as possible.

The Manifestation of the Dharma-Rain

Since the salvation team took over the responsibility of chanting, we have frequently observed the sky above the temple covered in dark, rain-bearing clouds. These clouds are drawn forth by the energy and the power of the vows generated by everyone’s collective chanting. Every single drop of rain is a result of the laws of karma and cause and effect. The sincerity, earnestness, and merit contained within our chanting directly determine the extent to which these clouds manifest.

Looking at the actual situation, it is evident that when we all chant with one heart and one vow, the Buddha-name can exert its greatest influence. Through this collective effort, we will surely succeed in bringing forth the rain.

The Purity of the Infinite Mind

Practitioner Su’s ongoing work of drawing out attached spirits continues without pause. It is truly a case of infinite space within the body. While the cells within Practitioner Su’s body appear pure and untainted, spirits continue to emerge during the purification process. When some of these beings are drawn out, they appear calm, and some even carry a faint, gentle light upon them.

Skanda Bodhisattva believes that these beings, having entered the pure environment within Practitioner Su’s body, have been assimilated by that purity. Gradually, the defilements they carried are stripped away, allowing their own inner light to shine through. Even so, during this purification action, it remains necessary to invite them out into the Dharma-Nature Land so that they do not cause interference or place a burden upon Practitioner Su’s physical body.

Since Practitioner Su began using the Vajra Shield, any spirits attempting to approach or enter the body are immediately repelled and directed into the Dharma-Nature Land. Since this method was announced by Practitioner Su and put into practice, it has proven to be highly effective. This technique was devised by Practitioner Su, further confirming his exceptional wit and his ability to observe the conditions of beings and apply the appropriate methods. These are essential qualities for anyone tasked with the mission of saving beings who are stubborn and difficult to subdue.

Skanda Bodhisattva, along with the other Dharma protectors and the salvation team, continues to carry out the tasks of protecting the body, seeking rain, and performing Chao Du at the temple.

Namo Amituofo.

This interview was recorded by the Buddha’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.