The Miraculous Power of Praying for Rain

The Unparalleled Skill of Practitioner Su

The ability of Practitioner Su to pray for rain has become renowned throughout the spiritual realms. This unique capability has moved the Jade Emperor, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, and the deities of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning to participate in and observe the process and its results. This is because Practitioner Su possesses a rare and peerless skill: the ability to guide sentient beings to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. While ancestral masters of the past may have been able to help some beings achieve rebirth, we have never before witnessed a Dharma Body that can move freely to and from the Western Pure Land, guiding and leading beings there with such ease. This achievement is deeply praised by celestial beings of the six realms of existence, the four sages, and spirits from this world and beyond.

A Celestial Spectacle of Divine Forces

As we have guarded Practitioner Su from the past until the present, we have witnessed many inconceivable events that leave even us, the Dharma protectors, in constant awe. During the very first rain-praying ceremony, Practitioner Su invited Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, and the pure ocean-wide assembly of Bodhisattvas to participate. Subsequently, the Ancient Buddha of Burning Lamp appeared in the sky, holding incense and placing it into the censer to pray for rain, which shook the entire Dharma Realm. Before the rain fell, the deities of wind, lightning, thunder, and rain appeared in the sky, each manifesting in a tall and majestic form. First, the Wind God swept a great wind across the earth, followed by the Thunder and Lightning Gods who flashed their power across the heavens to announce to all beings that rain was coming. Immediately, the Rain God bestowed the sweet nectar of rain, and at that moment, one could hear the exclamation of wonder from all beings across the earth.

The Grand Gathering at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

To all the venerable practitioners at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the processes I have just described—taking yesterday as an example—may appear to the physical eyes as mere changes in the environment. However, in the invisible spiritual space, these changes are truly taking place, and they are magnificent to behold. Looking up at the vast sky above the temple, one might see white clouds, dark clouds, colourful rays, and the setting sun. Yet, simultaneously, the spiritual beings—the gods of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, along with their followers—are present. Their attire, appearances, body lights, and the ritual implements they carry are all distinct, forming a unique and majestic celestial scene. When the wind, rain, thunder, and lightning are unleashed together, I, Skanda, who protects the temple from the sky, feel a deep sense of gratitude and admiration in my heart.

This is especially true during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony. To ensure that the beings attending the ceremony can be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, celestial beings, various fairies, the four sages, extraterrestrial beings, and spirits from all directions and realms gather here, breaking through the barriers of time and space. The sheer number of beings fills the entire sky. Such a scene is rare even for me, Skanda, and it is equally rare for the many spiritual beings and sages who participate. If it were not for the fact that Namo Amituofo truly abides here, and that Practitioner Su acts according to his great vow, it would be impossible to witness such a sight. It is truly a great blessing for the residents and creatures of this world, especially for those living in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, where Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body travels to perform the work of salvation.

The Importance of Self-Discipline and Right Thought

By shifting the responsibility of praying for rain to the salvation team, many things have become much smoother. The team members maintain a continuous, twenty-four-hour chant of Namo Amituofo, demonstrating great self-discipline and autonomy. This is a significant improvement compared to the earlier days when we had to arrange the order of the earthly creatures and insects to prevent them from flying or scurrying about in confusion. We and the many Dharma protectors do not dare to relax for even a moment, fearing that Practitioner Su’s physical body might be disturbed by sentient beings. Under the current circumstances, spirits can only emerge from Practitioner Su’s body; they are not given the opportunity to enter it. This is the duty of myself and the other Dharma protectors.

As for the fourfold assembly of disciples, we must also protect you, but I ask that you guard your own thoughts. It is good to frequently cultivate pure thoughts, kind intentions, and sincere praise. However, if you harbour evil thoughts or focus on the negative, you will easily attract earthly spirits and spiritual attachments. This is a natural phenomenon. Generally, Dharma protectors do not intervene unless external spirits actively intrude or cause interference, in which case we will drive them away. Nevertheless, at this time, I, Skanda, must still follow the instructions of Practitioner Su to prevent external spirits from entering the bodies of the fourfold assembly, so that the Buddha’s work may continue smoothly. It is a great blessing for everyone to receive the care of Practitioner Su, but I ask that you manage yourselves well. Strictly guarding your every thought and intention is the most important thing you can do to thoroughly prevent the intrusion of spiritual attachments and external spirits. This is my advice to you all. If you can truly do this, it will be of great help to your practice.

Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.