InterviewArticleSteve Jobs

The Microbes in the Deep Trench

An Interview with the Spirit of Steve Jobs

Reflections on Karma and High Technology

Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre3 min read0 views

This interview was recorded on September 29, 2018, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. The spirit of Steve Jobs sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of the Centre, and he now resides within the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Steve Jobs speaks:

"A clear stream flows from the mountains, pure and translucent. Within this flowing water, there are many microbes. Only those microbes that possess eyes and noses—and who share a special karmic connection with me—are able to perceive me. I come from a different realm. From my youth until my final days, my body was in an 'alien' state—what one might call a distorted and deformed body. This physical condition left me with almost no self-esteem. I lived in constant fear that if people saw me, they would stare, and that gaze would cut deeper than any blade. I am speaking of a former colleague of mine in the United States. His intelligence surpassed that of many, yet his physical disabilities forced him to spend his childhood confined to his home, buried in research. He would often joke to himself that Heaven had taken everything away from him, leaving only this brain to function properly. He, too, longed to pursue love just like anyone else."

A Partnership of Minds and Scars

"Through a unique turn of fate, he met a girl who shared his physical struggles; her legs were also deformed. They understood and cherished one another. With their brilliant minds, they invented a microchip that was recognised and purchased by IBM. This chip was eventually used in countless applications—mobile phones, computers, and more. In that lifetime, they earned vast amounts of money. They had an only son, lived in a grand mansion, and hired three foreign caregivers to look after them. In this life, their outward appearances did not defeat them, though one could say they were born into bodies of . It is said that before they died, their bodies had curled up into very small, shrivelled forms. All the success they achieved in that life could not be taken with them. Their son was actually relieved when his parents passed away, for he had never dared to bring friends to their mansion; he was terrified of the way others would look at his parents."

The Hidden Cost of Innovation

"This couple, after death, both became microbes. The killing they had created in past lives caused them to be born distorted and deformed. In this life, they manufactured the most critical control centres for electronic goods, causing many people to become addicted to their devices. Their achievements only resulted in their souls once again becoming suffering spirits. One must realise that wealth or success in the present moment does not represent the whole truth. It is the underlying laws of karma and cause and effect that are truly the most terrifying aspect of existence. The microbes in the deep trench I mentioned? That is my colleague. My story and his story serve as a warning to all those who develop and research high technology."

The Infinite Power of Namo Amituofo

"If it were not for the swift performed by Practitioner Su, all these spaces and organic beings would have had no opportunity for salvation. There is no day when the work of saving sentient beings is finished; only by possessing the same great power as the Buddha can one save the ten directions of the Realm. Namo Amituofo is the most essential secret mantra for rescuing the ten directions. It penetrates infinite space, and its energy is incomparably powerful. A heart of absolute sincerity is all that is needed to be in sync with the Buddha. To save all beings throughout the entire Dharma Realm is our responsibility."

Recorded by the disciple of the Buddha, Shi Faxin.

Namo Amituofo.

IN THIS COLLECTION

More from Steve Jobs

View collection →

More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

Interview

The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang

A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

14 min read
000
Interview

The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi

This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.

31 min read
300
Interview

A Reflection from the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.

18 min read
000
Interview

The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing

Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

7 min read
000
Interview

The Burden of a Historical Name

This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.

25 min read
000
Interview

The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land

A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.

8 min read
300

About the Author

Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library