The Reality of This Moment

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Venerable Master Chin Kung, who now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This account reflects upon his life and his current state of existence following his passing. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on September 20, 2022.

Venerable Master Chin Kung speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, Namo Amituofo has given me a topic to reflect upon: 'This Moment.' It is a subject that allows for deep contemplation, and its implications are incredibly profound. The 'this moment' I speak of now is quite different from the one I might have described just a short while ago. 'This moment' is never the same as 'that moment.'

Some might think, 'But this moment is just this moment! It is simply the present.' That is one way to look at it, and everyone’s perception of 'this moment' varies. Some might define it as the time since they opened their eyes this morning, or perhaps a span of several days. That is also acceptable; everyone has their own definition. However, there is another, deeper meaning. To me, in my current state, 'this moment' is precisely this point in time, right here and now.

The Invisible Audience

At this very instant, I am seated upon a lotus seat in the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, accepting this interview with the temple’s monastics. I am speaking about the content of 'this moment.' Simultaneously, if I shift my focus, I can hear Practitioner Su delivering a Dharma lecture to the masses. This audience is vast, encompassing the entire Dharma Realm, the void of space, and the fourfold assembly of disciples gathered in the lecture hall on the first floor of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Among these disciples are those with physical bodies, as well as countless spirit realm beings who lack physical forms. They are all listening intently to Practitioner Su’s teachings.

These spirit beings are sitting, standing, kneeling, and pressing their palms together in reverence. They are not constrained by physical barriers; walls, tables, and chairs do not obstruct them. They listen to the Dharma in a space that is invisible to the physical eye. When I say 'invisible,' I mean invisible to the human eye. To Practitioner Su, however, everything is crystal clear. The space in which Practitioner Su resides is not limited by walls or solid objects. Yet, because he still possesses a physical body, he requires tables, chairs, and a floor. He needs the floor to walk, chairs to sit upon, and tables to hold the sutras he uses as teaching materials. He must turn the pages to lecture on the Dharma, after all.

The Universal Resonance of the Dharma

In truth, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is surrounded by a multitude of beings, even those residing within the clouds in the sky are listening to the Dharma. When Practitioner Su lectures, his words are incredibly compelling; everyone’s heart resonates with his message, and all gain something from it. However, he is speaking in Chinese, and we are on the land of Goombungee, Australia. I see many spirits from the Australian realm listening—can they understand? This is what is meant by the saying: 'The World-Honoured One can manifest a single sound, yet sentient beings each understand according to their own kind.' Here, the space is opened. Regardless of the language the teacher uses, or which realm the listener belongs to—be it the Dharma Realm, the void of space, or even the Milky Way—all these beings can understand. It is just like when Namo Amituofo lectures in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. When he expounds upon the various laws of the world, he emits light from his heart, and each listener hears exactly what they need to hear. This is the magnificent nature of the Dharma Body.

'This moment,' Practitioner Su is lecturing, and 'this moment,' I am describing the scene so that those with karmic affinity—those who read this text—can understand. My heart is very light at this moment. I have been sitting on this lotus seat in the Dharma-Nature Land for over a month now. My days are incredibly fulfilling because I follow the temple’s schedule. Whatever the temple does, I do. During the morning service, when everyone prostrates to the Buddha, I prostrate as well. When they chant the Buddha’s name and perform visualizations for Chao Du, I join them. When they recite the Infinite Life Sutra, I recite it with them. It is truly wonderful.

A Sanctuary of Pure Practice

Do not underestimate the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Although few outsiders enter, it is incredibly pure and peaceful. Everyone is law-abiding and self-disciplined, diligently performing their duties. Every member of the fourfold assembly has their own responsibilities and is very busy. When it is time for group cultivation, everyone gathers together. It is truly magnificent.

Of course, the spiritual core of this Buddha-land is Namo Amituofo—the Teaching Master of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo is not only the Universal Buddha of the spirit realm, but also the spiritual reliance for the six realms of existence and the four holy realms. The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the ultimate destination for us all. I am currently waiting on my lotus seat, and one day, I will enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. In the human world, you can no longer see me, but my spirit does not die. Please do not worry about me; I am doing very well here, exceptionally well. You should be happy for me.

Reflections on a Lifetime of Service

If I wish to see what is happening in the human world, I simply shift my thoughts, and I know. My physical body spent ninety-six years in the human world. That is not a short time. From birth and growth to becoming a monk in Taiwan and lecturing on the Dharma for sixty years, followed by the time after I stopped lecturing until I left the human world—all together, it was ninety-six years. Those sixty years of lecturing occupied two-thirds of my life. I was always with the masses, my heart with them, my body with them, and my spirit never left them. This is my small contribution to everyone in the human world; I did my best. I have a good memory, which I consider a strength. I took my expertise and applied it to the sutras, commentaries, and written works, absorbing them to share with everyone. My daily recordings also took up a lot of time, but that was incredibly important! Of course, as one lectures, one becomes more proficient, able to draw parallels and insights, which allows the listeners to have their own awakenings. This is my contribution to propagating the Dharma. My body did manage to do some things that benefited the masses.

There is a saying in the human world: 'Wherever you walk, you leave a trace.' If my physical body left anything behind, it would be the sarira that appeared after my cremation, would it not? Many ancestral masters and venerable masters leave behind sarira after cremation for future generations to venerate. I truly do not dare to claim that I am qualified to produce such sarira; this is a consolation from the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and from all of you who have cherished my sixty years of lecturing! However, one must have the right perspective: that is just the body! It does not mean that because the body left behind sarira, the spirit will definitely be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Nor does it mean that leaving behind sarira indicates that you had no faults while alive and do not need to face the consequences of hell. This is something everyone must clearly understand!

The Truth of Cause and Effect

Some people may feel suspicious: 'Why could Venerable Master Chin Kung leave behind sarira, yet his spirit did not go directly to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? Why did the Master himself say he went to the hells first, and was then saved by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre? Why are these messages being transmitted from the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre?'

Having sarira and going to the hells are two separate matters; do not confuse them. Merit is merit, and faults are faults. Merit and faults cannot cancel each other out. The laws of karma and cause and effect are extremely fair. Just because you left behind something precious that ordinary people do not have, it does not mean that the faults you committed can be wiped clean. That would not be the law of cause and effect. Nor does it mean that if you committed major transgressions and created hell-karma, but later repented and did good deeds, your evil consequences in the hells can be wiped clean. That is also not how cause and effect works. Merit and faults cannot be offset. Those who study the Buddha’s teachings should understand this very clearly.

The sarira I left behind can be considered a merit in the human world—something the body left for everyone. After all, people view sarira as an auspicious sign, but it does not mean I did not commit faults! My greatest fault was excluding Practitioner Su from the Pure Land school system, which was equivalent to rejecting Namo Amituofo. I knew Namo Amituofo was at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, but I did not tell everyone. Furthermore, lecturing on the Dharma is about faith and understanding, but in the aspect of practice, I neglected the reconciliation with karmic creditors, which created obstacles to rebirth in the Western Pure Land. You must not only perform Chao Du for karmic creditors, but you must also reconcile with them first. If you do not reconcile, the Chao Du will not be successful. That is why many followers who chant the Buddha’s name and wish to be reborn in the Western Pure Land encounter obstacles when they grow old, get sick, or are on their deathbed, and they fail to reach the Western Pure Land. Now, I am clear about these faults of mine, so I am using this opportunity to clarify: merit and faults are two different things. I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, especially that Practitioner Su could use a human body to practice until he reached Awakening and attained a Dharma Body. He did not hold a grudge for the harm I caused him previously. Beyond his vow, he also has the ability to enter the hells, and together with Namo Amituofo, rescue me and place me in such a wonderful place, allowing my spirit to be peaceful, satisfied, and grateful. What could be more comforting to me than this?

A Call to Action

Therefore, to the monastics, Dharma protectors, and followers who have karmic affinity with me, I am also very grateful for what you have done for me. This includes the monastics, lay practitioners, and volunteers who cared for me during my illness, as well as the chanting after my passing. I heard the constant sound of the Buddha’s name; I received your filial piety and respect, and I am very grateful! Everyone was happy that sarira were produced after the cremation, and I received that sentiment as well. All of this is a fact, and it is also a fact that I am now at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I will eventually enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss; I believe this firmly. But I am not in a hurry. I am now single-mindedly focused on making amends for the faults I committed at the end of my life—my rejection of Practitioner Su and my failure to announce to everyone that Namo Amituofo is at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Now that I have no body, the messages sent out by my spirit are ignored by some; they do not even want to look or listen because they do not believe such things exist, nor do they believe this is true. To this day, no one has come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to look for me. I cannot help but sigh: once a person is dead, they are considered useless!

Of course, everyone is busy with my funeral arrangements; I understand, I truly do. Thank you all, really, thank you! But your own affairs are also very important. You are working so hard to chant the Buddha’s name, and the monastics are learning and listening to the Dharma by my side. The Dharma protectors are doing their utmost, and the lay practitioners and volunteers are taking turns to do their assigned tasks. I know this. Is this not also a hope to do a little more, to serve the masses, to accumulate merit and virtue, to cultivate blessings and wisdom, and to accumulate the provisions for your own rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? Ultimately, everyone hopes to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in this lifetime, do they not? Yes, and this is also my hope. But I must also clearly tell everyone that this hope can now be realized at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Of course, all the monastics, lay practitioners, and volunteers at the academy and society deserve credit. When I was alive, I knew everyone was doing their best. Without everyone’s cooperation to keep the propagation of the Dharma on track, we would not have been able to spread the Pure Land name of Amituofo and the sutras. I understand this very well and am grateful to everyone. It is precisely because of this that I hope everyone can be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Therefore, every word and every sentence in these interviews is my sincere truth, intended for nothing more than to hope that everyone can believe me, come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to draw close to Namo Amituofo, and connect with this Dharma affinity. You can invite the Buddha to heal your illnesses, and it will be of great help for your rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Building the Pure Land Headquarters

In particular, the construction of the Pure Land school headquarters is my wish at this moment. We are the Pure Land school. Buddhism, of course, does not distinguish between schools or sects; we are all one family. The main purpose is to liberate oneself from birth and death, from the cycle of rebirth, to find one’s true self, and to return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The World-Honoured One stated this very clearly—'Return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.' Now, I am also working hard for this matter. I spent sixty years lecturing while alive and left behind sarira; now, after my passing, my spirit is also working hard, hoping to let everyone understand the reality and importance of this matter. I am using my spirit to help everyone be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in this lifetime, and also to help build the Pure Land school headquarters.

These are the true words I speak at this moment. Having seen the true world of the spirit, which cannot be seen with the physical eye, the things I say are naturally different from what I said before. Because of this, everyone should believe that this is the realization of my spirit. I know that Practitioner Su had this realization long ago; his realization is much deeper and richer! The earth-shattering things he has done in the spirit realm are unknown to people, but the beings in the spirit realm know them clearly. That is why the Thrice Yearning Ceremony at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is filled with spirit beings coming to seek deliverance. Of course, this is also the magnificent Dharma affinity that Practitioner Su cultivated in his past lives, which is now bearing fruit in this lifetime. To be free from aging, free from illness, and to have your spirit never die while alive, and to send everyone back to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss—this is the vow of Namo Amituofo, the vow of Practitioner Su, and it is also my vow at this moment. Therefore, we are now working hard to use different channels to let everyone understand the importance of these matters.

Namo Amituofo is at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, so the Pure Land school headquarters is a place of gathering and group cultivation. Because Namo Amituofo is here, the Pure Land school headquarters has a special significance. This is not an ordinary bodhimanda. I hope the Pure Land school headquarters can be built so that through everyone’s participation and learning, the Pure Land teachings can be spread further. With the current situation of the Pure Land school, we can spread the teachings even wider, benefiting the Dharma Realm and the spirit realm, and of course, the six realms of existence and the four holy realms. In fact, besides the fourfold assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and the people who watch the recordings of Practitioner Su’s lectures, there are many who listen to the Dharma via the internet. Those who believe are blessed and will benefit. If we can build the Pure Land school headquarters, it would be even better—a concrete place for those from the void, the ten directions, the worldly realm, and any country on Earth who want to learn more about the Pure Land, who want to find their true self, and who want to go to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, to have a place to learn and cultivate together. This is a wonderful thing!

A Final Reflection

When I was alive, why was my brain unable to turn? I could not see through things, nor could I let go! Such a wonderful thing—if I had been able to participate at the time, perhaps it would have been built by now. By gathering the strength of all parties, with those who have money contributing money and those who have strength contributing strength, we could have built the Pure Land school headquarters on this land, and perhaps it would already be in operation. However, there is still a chance now. As long as there is a vow and the strength, there is a chance. At this moment, I appeal to everyone, which can also be considered accumulating the provisions for my own rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss: Namo Amituofo is here; this is a major event! Since it is located in Australia, it is the blessing of the people here, and it is a rare and precious spiritual connection.

In daily generosity, even a small amount, if given without attachment, the merit obtained is immeasurable, multiplying again and again. Giving with attachment results in limited blessings. Regardless of whether it is with or without attachment, or whether the amount is large or small, it is all good. To accumulate the provisions for your own rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, helping to build the Pure Land school headquarters is the best thing you can do. I did not have time to do this while I was alive, but now, after my passing, in this state without a body, I hope everyone can receive the message and appeal issued by my spirit. This is also my wish at this moment.

Fortunately, Practitioner Su has kept Namo Amituofo here, staying in the human world. Because Namo Amituofo is in the human world, and because Namo Amituofo is here, the Buddha can not only help resolve karmic grievances but also help everyone be free from aging, free from illness, and ensure your spirit never dies. During Chao Du, the Buddha-light shines everywhere. As long as a sentient being sincerely wants to go to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and chants the Buddha’s name while entering the Buddha’s golden light, the Buddha will lead you to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss! Where else can you encounter such a thing? How many people pour out their hearts and souls chanting Namo Amituofo, but at the end of their lives, they are blocked, hindered, and trapped by their own karmic creditors, and they cannot go to the Western Pure Land? It is a pity! This lifetime passes just like that, and they fall into the cycle of rebirth; they cannot go to the Western Pure Land. At this time, if there is the Chao Du of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Namo Amituofo knows where your spirit is, and there is a Dharma Body to lead the spirit back to the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the temple. This requires someone to make a vow, and that person is Practitioner Su, who has reached Awakening and attained a Dharma Body. By cooperating with Namo Amituofo, the two of them can accomplish this, just like how they rescued me from the hells. That is exactly how it is.

How can one attain a Dharma Body? Only by reaching Awakening and attaining a Dharma Body can one cooperate with Namo Amituofo to help sentient beings enter the Western Dharma-Nature Land. Honestly, my spirit is just one of the immeasurable and boundless beings saved by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. Because of my sixty years of contribution, I am somewhat well-known, and people know who I am. So, when these words are posted online, people will click on them from their computers and read the text. Only with faith can one save their life; without faith, one cannot receive the benefits. Everything is for your own sake, not for others. Rebirth is your own business; no one can replace you.

Even the most filial child, seeing you grow old and suffer from illness, cannot replace you in aging or being sick. Even if they perform acts of generosity for you to accumulate the provisions for your rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, the one who must be reborn is still you. It is better for you to do it yourself. It should be said that if you want to reach Awakening, if you want to make a vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, a very important thing is to reconcile with and perform Chao Du for your own karmic creditors, attached spirits, and even beings from the Demon Realm while you are still alive. When I was lecturing on the Dharma while alive, I did not mention this much, nor did I think it was so important. It was only after spending this time here, seeing and hearing these things, that I realized it is too important.

Generally speaking, in Taiwan and other places, Chao Du Dharma Assemblies are often held, and you can participate at any time. You can go online, click a button, and participate anywhere. But the result is what matters most. Whether it is offering merit or acting as a sponsor, it always feels like participating in Chao Du is good for oneself and good for the karmic creditors. It is indeed good. However, the merit, virtue, conduct, Chao Du ability, and visualization ability of the person leading the Dharma Assembly are extremely important, as they affect the result of the Chao Du. Where are the beings being sent? Because the result of Chao Du belongs to the spiritual realm, everyone may not be able to know unless you have personal experience. Regardless, people always feel that as long as they participate in the Dharma Assembly, perform the Chao Du, and feel at peace, they have spent their time well, and it is indeed very good. Serving the masses and benefiting the masses is a very precious heart. Some even take leave to help at the venue, doing as much as they can within their capabilities. But have they really sent the beings to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? Have your own relatives and the deceased really reached the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? No one can answer this question. Everyone just feels that they have done it, they feel at peace, and they bless the beings they wish to be delivered to enter the Western Pure Land.

In the Thrice Yearning Ceremony at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, which lasts for three days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—each day includes a noon offering, the first session, the second session, and the third session, followed by the conclusion. The text used is the 'Complete Collection of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony by Zen Master Zhongfeng.' The most magnificent and rare thing is that the one leading the ceremony is Namo Amituofo, the Teaching Master of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I had never heard of this anywhere else before. Moreover, Zen Master Zhongfeng is also present. Zen Master Zhongfeng is one of the ancestral masters invited during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony in Australia. Of course, from the first patriarch of the Pure Land school, Master Huiyuan, to the thirteenth patriarch, Master Yinguang, all thirteen are present at the Dharma Assembly. Would you say this is magnificent? It is hard to believe, but it is indeed true, because I have seen it. It was hard to believe and I could not see it before, but what about now? In the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I can participate in and see every Dharma Assembly. So, do you think I would not believe it? How could I not believe it? I must quickly tell everyone about this so that you can participate, for your own sake, or to perform Chao Du for those you wish to deliver.

The most precious aspect of these events is that Namo Amituofo leads the ceremony, and Practitioner Su leads everyone to participate and guides the proceedings. His Dharma Body Chao Du and visualization Chao Du have already helped many beings who chant the Buddha’s name to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, or to go to the Heavenly or Human realms. This is incredible; they did not enter the three evil realms! Once a person is on their deathbed, most will experience the pain of the four elements separating, unless they go to the Heavenly or Human realms, where they can suffer less of this pain and the spirit can emerge directly. Otherwise, that pain is unavoidable. The soul leaving the body is a very important matter, and the state of mind of the spirit at that time influences where one goes in the next life.

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, no matter which realm your soul enters, Namo Amituofo knows. Practitioner Su uses his Dharma Body to lead this person to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and then into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. What do they do in the Western Dharma-Nature Land? They listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma, understand the magnificence of the Western Pure Land, become willing to go, and sincerely chant 'Namo Amituofo' once. The button on the lotus seat opens, and they quickly enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I had never heard of such a thing, but it is happening here. Therefore, it is truly rare. Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body Chao Du has saved immeasurable and boundless beings to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, expressing how earnest his wish to keep Namo Amituofo here is—it is all to save sentient beings, to save those in the human realm so they can be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss while Namo Amituofo is residing at the temple. Therefore, everyone must seize this opportunity; this is not child’s play! This is not child’s play! Rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is not child’s play. You must treat it as the most important thing in your life, and all the merit and virtue you cultivate should be dedicated to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and also dedicated to your own karmic creditors, hoping that they can also be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss together. So, it is not just saving your own spirit in this lifetime; you can also save your parents, teachers, and karmic creditors from your past lives to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. How magnificent is that!

At this moment, I have expressed myself very clearly. I hope everyone can take these words to heart. If it is the right thing to do, just do it directly. Chant the Buddha’s name well; you must truly chant the Buddha’s name well, chant honestly. But whether you can be honest is something everyone must face and overcome. If karma manifests, if you are sick, old, and weak, especially when you are suffering from serious illness, it is not an easy thing to chant the Buddha’s name honestly. At this time, the skills you cultivated from chanting the Buddha’s name in daily life must be brought out. You must have meditative concentration so that you will not be dragged away by karmic creditors due to pain and suffering, unable to chant the Buddha’s name at the end of your life. Once you are dragged away, you cannot go to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. There are many things in the spirit realm in this space, and I have mentioned some in this interview, but after all, it is not as intimate or practical as experiencing it yourself.

To this day, no monastic, lay practitioner, volunteer, or Dharma protector from any Pure Land society or academy has come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to look for me. In that case, I will just keep waiting! When someone eventually appears, that person will have karmic fortune. Being able to step into the temple is having karmic fortune. Besides being able to heal illnesses, the greatest karmic fortune is having the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in this lifetime. This cannot be bought with any amount of money or wealth. Even if you have billions in assets, if you want to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you cannot go without putting in the effort. But if you can come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you have a chance to go.

Alright, that is all for today.

Namo Amituofo.

Venerable Chin Kung, with palms pressed together.

At the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Australia.