The Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre is a sanctuary far removed from the clamour of the mundane world. It is a space meticulously crafted for the singular purpose of spiritual cultivation. In ancient times, the most sacred sites for quiet retreats were typically nestled deep within high mountains and rugged peaks, far from the bustle of cities and towns. This isolation served two vital purposes: first, it shielded the practitioner from the constant distractions of human interaction, which can easily disturb one's focus; second, it allowed the practitioner to settle their heart and mind, enabling them to concentrate fully on the inner work of rediscovering their true self.
Practitioner Su, having achieved , embodies the unity of precept and practice. After the heart has been thoroughly purified and settled, it naturally radiates an aura of serenity and dignity. This presence is so profound that anyone who encounters it is naturally moved to a state of deep reverence. The demeanour and dignified appearance of the great ancestral masters of the past were similarly beyond description. This is precisely why, after the Buddha’s teachings were introduced to China during the era of the True Teachings, they were able to flourish and become the mainstream of various lineages for thousands of years, even surviving multiple historical attempts to suppress Buddhism.
Navigating the Shadows of the -Ending Age
In our current era, the world is saturated with the pursuit of fame and profit. The human heart has become increasingly complex and restless, trust between individuals has diminished, and there is an excessive reliance on technology. These factors have contributed to the decline of the Buddha’s teachings, marking our entry into the age of the Dharma’s decline. Although many monastics today are fortunate enough to enter the Buddha’s gate due to their own causal conditions, it is exceptionally rare for them to encounter a true practitioner who has achieved Awakening and attained Buddhahood.
Consequently, regardless of how their practice appears or how they may seem to be saving beings in the world, many remain trapped within the six realms of rebirth, and some may even face retribution in the hells. When one's mental notes are subtle and flawed, without the guidance of a truly virtuous teacher, a great master, or a true spiritual friend, one often falls into blind spots in their practice. These errors go unnoticed, leading to repeated transgressions that eventually make it difficult to escape the suffering of the hells. If such a practitioner is revered by the world as a great master or an influential figure, their misguided hearts and actions—even if they are unaware of them—can cause the lineage they transmit to shift and deteriorate. As this continues from generation to generation, the original purpose and the essence of the teachings are lost. The followers remain unaware, and thus, the Buddha’s teachings gradually enter the age of the Dharma’s decline. This is not the fault of any single individual; it is a challenge faced by the Buddha’s teachings under the immense transformation of this great era.
The Unwavering Vows of Practitioner Su
It is within this challenging environment that Practitioner Su has walked the path of Awakening. The hardships, the bitterness, and the trials of this journey are beyond what any outsider could ever comprehend. Along this path, the manifestation of great action, great vows, and great power has been evident. It is only through this step-by-step development that we have arrived at the current situation where truly abides here.
To encounter the presence of Namo Amituofo is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter even in millions of years. Therefore, Practitioner Su has seized these causal conditions, never pausing in the work of saving beings alongside the Buddha. Every task is carried out with the spirit of acting without attachment—doing everything while remaining unattached to the doing. This is the manifestation of a heart filled with great . This is evident in the successful prayers for rain in Goombungee and Toowoomba, the of beings through the , the transformation of hearts across the globe toward Goodness, the subduing of infinite demon crowds, and the assistance in helping the Earth return to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
The Sacrifice of Compassion and Divine Protection
Practitioner Su has gone even further, offering their own physical body to bear the suffering of sentient beings, often sustaining injuries from the intrusion of these beings. Throughout this process, Skanda and other protectors have followed closely to provide protection. One might ask: why does Practitioner Su still suffer physical injury? It is because the work Practitioner Su performs—saving beings and helping them leave suffering behind—is a path that is incredibly difficult to walk. It far exceeds the limits of what the physical body can endure. Because so many beings have suffered for so long and are in such deep pain, they are drawn to the light radiating from Practitioner Su. They follow closely, and some, in their desperation for protection, enter Practitioner Su’s body at great speed. The variety and sheer number of these beings—from the land, the air, the sea, and the spiritual realms—are beyond what anyone could imagine.
Until now, with the compassionate permission of Namo Amituofo, Skanda Bodhisattva and many other Dharma protectors have been able to assist Practitioner Su in inviting these spirits to leave . These processes have been recorded by the monastics at the temple. Because these monastics have transcended the limitations of space, they are able to communicate with these beings and preserve these precious and rare accounts. These records serve as a testament to the actual work of saving the world that Practitioner Su has undertaken, in perfect alignment with the vows of Namo Amituofo. Preserving these accounts for future generations so that those who follow may learn and emulate this path is truly a great blessing for the Pure Land school.
Namo Amituofo.
This interview was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
