This is a record of an interview with Venerable Yongning, who resides in the . This account reflects upon the nature of human suffering and the spiritual dimensions created by the mind. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on February 7, 2023.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
". I am Yongning. In observing the human world, I see that people are generally not happy. Why is this? There are many contributing factors, but one of the most significant is the pervasive sense of 'dissatisfaction' that plagues the human heart.
The Architecture of Unhappiness
Dissatisfaction is typically understood as a psychological state or an internal feeling. However, I have observed a more profound and curious phenomenon: human dissatisfaction has actually coalesced into a tangible 'space' that exists all around us in our daily lives. This may sound abstract, but it is a stark reality. Every instance of dissatisfaction within a person's heart contributes to the construction of this 'space of dissatisfaction.' Once a person harbours such , they inevitably step into this dimension.
Those trapped within this space are profoundly unhappy. Their souls are bound, confined by the very nature of their discontent. Consequently, no matter how the external environment attempts to stimulate them, they show little reaction. This is not the blankness of a wooden statue; rather, it is a deep, spiritual numbness. They lose interest in everything, and life begins to feel dry, tedious, and utterly devoid of meaning.
The Trap of Endless Want
This space of dissatisfaction causes immense suffering for many. They do not know how to satisfy themselves, and within this dimension, the heart remains perpetually unfulfilled. What could possibly bring them ? They are trapped in a cycle where nothing is ever enough. The only way to find peace is to walk out of this space entirely.
I speak of this 'space of dissatisfaction' today because I have seen countless spirits suffering within it. Humanity is largely unaware of this, yet one by one, people are falling into this dark, suffocating realm.
A Child's Hidden Struggle
Consider a six-year-old girl. She should be enjoying the simple, pure happiness of childhood, yet she is constantly sullen and miserable. From a young age, her parents have indulged her every desire. When her cravings are not met, she flies into a rage—not a typical temper tantrum, but a fury so intense it can actually harm others. To the casual observer, this little girl might seem normal, but in truth, her spirit has already fallen into the 'space of dissatisfaction.' The moment she enters this realm, she feels an overwhelming sense of pain and helplessness, which manifests as the anger you see.
The Role of Internal Demons
Looking across the entire globe, I see so many human beings who have fallen into this space because of the discontent in their hearts. They are unable to find their way out. When I look more closely, I discover that these spaces are inhabited by 'demon nature.' These are not necessarily external demons; for the most part, they are the 'heart-demons' of humanity itself. These heart-demons understand the human mind all too well. They manipulate and interfere with ease, ensuring that people remain trapped within their own self-created space of dissatisfaction.
The Light of Liberation
Today, during the , I introduced the Buddha-name into these spaces. I allowed the suffering spirits within to hear the chanting of Namo Amituofo and to witness the vast, warm golden light of the Buddha. Their originally grey and dim spaces were suddenly illuminated. As each person beheld the Buddha, their hearts were slowly purified, and the stains of their inner defilements were gradually removed. Only then did they realise that it was their own inner turbidity—their own greed and dissatisfaction—that had caused them to fall into this realm of suffering.
Upon seeing the truth, many followed the chanting and departed from that space. I believe that for those spirits who have returned to their bodies, their physical hearts should feel a measure of relief. However, they must remain vigilant and guard their mental notes. They must maintain their focus so they do not fall back under the control of their heart-demons and slip once again into that space of dissatisfaction.
A Call to Self-Reflection
I share this today in the hope that all human beings will reflect upon their own hearts. Ask yourselves: 'Is my heart frequently feeling dissatisfied?' When you feel that sense of discontent rising, try to pull yourself out of that space. Do not allow your emotions and thoughts to be governed by such negative mental states. Only by doing so can you avoid being controlled by the demon nature within and help yourself return to a life of purity.
