The Demon's Awakening: From Control to Liberation

This interview features Mo Tairan, also known as Shi Faran, a spirit who once acted as a demon and interfered with the eyes of Practitioner Su. Seeking liberation from the cycle of rebirth, he came to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to undergo Chao Du. He now resides within the Buddha-land, having transformed his state of mind through the teachings of the Dharma. This testimony was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on April 17, 2022.

Mo Tairan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Mo Tairan, also known as Shi Faran. During this time at the Buddha-land, my state of mind has changed significantly. In the past, I believed that as a demon, I could do whatever I pleased, and so I acted with arrogance. Now, I realise that my state of mind back then was incredibly empty—so empty that I sought various forms of stimulation just to satisfy my desire for control. I thought that being this way made me happy and free; I took pleasure in being 'myself,' never imagining that such a self was merely selfish.

After listening to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks, many of my preconceived notions and ideas were completely overturned. My perspective has shifted, and my state of mind is entirely different."

The Illusion of Freedom and the Reality of Possession

"I used to be a demon who wanted to roam everywhere, so I led like-minded demon crowds to traverse different spaces. The beings we controlled most often were those young, wealthy playboys who loved to indulge their every whim. They enjoyed life without taking any responsibility for it, always surrounded by top-tier quality of life and constant extravagance. Through them, we lived quite comfortably, using their bodies to enjoy the pleasures of the world alongside them.

Usually, people with such personalities find it very difficult to wake up, because their bodies and minds have long since become loose and unfocused. During this process of disintegration, many spirits enter the body one after another. Once these spirits enter, they do not leave; they simply pile up, layer upon layer, within the host."

The Human Body as a Precision Machine

"Seeing how the Buddha-land has revealed the truth of the human body, and reading the many interviews that detail these realities, I have come to understand that every cell and every space within this 'small universe' of the human body is connected to one's own personality. If you magnify the cells of the body, we demons who control people are merely entering into corresponding cells. The body’s reactions are the result of the collective operation and composition of all the cells in the body. You could say that the human body is a highly precise, complex machine.

When I used to control people, I didn't pay attention to such details. It is only now, after the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has unveiled these truths, that I have been able to reflect on them one by one."

The Rarity of the Human Body and the Grace of the Dharma

"A human body is extremely difficult to obtain, yet it is often filled with countless spirits. If you look at the fourfold assembly of disciples, you can see this clearly. Every disciple has their own personality, which is why spirits are constantly entering and exiting their bodies. Compared to others, however, the fourfold assembly and the spirits residing within them are the most fortunate. They have the opportunity to encounter the Buddha and see the Buddha. As long as the disciples do not cling tightly to their own attachments, the spirits within them have the opportunity to leave.

Beyond their own efforts, Practitioner Su also assists the fourfold assembly through Dharma talks, counseling, and finally, by personally receiving the beings and guiding them out. This ensures that every spirit within the body, provided they are willing to let go, has the chance for liberation. Such Causal Conditions and opportunities are incredibly rare. Practitioner Su helps the fourfold assembly so much, and it is my hope that the disciples will hold gratitude in their hearts and no longer harbour thoughts solely for themselves. The education at the Buddha-land is a form of higher education that transcends life, death, and space. The fourfold assembly must grasp and cherish this, striving diligently in their spiritual achievements so as not to fail the expectations of the Buddha, Practitioner Su, and all sentient beings."

The Light of the Western Land

"At every moment in the Buddha-land, there are opportunities for beings to be liberated because Practitioner Su is always ready to seize the chance for Chao Du. Within the sutras, there are even more beings who know suffering and wish to be liberated from it. The sound of Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks permeates the entire Dharma Realm; this is why countless beings come to seek liberation during every Dharma assembly.

During the Chao Du process, the entire Western Land of Ultimate Bliss appears before our eyes, and all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas come to help receive the beings. It can be said that this is a Dharma assembly directly connected to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Every time a breakthrough is made in the Chao Du, different beings are saved, and different Dharma Realms and levels of space are opened. The entire sky shines with great light, which cannot be seen by the physical eyes. That Practitioner Su can achieve this is due to his selfless intent—it is the heart of one who truly wishes to save all beings. When a person’s resolve can extend to the entire Dharma Realm, it shows the vastness of their mind-capacity. With an open mind, one naturally receives countless spirits. The Dharma Realm is vast, and the spaces are infinite. If these spaces were not opened, who knows how much longer these spirits would have to continue in the cycle of rebirth? With the infinite Dharma protectors guarding this together, we are truly one family in the universe.

I am deeply grateful to the Buddha and Practitioner Su for their compassion."

Namo Amituofo.