The Peril of Fame and the Loss of Dharma

This article records the reflections of the late Venerable Master Wei Chueh, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Recorded on July 21, 2017, these words serve as a solemn warning to all who walk the path of the Buddha’s teachings.

Venerable Master Wei Chueh speaks:

"To save your own practice—that is the only way your life can truly achieve spiritual success. If you do not, you are merely drifting through a void."

The Stubbornness of the Human Heart

"The character of the human heart is not easily adjusted. Why? Because everyone holds onto their own views so tightly, refusing to let go. Just look at the streets and alleys; you see arguments everywhere, with no one willing to yield an inch. Often, we are exactly the same. We cling stubbornly to our own personalities, refusing to bow our heads to fate. We use our egos to fight against every dissatisfaction we encounter, simply because no one wants to admit defeat.

This desire to always win is terrifying. It is a slippery slope that leads directly into the traps of attachment, gain and loss, jealousy, and obstruction. This is a potent poison, a heavy karmic sin. By indulging in these things, you destroy the authentic transmission of the Buddha’s teachings. The Buddha’s teachings have already made it clear: there is no room for such petty disputes or 'self versus others' mentality. If that is true for ordinary life, how much more so for the intense, combative thoughts that plague the religious community? Recently, I have often pondered: why did I not wake up sooner? Why did I have to wait until after my death to have this 'Aha!' moment? I could cry for three days and three nights, but it would not bring back the foolish greed I once harboured."

The Illusion of Influence

"My reputation and fame were elevated through a series of coincidental opportunities. My followers and Dharma protectors grew in number. Many people wanted to get close to me, the Venerable, because they believed in the Buddha. But in truth, they were merely infatuated with the Buddha, and by extension, infatuated with the Master. I accepted their enthusiastic offerings and invitations. I frequently travelled everywhere to dine with followers; I was almost never at the monastery. I attended countless functions—some civil, some political, some commercial—mostly involving people with a certain social status. Looking back now, I feel such profound shame. How could this be the life of a practitioner? I was like a clown, performing a script wherever I went.

I fully accept the fact that the latter half of my life was not truly mine. I was not engaged in genuine practice, so it is no surprise that I ended up this way. Through my own life experience, I want to tell everyone: please, do not follow in my footsteps. If you are going to walk the path, walk it properly. If you hoist the banner of 'learning Buddhism' while using it to swindle and deceive, if you lack true cultivation and only seek to defraud the faithful of their offerings, the price you pay is immense. We can never repay such a debt of gratitude. Furthermore, the retribution for such greed will come knocking at your door very quickly. It will inevitably lead to the tragedy of having your soul occupied by dark forces. We must all be vigilant. True practice requires one to be indifferent to fame and wealth. Once you are tainted by these, beyond the endless cycle of desire, you will destroy your entire life’s path of practice and fall into the crooked ways of external paths."

A Final Plea for Awakening

"It is my sincere hope that everyone practises diligently. I want you to seriously reflect on my mistakes so that you do not walk the same path of error as this old monk. If my wrongdoings can awaken the fourfold assembly to vigilance, then I feel my testimony is worth it. I can no longer call back the foolishness of my past. I destroyed my own original intention for becoming a monk; I killed my own wisdom-life. I see many people right now who are heading toward this same conclusion. But there is still time; the opportunity still exists. Hurry to save your own wisdom-life. Save your own practice. Only then will your life have true achievement.

I have many realizations and experiences that I desperately want to share with you all. I am deeply ashamed of the image I projected, as it led the fourfold assembly astray. This old monk truly hopes that someone will come to verify these words with me. Master Jianteng, are you listening? You must change! If your soul loses its autonomy, then the time for redemption will truly have run out."

Recorded by the chief writer, disciple Shi Fa Xi.