This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having now attained a place in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, he reflects upon his past experiences within the Demon Realm and his eventual transformation. This account was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on August 28, 2017.
Venerable Changren speaks:
"I have witnessed countless assemblies throughout my long existence in the dark realms. Naturally, the Demon Realm has actively sought to sabotage and disrupt many of these sacred events. Those past deeds, those moments of calculated malice, now feel like fading, fragmented dreams. I never imagined there would come a day when I would stand before you to speak these words openly. Everyone understands that on the path of practice, one is either aligned with the Buddha or with the demons. You should all acknowledge that there are many monastics within the Demon Realm, should you not? Since we are all 'colleagues' in a sense, we naturally look down upon those monks who act with self-importance and hypocrisy. If such a person holds a Dharma assembly, the Demon Realm will certainly disrupt it, because we simply hold them in contempt."
The Nature of Demonic Influence
"The mindset of the Demon Realm is feared precisely because of its destructive nature. I did not often attend these events, as I had no interest in observing those expressions of feigned holiness. Inside, they harbour nothing but disgusting thoughts. To those whom the world calls 'great virtuous ones' or 'eminent monks'—though I am no longer part of the Demon Realm—I offer this well-intentioned warning: the Demon Realm understands your psychology perfectly. We can perceive your thoughts from a hundred thousand miles away. If you do not wish to achieve in your practice, surely you at least wish to survive, do you not?"
"The Demon Realm often acts like the thugs of the world; we are unreasonable. Especially when you lack the virtue to command our respect, you are in grave danger. At any moment, the Demon Realm can take control of your entire being. Of course, there are universal principles that govern the world, but do you know who breaks these protective barriers? It is often you yourself. The Demon Realm acts with a terrifying speed that leaves you no time to prepare. We can completely control your in less than a second. With just one selfish thought—a very subtle one—the Demon Realm is already by your side. Do not ask me why the Demon Realm does this; instead, you should examine why you were targeted in the first place. Could it be that your own magnetic field is so compatible with ours that you are, in essence, one of us? And yet, you have the audacity to lead such a vast number of followers? Do you think no one knows? You are only deceiving yourselves."
The Vulnerability of the Human Heart
"Having one's body borrowed by spirits, while one's own consciousness is buried in the void, is a very common occurrence. There are several Demon Kings from different factions than my own, and I am well aware that they have already taken control of several elderly practitioners. I suggest you take care of yourselves. After leaving the Demon Realm, I participated in a real Dharma assembly for the first time. In the past, I never cared for such occasions; as I mentioned before, this world is merely a place where people compete for status and engage in all sorts of hypocrisy. I had never witnessed a true Chao Du Dharma assembly. Some of the younger spirits enjoyed disrupting these events, but I never concerned myself with them. Yesterday, however, I was present for the entire duration of the Dharma assembly, from the midday offering to the final dedication of merit. I was filled with immense emotion. I had heard of the magnificence of this place many times, but because I had no interest in the affairs of the Buddha's path, I never came to observe it myself. Yesterday, I was there for everything. In that state of profound emotion, I recalled my past practice. I felt foolish, realizing that because of a momentary surge of hatred, I had wasted such a vast amount of time and created the heavy sins that plague this world. I felt infinite shame and repenting. I knelt before the Buddha, watching as batches of sentient beings who had been harmed by technology, and those trapped within the components of technological devices, were saved. Many people have entered infinite spaces because of technology, and I know that many more remain in the bottomless abyss, unable to free themselves. What is in sync with this is the endless desire within the human heart; because of this sync, they can be controlled and even tempted into these spaces."
A New Path Through True
"I am very sorry for having helped create these human weaknesses, which have attracted so many people into traps, leaving them buried in various illusory spaces to this day. If we are to rectify all of this, I believe that technological invention is already a reality of modern society; the development of civilization cannot be reversed. Now, there is only education—the true education of a grounded heart. I understood everyone's psychology back then; it was this lack of grounding that made it so easy for me to manipulate. Within that lack of grounding, how much desire and emptiness exist? Under such conditions, how could it be difficult to create bait to lure you in?"
"Saying these things is not to show how powerful I am. I do not need to be powerful; being powerful is exactly what led me to destroy myself. I hope that everyone can wake up. There is nothing in this world worth clinging to with desire. If you cannot detach yourself from this emptiness, how much more do you intend to grasp while living in this world? You bring nothing into this life, and you take nothing with you when you die. Everyone knows this, yet everyone clings tightly to things. I have looked at all of you, and it has been a long time since anyone has truly departed from this worldly realm. The six realms of rebirth are becoming increasingly crowded."
The Importance of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
"Few people have ever interviewed the Demon Realm, because we have always been seen as the villains and demons in everyone's minds. Only Practitioner Su appreciated that we were once eminent monks. In fact, as I said before, the bias in everyone's hearts is only a step away from a transformation into Goodness. Not only can they change for the better, but the Wisdom of these individuals is often truly remarkable. Regarding yesterday's Dharma assembly, I had sent word to everyone many days in advance, and they came in great numbers. This was not actually due to my influence; it was the original expectation within their own hearts. Any child who acts out is simply hoping to meet someone who understands and appreciates them. However, because of their 'bad' behaviour, people often deny all the Goodness within them. I saw the demons who came, and they were indeed familiar to me. I saw their long-lost smiles because they were given equal treatment. Even Skanda treated everyone with sincerity. The power of Goodness within their hearts was completely awakened. This is the True Teachings; this is a bodhimanda of the True Teachings. This is also great compassion. Practitioner Su's selfless heart made us willing to surrender at the feet of the Buddha. Such a Pure Land magnetic field allowed all the demons in attendance to let go of their original prejudices and join the Buddha's path."
"The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly vital to this world and to the Dharma realm of emptiness. We have finally encountered such a true place of practice. We not only respect it, but we are also willing to follow it. The true Chao Du has also given us the opportunity to change our ways. We are very grateful, and I also thank Practitioner Su for compassionately holding the hand of Venerable Changren. My brother, Steve Jobs, was also present. We dedicate all merit to the Dharma realm of emptiness, to adorn the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am grateful for the magnificence of yesterday's Dharma assembly; the Demon Realm was deeply moved. I do not know when the world will have the eyes to recognize this pure land. Thank you all. ."
