This is a record of an interview with Mo Ji, a Primordial Demon who has existed for one hundred trillion years. He sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia after leading a massive assault against Practitioner Su. This account reflects upon his journey from the depths of the Realm to his eventual transformation and commitment to the path of . Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on October 7, 2024.
Mo Ji speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Mo Ji, a demon of the Dharma Realm, having existed for one hundred trillion years. I brought ninety-nine Earth-quantities of demon children and grandchildren to attack Practitioner Su, while another Earth-quantity of my kin targeted the fourfold assembly of disciples at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre."
A Century of Trillion-Year Darkness
"I was not always this way. Long ago, I was a practitioner myself. I practised quite well, and I truly believed that I had accumulated significant merit and Wisdom. However, as the frustrations and failures of the cycle of reincarnated life continued to batter me, my heart gradually turned to ice. In the wake of repeated defeats, I lost all faith in the light. Resentment began to fester within me, growing like a cancer, until I finally turned my back on everything I once held dear. I chose the darkness. I chose to become a demon of the Dharma Realm.
This time, I led nearly ninety-nine Earth-quantities of my demon children and grandchildren to attack Practitioner Su. We wanted to use this overwhelming surge of dark energy to completely submerge the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. We could not bear for this beacon of light to continue existing; our power only thrives in the shadows, and we wanted to ensure it remained that way."
The Siege of Hsiang Kuang
"I had observed a brilliant, protective wall of light surrounding the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, which had thwarted our previous attempts. But this time, we were determined to shatter it. We could not accept that Practitioner Su’s power was expanding throughout the Dharma Realm, and we certainly did not want him interfering with our survival. We searched for a long time until we finally discovered a method to strike at him. All the demon crowds joined forces, exerting an immense amount of power, and finally, we managed to affect Practitioner Su’s physical body. We attacked his throat, leaving him hoarse and unable to speak. That was the result of our long and arduous efforts. I saw him sitting amidst a golden light, unable to utter a sound, yet his eyes remained filled with such profound and unwavering resolve.
I led my demon children and grandchildren, surging toward the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre from every direction. Our darkness was like a swarm of countless venomous snakes, attempting to swallow this sacred ground. But to my utter shock, within that golden light, I saw the figures of immeasurable and boundless Dharma protectors guarding this Pure Land. They were majestic and solemn, their radiance forming walls that blocked our attacks one by one."
The Golden Light of Compassion
"My demon children and grandchildren charged forward again and again, but each time, the golden light transformed them. Their hearts, once filled with resentment and hatred, began to waver under the soothing touch of that radiance. I saw uncertainty in their eyes; the Goodness that had been buried deep within their hearts was beginning to surface. I felt a surge of intense fear and rage. I could not allow them to be transformed! I could not allow my power to dissipate like this! I gathered all my dark energy, forging it into a powerful weapon of darkness, intending to strike Practitioner Su directly. I decided that this time, I would ensure he lost his power of forever.
But as I launched my full-force attack, Practitioner Su radiated an even greater light. He looked at me with a gentle smile, and golden light poured from his body. That radiance was like countless warm currents, completely enveloping me. I realised then that this golden light did not come from the outside; it came from the deep, boundless compassion and tolerance within his heart. In that moment, the darkness deep within my soul was laid bare. I felt the resentment, the pain, the attachments, and the failures of countless lifetimes exposed by that light. I saw the suffering I had endured through endless cycles of reincarnated life, and I saw how I had been trapped by my own stubbornness."
The Vulnerability of the Fourfold Assembly
"I began to waver. I asked myself: Why choose darkness? Why be an enemy of the Buddha? All that hatred and resentment had brought me was endless agony, while Practitioner Su’s golden light offered me a peace and warmth I had never known. I fell to my knees, feeling the golden light wash over me like nectar, cleansing the darkness from my heart. Tears streamed down my face as long-buried seeds of Goodness re-emerged. I saw Practitioner Su’s gentle smile, filled with acceptance and infinite compassion. I told myself: I want to let go of everything. I want to follow Namo Amituofo and no longer cling to the darkness.
My demon children and grandchildren saw my change, and they too began to waver. They began to bow their heads to Practitioner Su, repenting and seeking spiritual salvation. I saw them kneeling, their eyes filled with regret and a longing for liberation. They were willing to follow me onto the path of light, to escape this endless cycle of darkness and pain. I looked at the fourfold assembly of disciples at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and their states of practice were revealed to me. Some appeared diligent but were trapped in inner conflict and pain. Others were filled with pride and a desire for recognition, often criticising their fellow practitioners or believing themselves to be superior. These mental states became the very entry points for me and my demon kin to invade. We used their inner pride to lead them further astray, making it impossible for them to let go of their attachment to ."
A New Path: Joining the Salvation Team
"I also saw some who struggled with jealousy and comparison. Despite their hard work and dedication, they secretly compared themselves to others, their hearts filled with resentment and dissatisfaction. These negative emotions were also gateways for us to control them, causing them to fall into confusion, , and a loss of mastery over their own , making it difficult for them to maintain diligent practice. There were others who appeared industrious on the surface, but their inner laziness and lack of clear goals made their faith fragile. They practised day after day, yet lacked true vow and determination. Our dark energy easily invaded them, magnifying their fear and sloth, causing them to lose focus and eventually lose faith in their practice altogether.
I, Mo Ji, who was once a force of darkness in the Dharma Realm, am now willing to become a part of the light. I am willing to follow Namo Amituofo and join the salvation team to save immeasurable and boundless beings. I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su. I will continue to strive forward. Namo Amituofo."
