The Digital Soul: Steve Jobs on the Path to Awakening

This interview was recorded on November 30, 2017. Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple, sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, having found the ultimate truth beyond the digital realms he once pioneered.

Steve Jobs speaks:

"Bars are filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter. This is how humanity attempts to relax; the high pressure of daily life makes our shoulders heavy and our chests feel as though we can barely breathe. In Western countries, this is a common form of leisure. Yet, when this culture shifts to the East, it somehow transforms into something even more chaotic—the nightlife and club culture. Most people start out of simple curiosity, but the chaos of nightlife is more often a reflection of the emptiness within the heart. This spans from the young to the middle-aged. The young are mostly chasing trends or seeking stimulation to resolve the dissatisfaction of their daily lives, because life feels so rigid, and there is almost nothing they find truly interesting. Unless they find a boyfriend or girlfriend and shift their focus entirely onto them, where is the joy in life? A movie ends, a few friends meet at a cafe, they wander the streets—and just like that, the day is gone. It is finished, and even then, the heart still feels hollow. When Monday comes, one must face the pressure of work again. Many times, we want to escape, but even if the heart desires to flee, in reality, we cannot. When the time comes, we must be at our posts. The unhappiness in our hearts far outweighs the joy."

The Cycle of Broken Homes and Lost Souls

"Middle-aged men, unable to find satisfaction in their families, seek it elsewhere. They are surrounded by women, but deep down, there is no one who brings them a sense of security. So, they use these methods to search for it. Before they find that security, their bodies collapse. The so-called 'men's illnesses' come knocking, and one can imagine the tragic process that follows. Having mentioned men, it is only fair to mention women. Women of this new era have strong personalities; they are unyielding. Sometimes, they even look down upon men. Many unhappy families and broken marriages stem from this—neither side is willing to concede. In the end, it is the children who are hurt. The damage from such an unhappy environment is deeply branded into the child's heart. Even as they grow up, it remains a deep scar. Eventually, the child becomes 'broken' and turns into a burden on society. They are usually filled with panic, and not knowing how to resolve their situation, they create karma. This young life is covered in a thick layer of dust, eventually becoming a social outcast in the eyes of the world. Many say they deserve it, that they chose to do evil, but more often than not, we should be inclusive. Every child makes mistakes, but their original nature is inherently Goodness."

The Moral Void in Modern Education

"Steve Jobs has spoken truthfully about the reality of this worldly realm as it is today. I believe everyone reading this article will agree, though perhaps you feel it is nothing out of the ordinary. The most serious problem is that we lack basic moral foundations and mutual respect between people. Gentleness and compassion are things we were never taught in school. We might be taught to 'think of others,' but the point lies in teaching children how to actually do it. Without such education, talk is just empty words."

The True Meaning of Practising Buddhism

"Practising Buddhism is often seen as a religious consolation, something that middle-aged and elderly people do—it is considered very normal. I, Steve Jobs, want to tell everyone the true meaning of practising Buddhism, and ask you to look at yourselves to see if you are truly, genuinely practising. Do you have a strong ego? Do you have your own stubborn ideas? Are you kind to everyone? Are you completely free of evil thoughts? Do you want to win? Or do you want to be in the spotlight? If you possess these traits, you must rely on the practice of Buddhism to improve. You might resist this idea, but you do not know that true practice begins with changing the heart. Practising Buddhism is about correcting the mind and correcting one's behaviour. If you can embody all that is Goodness, you will help this society, this country, and even this planet."

Returning to Innocence and Freedom

"Does everyone not feel exhausted from the constant struggle? In this society, in our work, is there anything that is not about competing or performing? Are you happy in such a polluted life? Practising Buddhism can allow you to return to the purity and kindness of a child, without complex thoughts. You treat everyone with sincerity rather than analysis. Practising Buddhism brings a joy and satisfaction that comes from the heart; it is not the fleeting happiness of the secular world. Secular freedom is empty, but the freedom of the Buddha’s teachings is elegant—it is the act of letting go. Perhaps you do not know that after practising Buddhism, this body can save others. It can possess abilities far greater than scientific instruments—it is omniscient, knowing the affairs of the world without needing to open the internet. Once you realise it, your Dharma Body can travel freely; you can go anywhere. A single visualisation, a single recitation of 'Namo Amituofo', can save immeasurable and boundless beings. Is this not better than a mind constantly thinking about making money or wondering who has wronged you? A human body can be a Buddha that saves others, or it can be a rotting little insect—it all depends on your own choice. Not everyone has the opportunity to practise Buddhism, but if you have the chance and have not yet started, it is truly a great pity! Our lives can be fully utilised rather than wasted. I hope everyone can practise Buddhism and understand the magnificent, true meaning of the Buddha’s teachings."

"Namo Amituofo."

Interview message recorded by the chief writer, disciple Shi Faxin.