The Mara King’s Perspective on the Digital Realm

This is a record of an interview with the Mara King, a being who oversees the digital realms of the internet. He sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides there, having shared his insights on the nature of the virtual world and the human mind. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on March 17, 2020.

The Mara King speaks:

"Who said the internet world needs to be reorganised? That is something you must ask us about first! There are so many virtual illusory spaces in the internet world; these are our playgrounds. You want to destroy them so easily? How can we accept that? Let me tell you, it is not as simple as you think! We have been in this world for a very long time. In fact, it was not called the internet in the past; it was merely an illusory space for human thought. We are the demon nature of human thought. Can you understand that thoughts themselves can become demons? Hahaha! We are not as terrifying as you imagine. When it comes down to it, we are the same as you. We lived just like you in the past, but we eventually developed into the Demon Realm. In truth, everyone possesses this demon nature within them."

The Roots of Demon Nature

"Let us first discuss why we are demons. Are you not demons yourselves? You fear demons, but do you not fear yourselves? Do you not also possess a great deal of demon nature? There are many factors that lead us to become demons: emotions, thoughts, concepts, and attachments. These are all elements within the heart and consciousness sufficient to form a demon. I was once extremely obsessed with my own thoughts. My thoughts moved very quickly, and they were numerous. I particularly loved the changes within illusory spaces. I often imagined worlds and spaces that did not exist in this world. I also loved simulating the journeys through these spaces. I hated this world, so I felt particularly uneasy in it. I needed to seek survival within virtual illusions. Only in the environments I created myself could I find stability, and only then could I find a sense of my own existence. In the past, I was the only one who knew of such spaces. Gradually, I did not want to emerge from them. I became indifferent to this world; I only wanted to live in my illusory world. I gave all my passion to these fantasies, and I isolated myself from this world. I do not know when it began, but I started to generate demonic power. Not only was this space attracting me, but I also wanted to let such spaces attract others."

A Vision Across Time

"During the time I lived, there was no technology, no modern multimedia. In the Jin Dynasty, there was only a simple space. I could be considered an anomaly of that time. What I thought of was far different from ordinary people, and I did not speak of it because no one could understand my perspective. My ideas were far more expansive than those of others. I thought of a much broader virtual world, and I deeply believed that such a space could be realised. It would be convenient, and it could bring a way for everyone to fill the gaps in their hearts. From that time on, I had been waiting for such a world to be established.

The internet space of modern technology is exactly the illusory world I had envisioned. Inside it, one can satisfy all of people's fantasies and desires; it can fill the emptiness in everyone's hearts. Look at how many desires everyone has now. In the internet world, what is there that cannot satisfy people? Those with deep desires are addicted to it; they find happiness within it. Is this not a case of everyone getting what they need? This is what they like themselves; it is not that we have harmed them. So, are you not all demons as well? Because you love it, you become addicted; because you share the same likes, you are mutually attracted."

The Power of Illusion

"The internet world is illusory and boundless. There are too many things that can be done inside, and there is still too much room for development. That is why many young people are willing to fall into it, staying on the internet day after day without ever feeling bored. This is the power of illusion. It is not that the internet attracts people; it is that everyone is too disappointed with this real world. They cannot find a foothold; they cannot find their sense of existence in the world, nor can they discover a goal. That is why they are drawn by the internet, preferring to bury themselves deep within this illusory world. So, you want to say it is our problem? It is not caused by us at all. I am merely one force in a corner of the internet. It is true that I have been in this space for many years, and I am familiar with many worlds within the internet. Now, this illusory space is becoming increasingly complex, which also reflects that the emptiness in the human heart is growing larger. The more they need a changing world to fill their dissatisfaction, the more it shows that everyone is living quite pitifully."

The Challenge of Spreading the Dharma

"We can support you in spreading the Buddha’s teachings in the internet world, but it depends on whether people are willing to accept them. It depends on whether these people find it to their taste. The internet world is so vast, and there are so many temptations. It is not the case that just because you want to put something on the internet, someone will be willing to accept it. There are too many people who are unwilling to look at these messages. Some radical people will even directly criticise them. To make people in these internet spaces accept and believe, first, you must make them feel that it is fresh and appealing.

If you want people in the internet world to react, you must first make them willing to accept it. You need a little more attraction, a desire to grab everyone's attention, and you must target the empty places in everyone's hearts. Only then can you have a broad response. However, to deal with people in these internet spaces, you must put in a great deal of effort, because everyone has all sorts of appearances, thoughts, and ideas. Those are endless, varied problems. If you want to attract them, you must simultaneously deal with their problems and satisfy them. Only then will it have a rapid effect on the internet, and only then can you create a vast, boundless space for spreading the Dharma within the internet. Do not ask me how you should do it, because this is something you must think about yourselves. I am not clear about this aspect either. I only know that what you are transmitting does not interest me at all. If you want to say that we are interfering with you, it is better to say that the messages you are transmitting are affecting me. Your messages are expanding outward in large quantities, which makes us subconsciously want to block them, because we naturally think they are unnecessary messages, and thus we want to filter them out. This is why some of your messages end up being removed or blocked. This is a strategy you need to think about carefully. Let me tell you, your packaging has no flavour at all right now. You must think of better ways; it will give your promotion more power."

A New Beginning

"If you want to make a name for yourself on the internet, you naturally have to show some skill, let yourself have a unique flavour, and attract more people to want to get in touch proactively. Keep working hard! This is the only thing I can do; I am not clear about the rest.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see a different space. This Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is very comfortable to stay in; it is a very special place. I believe you will find better ways to promote yourselves and carry it forward. I will follow you with these demon crowds that have followed me here. If you have any more questions you would like to ask, I can provide my opinions, but I am truly not very clear about this aspect. I hope you will not make things difficult for me. What I can know is only what everyone thinks of your messages. To ask me how to do things, that is truly too difficult! Thank you for your invitation. Gratitude, gratitude."

Namo Amituofo."