The Price of Chasing the Crowd

This is a record of an interview with the demon known as Magic Whirlwind, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. This account reflects upon his experiences as a demon and his subsequent transformation. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Jing, on October 10, 2023.

Magic Whirlwind speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Magic Whirlwind. As my name suggests, I am a demon known for my incredible speed. My movements are as swift as the wind, hence the name. I have spent my existence in a blur, darting through the realms with a velocity that few can match.

What I love most is chasing the crowd. Whenever I hear of something special, a commotion, or see a gathering of beings, I rush to the scene at lightning speed, only to vanish just as quickly to my next destination. My whereabouts are always elusive; even I do not know where I will be the next second. If something big happens, I am there. If you want the latest news, I am the one to ask. I live for the thrill of the next big event, and my life has been a relentless pursuit of excitement.

My personality is incredibly impatient. I often leave before hearing the full story, acting entirely on my own impulses. This causes immense trouble for others, and consequently, few like to work with me. I have very few friends—mostly drinking buddies who only want information from me. I do not mind; I just want to follow my own will. That is what makes me feel free and happy. To me, the freedom to move and act without restraint is the only thing that matters."

The Legend of Practitioner Su

"I am well-informed, and I know all the major events in the demon realm. I never speak unless I have confirmed it with my own eyes. Perhaps that is my only virtue, which is why people still trust me to some extent. I pride myself on being the first to know, and my reputation for accuracy is the only thing that keeps me connected to others.

Recently, the biggest sensation in the demon realm is that Practitioner Su has subdued many demon kings. None have been able to defeat him. Those who went to the temple never returned; they were sent by this human, Practitioner Su, to a place called the Dharma-Nature Land. Some even joined the salvation team of Namo Amituofo and left the demon realm entirely. It is truly unbelievable to witness such a shift in power.

These once-fierce and majestic demon kings have undergone such a transformation. What kind of ability does Practitioner Su possess? I had to see for myself. My style is to decide and act immediately. I was curious about the power he used to subdue these leaders. I felt a burning desire to see this human who had turned the entire demon realm upside down."

A Spectacle at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

"According to my intelligence, Practitioner Su is at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. The sky above the temple is often swarming with demon crowds waiting for a chance to attack. The space is packed with sentient beings, some kneeling to listen to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks. I was increasingly curious about what power he had to draw both demons and sentient beings there. It was a magnet for the restless and the lost.

I rushed to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre at top speed. They were holding a Thrice Yearning Ceremony. Wow! It was so lively! The space was crowded with countless sentient beings, packed so tightly that the temple was overflowing. This was no ordinary place. I had heard that their Dharma assemblies were different, led by Namo Amituofo himself. I never expected such a magnificent scene. Seeing it with my own eyes, I could die without regrets. I could finally brag to my friends. I, Magic Whirlwind, love a crowd, and this trip was well worth it."

The Trap of Impatience

"Where was Practitioner Su? I had not forgotten my purpose. I scanned every corner of the temple at high speed and finally found him. At first, I observed from the side. Strange, he looked quite ordinary. No giant body, no three heads and six arms, no extra eyes or horns, and no special weapons. How did he subdue so many demon kings? I was puzzled. I expected a display of raw power, but he seemed so calm, so grounded.

Suddenly, the sound of the qing rang out. Practitioner Su was inviting spirits for the fourfold assembly, and the demons and sentient beings attached to them were being drawn in. I remembered then—that was it! The qing! Practitioner Su would strike it, and the demon kings would be sucked in and sent to the Western Land of Dharma Nature. I had to be careful and move stealthily. But stealth is not my forte. I am too impatient; I might just rush out. But I was proud of my speed. Even if discovered, I thought I could escape."

A Sudden Turn of Fate

"Unexpectedly, the demons around me were whispering about how to attack Practitioner Su. Being a lover of excitement, I joined in. That bad habit became my downfall. I did not want to attack him, but seeing the other demons so enthusiastic, I could not refuse. I accepted the fact and joined the attack. I felt a strange pressure to conform, and my own impulsiveness took over.

We decided to target Practitioner Su's right arm. We attacked with all our might, but we were discovered immediately. The Venerables in the temple called out our names. Practitioner Su called my name, struck the qing, and my companions and I were helplessly drawn in and sent to the Western Land of Dharma Nature. Alas! Life is impermanent. I, Magic Whirlwind, never thought I would be caught. It was too fast to react. Now, I can only sit quietly in the Dharma-Nature Land and watch the Dharma assembly, no longer able to act on my own whims."

Practitioner Su compassionately gave me the Dharma name 'Shi Mingding'.

A New Perspective

"After being sent to the Dharma-Nature Land, I sat obediently on a lotus seat. I could no longer collect news, which made me a bit sad. But seeing the lively Dharma assembly here, my spirits lifted. The atmosphere was one of profound peace and joy, a stark contrast to the chaos I was used to.

Watching Practitioner Su's Dharma Body open up the space, countless sentient beings were sent into the golden light, returning to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss with smiles on their faces. Such a grand scene left me dumbfounded. The Buddha's land is truly boundless, capable of holding so many beings. I began to take notes. This was something I, Magic Whirlwind, witnessed with my own eyes. I started nodding and muttering to myself, realising that my previous life was merely a shadow compared to this brilliance."

Beyond the Horizon

"The best was yet to come. Practitioner Su used his countless manifestations to enter every corner, far beyond my imagination. I realised how narrow my world and my perspective had been. But that no longer mattered. I could see so many places at once—Earth, the Milky Way, the heavens beyond—places I had never been. It was a feast for the eyes. If I had Practitioner Su's skills, I could collect so much more information—hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of times more. I felt my magic was worlds apart from his. I felt inferior, yet inspired.

Watching the many places Practitioner Su's Dharma Body passed through, countless sentient beings left the dark spaces, following the golden light and the holy name of Namo Amituofo. My heart was filled with emotion. Now, I want to chant 'Namo Amituofo' to help more sentient beings and make this world even more lively and full of joy. Finally, I am grateful for Practitioner Su's compassion and thank Namo Amituofo for giving me the chance to share my story.

Namo Amituofo.

Shi Mingding"