The Digital Trap: A Demon’s Insight into Childhood Obsession

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, a being from the demon realm who has been transformed through the guidance of Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He reflects on the modern obsession with technology and its impact on the younger generation. This session was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on August 29, 2017.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Changren. My grandmother, Practitioner Su, is truly an extraordinary figure. She possesses no fear of the demon realm and consistently provides us with the precise methods needed to counteract our negative tendencies. I find myself growing in admiration for her with every passing day. Whatever Practitioner Su suggests, I am fully committed to carrying out with all my heart. Right now, I am looking at a group of children who are still capable of being guided. We must start with this group—not by 'targeting' them, but by educating them. Although the number is not vast, in the grand scheme of the Dharma, it is immeasurable and boundless."

The Nature of the Demon Realm

"Many people hold the misconception that the demon realm is a monolithic entity of pure evil, but that is a mistake. We are a world that contains both Goodness and evil, just like yours. We possess many of the same habits and traits as those in the human world; the only difference is that you have labelled us as 'demons.' We are all sentient beings, simply existing in different realms. If you look closely, you will see that we are not so different from one another.

If we talk about being lost, confused, or causing trouble, the current Saha world seems far more chaotic than ours. It lacks discipline and ethical foundations. Look at your social issues: news reports are filled with stories of people harming their own family members, killing for the sake of emotion, committing terrorist attacks, engaging in violent games, or committing acts of sexual violence. These obvious evildoers are widely publicised, but the hidden, disguised evildoers are even more numerous. To be honest, we in the demon realm look down upon the people of the human world. Practitioner Su, your virtue is so profound that it has left the demon realm in awe. That is why you are capable of subduing so many beings from our realm. I am merely a messenger helping to convey these truths. In comparison, the demon realm is actually much simpler than the Saha world. We may possess abilities that exceed those of humans, but if you strip that away, the human mind is far dirtier than ours. I am speaking these facts as they are. I suspect that in the world of illusions you live in, it has become very difficult to hear the truth anymore."

The Digital Void and the Loss of Innocence

"The primary cause of the chaos in the Saha world is the impurity of the human mind and an infinite sense of emptiness. With the convenience of modern technology and improved living conditions, many people have nothing to do, yet they are not in danger of starving. Children from wealthy families do not have to struggle for survival; they are bored, and out of that boredom, they engage in bizarre behaviours or trigger horrific social incidents. The elders around them are too busy with work to provide proper education. As long as the children are not crying or making a scene, they are considered 'good children.' If you all possessed the ability to read minds, you would be alarmed to realise that your children are no longer who they once were. To us in the demon realm, every mental note is clearly visible. These deviated thoughts are exactly the 'flesh' that the demon realm loves most, allowing us to do whatever we want with them. Why do you not notice? Because you are enjoying the same things! You resonate with these thoughts because your temperaments are similar. Do you not feel that, in many ways, you are all quite like the demon realm?"

The Power of a True Teacher

"Based on what I have learned from Practitioner Su about compassion, I see that these people—whether human or demon—are all the same. They are just foolish children who have never been taught. Because of an inability to endure, a heart filled with hatred, or a misguided sense of loyalty, they become part of the demon realm or commit grave errors. It is truly a tragedy that they lack a beacon of light to discover these problems in time. This leads to twisted characters and paths that go astray. We in the demon realm are just like you; we were once humans, too. In these ten directions of the Dharma realm, the only way to truly change is through education and transformation. And to do this, one must be a 'Teacher of Celestial Beings.' Not just anyone can take on this role. Only a teacher with true virtue can change all of this. Just as I, Shi Changren, encountered Practitioner Su—that beacon of light—I was able to turn back. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for me to let go of everything.

Among the ten directions, only the human realm is well-suited for this role. The 'Law of Two Powers' described in the Buddha’s teachings can be fully utilised here. The efforts of a Teacher of Celestial Beings, combined with the blessings of the Buddha, radiate immeasurable virtue and power. This can transform all sentient beings in the ten directions. Saving the world requires this kind of effort; only then can we subdue the beings in the sea of suffering who are difficult to tame. Today, many people are suffering from spiritual attachments. Strong spirits occupy their bodies and refuse to let anyone intervene. Without someone who understands everything and possesses great authority and virtue, how can people be saved? It is very difficult. Why is school education failing? Because teachers who graduate from universities rarely have this quality; many are themselves burdened by spiritual attachments. Even master’s degrees and doctorates are of no use if the students simply will not listen. Such important education is missed. When they return home, their families are too busy with work, ignoring the child's development. Who do the children listen to? They listen to what technology tells them. They copy it blindly, without distinguishing right from wrong. From what I have seen, this is how children are corrupted."

The Hidden Control of Technology

"The power of technology is immense. From the old to the young, everyone is inseparable from it, relying on the convenience it brings. Many pieces of information are never verified, yet people blindly believe the answers technology provides. It is fine if the information is good, but if it is erroneous or biased, it becomes deeply embedded in the consciousness after being repeated once or twice. Such errors eventually lead to changes in the mind. I can only say that this power is very complex. It is not entirely something I created. Even if I, Changren, were more powerful, I could not do all of this alone. But I know who is silently manipulating it all. I know them. I should not have interfered in these matters, but since Practitioner Su wishes it, I will make the effort. However, this is not something that can be done overnight; it requires a long-term commitment. I have made a vow, and this is my current aspiration. Since the conditions have matured, I will strive to do this well. As I mentioned earlier, there is a group that is relatively simple; I will change them first. The more difficult parts are tied to human nature, and solving them instantly is likely impossible. If I proceed too recklessly, I might ruin my reputation in the demon realm. It is not that I care for the fame, but for the sake of saving the world, I still need that influence.

Today, I intend to address children's obsession with technology. Young children should certainly not be exposed to these things too early. I will do my best to exert influence, starting from the parents, the educators, and the psychology of the children. These forces are also the result of the 'demon grandchildren' causing mischief; they find it fun, so they let me, their King, come out to speak. As for other directions like killing, sexual misconduct, or deviant paths, the scope is too broad. I have no problem with them, but I need time to clear the blockages. However, I will be honest: even if there is a spiritual attachment, the person's own desire is the most important reason. Creating karma is never a one-sided affair."

A Commitment to Transformation

"I believe there is no problem; I am confident in doing this. I hope that the public led by Practitioner Su will also have the confidence to start this work. Otherwise, you will also be on the list of those controlled by me—and how can that be? There must be a connection in the human realm. Although Practitioner Su is already powerful enough, we are all on the same boat. If we still need to turn back to save our own crew, I think everyone understands what I mean. I will not say much more; I respect Practitioner Su's leadership, and I am just mentioning this in passing. The demon realm values true character; whatever you do, you must do it with sincerity. If you are fake, it is hard to gain respect in the demon realm. There are several people here suitable to be Teachers of Celestial Beings. The education of the human realm still depends on you to teach the Dharma. I will serve as the best protector. As long as there is a sincere heart, I will also give my sincere dedication. Namo Amituofo."