The Hopes of Venerable Master Chin Kung

This interview was recorded on September 5th and 6th, 2022, at the Western Dharma-Nature Land. It features the spirit of the late Venerable Master Chin Kung, who sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. In this testimony, the Venerable Master reflects on his past decisions, the reality of the spiritual realm, and his earnest hopes for the future of the Pure Land school and all sentient beings.

Venerable Master Chin Kung speaks:

Namo Amituofo. Today, Namo Amituofo has given me a topic: "The Hopes of Chin Kung." Lately, this time of day has become the highlight of my existence in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, beyond listening to the Dharma and attending Dharma assemblies. I wait with a heart full of anticipation to see what topic Namo Amituofo will set for me. The Buddha is truly the embodiment of great compassion and supreme wisdom. The topics given are not only flexible but are precisely targeted at the areas where I, Chin Kung, need to clarify things for everyone.

Reflections on a Life of Service

Every year during the Spring Festival, I would always speak to everyone, meet with you all, and report on the situation of the previous year. Chinese people love to hear auspicious words; we embrace new hopes for the new year, so I would often discuss our prospects. However, as my physical health declined, those around me worried that speaking for such long periods would be too exhausting, and eventually, those sessions ceased. Now that I have passed away and no longer possess a physical body, speaking about "the hopes of Chin Kung" is a completely different experience. Having a body and being without one creates a distinct separation in how I view these hopes. When I was in the world, I was immersed in the process, participating in the unfolding of events. Naturally, my hopes included the Pure Land school, the academies, the monastics, lay practitioners, volunteers, devotees, and my own expectations. Most importantly, I hoped that everyone would diligently chant Namo Amituofo and successfully achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Back then, I could still exert some effort, speak, and help resolve your doubts. But the Chin Kung of today is different. I am left with only this spirit. What can one do without a body? This is the preciousness of having a physical form. Now, I must rely on the transmission of spiritual messages to reach you all. After all, what I have seen and heard here is entirely different from the past, so naturally, my hopes have shifted as well. This difference means that once I speak, the outcome depends entirely on your implementation. How much of this will you put into practice? How many people will believe what I say now? This is the crucial point.

The Truth Revealed

I now know the truth about many things. In the past, my understanding of these matters was perhaps ambiguous—it seemed like this, or perhaps it was not—so I could only speculate and dared not reach a definitive conclusion. Indeed, what is there that remains unchanged forever? Everything is in constant flux. If the heart changes, the body follows, and behaviour and speech change accordingly. Now that I have seen the truth, I can correct my past erroneous views and misunderstandings.

First, let us look at whether Namo Amituofo has truly descended into the human world. In the past, Practitioner Su often mentioned to me that Namo Amituofo had arrived at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, but I did not take it to heart. I had not seen Namo Amituofo myself. But now, the spirit of Chin Kung has truly seen Namo Amituofo.

The Compassion of the Buddha

Namo Amituofo has allowed many beings to see Him at the Dharma assemblies, and as one of those beings, I have seen Him too. It was not a special manifestation just for me. Namo Amituofo always illuminates the earth and all sentient beings with His Buddha-light so compassionately. He does not differentiate, saying, "Because you exerted more effort or chanted more, I will give you more light," or "Because you do not chant or believe, I will not shine upon you." That does not exist; those are merely the discriminations of human minds. To Namo Amituofo, every being is a Buddha. We must truly learn this mindset to attain Buddhahood. It is because you are not sincere in your chanting or belief, or perhaps you do not believe at all, that you obstruct the Buddha-light you could otherwise receive. This is self-inflicted; it is not that the Buddha does not care for you!

I now understand that what Practitioner Su said before was true. Therefore, I hope everyone will come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to receive the compassionate and equal illumination of Namo Amituofo’s Buddha-light. More importantly, the Three Jewels are complete here: the Dharma Jewel, the Sangha Jewel, and the Buddha Jewel—Namo Amituofo is right here. This can help you resolve conflicts with your karmic creditors, invite spirits, practise diligently, realise your true nature, and most importantly, achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If you cannot reach it on your own, then while Practitioner Su is still in the human world and can guide your spirits to the Western Pure Land, hurry over! Of course, this skill must be passed down and not lost, so that everyone has a basic guarantee for rebirth. However, the practitioner must also put in the work, be fiercely diligent, and realise their true nature to have the ability to come and go from the Western Pure Land freely.

A Call to Seek the Dharma

If you are interested in the Pure Land, in saving the world and delivering beings, and if you wish to pursue the Truth and realise your true nature, come here quickly to seek the Dharma! Learn the skills of Practitioner Su. Not only will you realise your true nature and be able to freely achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land, but while you still have a body in the human world, you can also deliver sentient beings into the Western Pure Land. Because Namo Amituofo is here, He can help everyone see the Buddha and enter the Buddha-light, greatly increasing your chances of rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Once the Buddha-light shines and the Buddha’s hand reaches out, if you focus your mind and chant the Buddha-name with single-mindedness, you will connect with the Buddha and enter the Western Pure Land directly. It is truly wonderful! Where else could you seek such a thing? You could not find it anywhere else. Therefore, everyone coming to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to find the Buddha is one of my current hopes.

The Vision of the Mituo Village

Furthermore, I hope that the Buddha comes to the human world to save everyone, and that everyone can be saved—not just yourselves, but that others who do not value this matter also have a chance at salvation. The Mituo Village is being built here. It has always been my hope, but I never had the opportunity to complete it. Seeing it being built at the temple now brings me great comfort. After all, this symbolises that those who reside in the Mituo Village have the hope of rebirth in the Western Pure Land. I hope everyone will support this; know that this opportunity is extremely precious. Helping to establish the Mituo Village, or even residing there, and ensuring its sustainable operation requires long-term vision, time, and physical effort. Helping these residents gives them a place for their hearts to rely upon and a place for their bodies to dwell, so they will no longer be lost. It would be a great pity to let life pass by in vain! At the very least, do not enter the cycle of rebirth again. If you can find peace of mind by residing in the Mituo Village and chant the Buddha-name at the end of your life to achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land, that would be wonderful!

The Pure Land Headquarters

Another hope is the construction of the Pure Land Headquarters. The name "Pure Land Headquarters" was chosen by Namo Amituofo, was it not? Honestly, I really should have participated in its construction. After all, having spent sixty years spreading the Dharma, I know we need a centralised place for Pure Land propagation—a place to gather strength from all sides, where everyone can study together and then expand to other areas. This is a cohesive force; such a place is necessary, so the existence of the Pure Land Headquarters is of vital importance.

Regardless of country, skin colour, or race, the Buddha’s teachings are inherently equal. Everyone can receive Buddhist education, education on the laws of karma and cause and effect, education on birth and death, and come to know Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land. These are all very important. The Pure Land Headquarters can take on the role of a gathering point and then disseminate this education everywhere. Do not underestimate this power; the power of education is subtle and pervasive. Although you may not see results immediately—though it is possible—even if it is not immediate, it can maintain stability in the heart, helping people understand they have a destination so they will not feel lost. Being able to chant the Buddha-name, and through the sutras, understand Namo Amituofo, His Forty-eight Great Vows, and the Western Pure Land, educates oneself and allows one to reflect on whether one is creating karma, knowing how to be a practitioner in sync with the Pure Land Dharma.

The Essence of Chanting

In any case, one must chant the six characters "Namo Amituofo" clearly and with single-minded focus. Only then will there be a chance for rebirth in the Western Pure Land. The most important thing about the Buddha-name is not just chanting with the mouth—though that is also important—but that your heart must be like the Buddha’s. Listen to the Buddha; do what the Buddha wants you to do as quickly as possible, and change what He wants you to change as quickly as possible. This is one part of the achievement. The other part is changing your mindset and behaviour in your daily life. You must know that everything that happens is, in the end, an illusion. Do not be deluded by it, lest you enter the cycle of rebirth again and forget your return date to the West.

Before I passed away, I had intended to organise my past work, but now there is no need. Without a body, nothing has anything to do with you. I used to be able to write, but now I cannot hold a pen because the space is different. In the past, I would mark important points in books; I would repeat important things because otherwise, people would not remember or would forget. I would remind everyone again—that was my method when I gave lectures. But now, there is no need to mark these points; it relies on the memory of the mind. For me, it is all in my mind. Do I still need to mark it? That was what I did when I was lecturing. Now, at most, I can remind everyone of a few things through these interviews.

The Reality of Spiritual Beings

Through these interviews, I have the opportunity to make a confession, which is also a form of organisation. After all, I am no longer in the human world, so this hope now rests on the shoulders of others. If they believe and accept it, only then can they put it into practice, and only then can this hope be achieved. If the relevant people do not see what I have said, or if they see it but do not believe it and therefore do not act, then there is no chance for this hope to be realised. After all, my hopes are not for myself, but for the future of the Pure Land, the future of Buddhist education, and the future of all Buddhist practitioners. If I only say "people," the scope is too narrow. I should say the future of all "sentient beings" who study Buddhism. Now, the spirit of Chin Kung is no longer a person, but one of the sentient beings, so I can feel that my heart is no longer focused only on people, but also on these spiritual beings, including them in the fold.

In fact, every lecture I gave while alive was heard by many people, devotees, and even spiritual beings in spaces invisible to the naked eye. I felt this, and in my heart, I understood, but I did not speak of it clearly. Although people call themselves Buddhist practitioners or chanters, their level of acceptance regarding "spiritual beings," "souls," "ghosts," and "ghost realm beings" varies. Because people often cannot see or hear them, they think they do not exist. This is part of people’s ignorance—the ignorance of greed, anger, and ignorance. This misleads matters and can affect those around them, ignoring the existence of these beings, which also affects the degree to which people accept the fact that "before rebirth in the West, beings may manifest and create obstacles, preventing one from going to the West."

The Ten Dharma Realms

For those who truly understand the Buddha’s teachings, even if they have not seen or heard these beings, they can accept and confirm their existence, knowing that it is not only the human realm that exists. Such people find it easier to study Buddhism and accept the Pure Land. Or, regarding the content of the lectures given by the Venerable, they have no subjective views—that is to say, they are obedient—because they can accept the existence of these beings. In previous interviews, I have also strengthened my reminders and proposed preventive measures to reduce or even avoid interference from these beings before death, to increase the probability of rebirth in the West. I hope everyone will pay attention to this part; this is a fact I have seen since passing away.

The human realm is but one of the ten Dharma realms. The proportion of beings existing in a spiritual state in the vastness of the Dharma Realm is far greater than in the human realm—it is immeasurable and boundless! Human beings can be counted; for example, people now estimate the global population at about 7.8 billion. That is a calculated figure. But beyond humans, the beings existing in a spiritual state are far more numerous than 7.8 billion.

This is the truth. Whether you believe it or not, it is a fact. Those who believe can use this as a starting point to accept further, more extensive, and deeper spiritual education. Those who do not believe will have their Buddhist education limited to the scope of the human realm. So, who loses out? You do! We often say "study Buddhism," but the Buddha is omniscient and omnipotent. If one cannot even accept this basic concept of the Buddha’s teachings, how can one go further to talk about realising one's true nature and attaining Buddhahood?

The Risk of Stubbornness

Therefore, my hope is that everyone can open their hearts and no longer strongly cling to the view that their own opinions and methods are correct. There truly are laws of karma and cause and effect. If what you cling to is truly correct, then there is nothing to say. There is a saying in worldly law: "Choose goodness and be persistent." It sounds good and correct, and it provides a way out for those who insist they are right. But if what you think is right turns out to be wrong, then it depends on your role. If it only affects you, the karma created is smaller. If the scope of the influence is wider, affecting immeasurable and boundless beings, then the karma created is enormous—not only will you have a share in the hells, but perhaps even the Avici Hell! At that point, do you still dare to call it "choosing goodness and being persistent"? It is only because people cannot see the truth that they face such risks.

Who can see the truth? The Buddha sees the truth of all things—not just the universe, but the Dharma Realm and the void. He does not need to look; it is all perfectly clear, as if it were all in the Buddha’s heart. But the Buddha has no "heart," so how can one say it is in His heart? So this description is not entirely accurate. It should be said that the Buddha knows everything. In fact, there is no such thing as "knowing"; it is just so. If we say "in the Buddha’s heart," there is the word "heart." If we say "the Buddha knows," there is the word "know." But the Buddha has no heart; He knows without needing to know. So what situation should be used to describe it? This is oneness. The Buddha and the truth are fused into one. This description is perhaps closer to the truth, closer to the situation I wish to describe. The Buddha is the truth. This is the view of one who has realised their true nature and attained Buddhahood. In fact, those who have realised their true nature have no "views," because they are also one, so they are also fused with the truth. They do not even need the six roots to function; it is inherently clear and understood.

A Confession and a Plea

Unless you are a Buddha, one who has realised their true nature, what you say and do can be said to be inherently so. Otherwise, if you insist on your own views, you will have to take your chances. If you insist on what is good and correct, you are fine; you have even done a good deed. But if you insist on what is wrong and evil, and in the end, it is thoroughly evil and wrong, then you must bear the consequences yourself. Is it worth it? It is not worth it. If you are in a position of leadership, you must be careful and cautious; do not make wrong decisions. Of course, you are the most direct recipient of the retribution, but you also implicate all the beings affected by your decisions.

The reason I bring this up is that I made a very big wrong decision in the past. I have mentioned it several times in previous interviews, and I take this opportunity to repent for my past sins. That is, I failed to believe, and I hid the fact that Namo Amituofo was at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and I kept Practitioner Su out of the Pure Land system. I knew I was wrong before, but I had selfish motives and did not stop in time, which led to my suffering retribution in hell. At the time, I really should have come here to understand and verify things before deciding what to do, instead of just listening, looking, weighing the pros and cons, and making that decision. The result was wrong—terribly wrong! I did not expect that what I encountered in Practitioner Su was so magnificent and rare. Namo Amituofo truly appeared at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre! Such a magnificent and rare event, yet I used a worldly mindset and selfish motives to make a decision. Of course, that was wrong!

If I could have turned a corner at that time, not been so persistent, or not made the decision so quickly, it would not have been too late to make a decision after an on-site understanding and verification. Instead, I flatly refused, thinking I was right and the other party was wrong, which is why I committed this error. Fortunately, Practitioner Su has a great mind and would not refuse to save me, even though I had fallen into hell. Otherwise, I would not have this opportunity today to say these things to everyone here.

The Path Forward

Therefore, my greatest hope is that Practitioner Su can return to the Pure Land system and that the ban I placed on him can be lifted. Practitioner Su was originally a member of the Pure Land system. In fact, lifting the ban is not difficult, because I am no longer in the human world, so it can be downplayed. It depends on whether everyone is willing to do so in their hearts. If you understand and take my words to heart, you do not need to say anything; naturally, the matter will fade away. Everyone can take a trip to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The spirit of the old Master does not die; come and chat with me. I am always waiting for you! Or come and chat with the Master. The Master exists in a spiritual state now, remaining in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. Although I have no body, the spirit does not die! The Master’s spirit does not die!

In this way, you will be able to believe that what Practitioner Su says and does is true, and slowly, this matter will be resolved. Come once and you will know. You will understand what to do next without needing to be told, and you will have a foundation in your heart. Whether you support the temple’s construction or practise, just keep doing it, and that is the right way.

This is also a way out I have thought of for everyone, because you must face this matter rationally and sensibly. That is to say, if you continue to keep Practitioner Su out of the Pure Land system, it actually has no impact on him at all, because he is already one who has realised his true nature, can freely come and go from the West, can deliver sentient beings to the Western Pure Land, and can open up space to deliver the spirits within it. These abilities are his skills for saving beings, and it is what he does every day. You say, should we not draw close to such a great spiritual friend and guide of the Pure Land? Relying on your own hard work? That is also good, if you are obedient, but the most important part is: can you reach the Western Pure Land? Is there a way to resolve the karmic knots with your karmic creditors? If there are obstacles to rebirth in the West, is it worth continuing to persist? It is not worth it!

A Final Wish

Practitioner Su’s ability to save so many beings to the West, the heavenly realms, or the human realm is something that should be respected and learned from by everyone! You should respect and learn from him even more than you respect and learn from me! Realising one’s true nature is not easy. On this point alone, everyone should draw close to this great spiritual friend, not to mention that these skills are used to save sentient beings, and not a single bit is used for himself. Furthermore, Namo Amituofo is truly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. On these two points alone, everyone should quickly take steps to draw close, seek the Dharma, and give yourself a chance for rebirth in the Western Pure Land. You can also help the lay practitioners and volunteers around you increase their chances of rebirth, and even help connected beings achieve rebirth. Especially the monks and nuns, who shoulder this important role.

This is my most important and greatest hope. As long as this hope can be fulfilled and achieved, other hopes can extend from this central point and have a chance of being realised. Because I believe in Practitioner Su’s ability, vision, boldness, and what he does. Because Namo Amituofo is at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors are gathered here, what is done in such an environment will naturally receive blessings and protection. Is this not what everyone hopes for in their hearts? I have said these words, and I sincerely hope that everyone can believe and take them to heart. Then, the rare and difficult opportunity of Namo Amituofo coming to the human world will not have been in vain, and it can be considered that I have done my part to make up for the mistakes I made in the past.

I am grateful to Namo Amituofo for giving me this topic, allowing me the opportunity to express my hopes here. If this can change the current situation and allow the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to receive everyone’s support, so that Practitioner Su does not have to work so hard to manage the temple, then all the words I have spoken will have been worth it! In Australia, what I left behind was not something I could have done alone; it was the result of everyone’s joint efforts, and the Pure Land school was recognised by the local residents. Were these resources not also obtained under the blessings of the Buddha? Therefore, since this is the case, and Namo Amituofo is at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, should the Pure Land school not also receive support and assistance, and should you not come here to seek the Dharma and learn?

You must act rationally. Rationality and sensibility are what worldly people say; it should be said that one must act with wisdom and compassion. Be compassionate to yourself. Think about whether you have the ability to go to the Western Pure Land. Think about whether the lay practitioners and volunteers around you, and even the people you frequently come into contact with, have the ability to achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Now that Namo Amituofo has appeared at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, He is here to help everyone successfully achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Should you not come quickly to investigate such a wonderful thing and prepare for your own rebirth? You have prepared for a lifetime—from the time you became a monastic or started learning about the Pure Land school, and joined as a lay practitioner or volunteer for so many years—and you still dare not say you are 100% certain. Then hurry here to draw close to the Buddha and prepare for rebirth! Impermanence comes at any time. Before you have cleared your karma, you are still subject to karmic forces and impermanence, and you still face birth, aging, sickness, and death. If you do not reach the West, you have only listened to a few more sutras and chanted a little more Buddha-name. If that is truly the case, it is a great pity for the original intention of Namo Amituofo coming to the human world to save everyone.

I have spoken quite clearly. I hope everyone can take it to heart and act upon it. Those who can receive the benefits of the Dharma, I hope even more that you can all successfully achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

Alright, let us stop here for today.

Namo Amituofo.

Shi Chin Kung, with palms joined.

At the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Australia.