The Demon King's Return to the Light

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, a practitioner who lived approximately eight hundred years ago. After a period of deep meditative concentration, he fell into the Demon Realm due to a single thought of hatred, eventually becoming a Demon King. Through the compassionate transformation of Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, he has returned to the fold of Namo Amituofo to assist in saving the world. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, between April 8 and April 19, 2018.

Venerable Changren speaks:

The Light of the Western Pure Land

"Namo Amituofo. Today, what I see is a boundless, infinite radiance. This brilliant light emanates from the grounds of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It is said that this light originates from the Western Pure Land. In the early morning, the connection between this place and the Western Pure Land is so vibrant that it links all ten realms of existence. If people in this world could only grasp this opportunity—if they could stop obsessing over worldly dust, emotions, or wealth—they could reach the Western Pure Land. Where else could one find such a precious chance?"

"For hundreds of years, and even up to the present day, these are truths that are incredibly difficult to realise. In contrast, achieving some level of success through Chan meditation is far more common and accessible. That was how I practised myself, but those methods are not the ultimate path. Everything must be directed towards the liberation from the cycle of rebirth to be truly meaningful. Within this space, I see many of my old friends—people I met during my own time of practice. They still require the power of Namo Amituofo to be brought back. In their respective realms, I have discovered that they have no idea how limited their worlds truly are. Now that the space has been opened, they tell me how much they regret their past choices. They realise now that the universe is so vast, and they all share the same sentiment: that the solitary practice of Chan, focusing only on one's own liberation, is truly not the way."

The Truth of Practice

"There are so many truths that can only be understood here. If one truly wishes to practise, coming here allows one to understand so much. It provides true purification and, ultimately, the guarantee of rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Practice requires genuine dedication and authentic effort. I have many reflections now, and I understand the importance of transformation through practice. I hope that everyone on the path of practice can make progress, follow Namo Amituofo, and ultimately attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land."

The Power of Morning Deliverance

"Every morning, the power of Practitioner Su’s Chao Du is magnificent. It is something that most people do not know how to perceive. If everyone could appreciate it, it would be more moving than anything else in the world. If my fellow disciples could become more diligent, perhaps they would truly be able to see it clearly. My fellow disciple’s mind is different from others; it is not of this world, and he possesses a higher level of spiritual sensitivity. If he continues to cultivate and purify himself, he will be able to truly utilise his innate abilities."

"Practitioner Su’s daily deliverance work requires others to carry it forward. Such incredible ability does not exist elsewhere in the world. It transcends time and space, leading spirits to rebirth in the true Western Pure Land. This is the only ultimate path. I see vast numbers of spirits still lingering in this world because they cling to their own ideas, views, and beliefs. They cannot truly accept the guidance of deliverance because they do not believe in any power outside their own faith. Even when they have already sunk into the ghost realm, they still harbour doubts when they see the Buddha. Therefore, when the Buddha comes to save them, it must also align with their Causal Conditions. Beyond this, I want to express that people should truly understand the cycle of rebirth in the ten realms. Because of their blind following while alive, they create obstacles to their own future opportunities. Those who lead others in faith should know that if they do not lead people to rebirth, those followers remain trapped in the attachments of space. The impact of this is profound, and I hope everyone understands this. Practise with clarity. Namo Amituofo."

The Weight of Karmic Creditors

"The number of spirits coming here seeking deliverance was already high, but now, because of these Causal Conditions, they are arriving in even greater numbers. Three lay practitioners from Hong Kong brought many spirits from their own realms with them. Their bodies were originally crushed under the weight of these spirits, appearing almost unrecognisable, but now, much has been released. To achieve further purification, they must each strive to perform prostrations to the Buddha, allowing their sweat to carry out the deep-seated spiritual obstacles and the dark energy of the spirits."

"Many people do not understand the power of these spirits, but they are much like ghosts—only their level of sensitivity differs. Some have even been deified. For modern people, it is truly not easy to cultivate to the level of a deity because their internal habits and personalities are not thoroughly transformed. Whether it is Taoism, Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, or Islam, most of the original teachings were meant to guide people toward Goodness. Learning according to different faiths was originally good, as people have different karmic affinities. But why do I hope everyone returns to Buddhism? It is because only Buddhism understands the true meaning of rebirth. Other traditions stop within the ten realms and are not the ultimate Truth."

The Reality of Samsara

"Everyone knows that the cycle of rebirth is terrifying, but most people do not see the full extent of how truly frightening it is. Now, Practitioner Su has opened up the space so clearly. There are so many karmic creditors from accumulated lifetimes and spirits from corresponding realms surrounding every person, even within their own bodies. This is even more terrifying than the cycle of rebirth itself. One might not even know if they are still themselves at any given moment. This is the reality of sinking into this world. I have experienced all these worldly matters and traversed through different spaces, and I have seen everything. Only the compassionate power and the Ultimate Vow of Practitioner Su are truly manifest, teaching many truths and performing deliverance. Every day, I cherish this deeply. Practitioner Su’s ability to perform deliverance is improving every day. If anyone has the opportunity, they should learn from this. Namo Amituofo."

The Karmic Story of a Practitioner

"The scenes of deliverance I witness are beyond what anyone can imagine. There are so many temples and bodhimandas in the world, each with its own unique faith. This morning, Lay Practitioner Kwan, along with his mother and aunt, arrived at the site of the deliverance. Why am I so concerned about this Lay Practitioner Kwan? It is because I once knew this person in a past life. It is a great pity; he was a practitioner of great virtue and had contributed much to the Buddha’s teachings, even translating many volumes of sutras. However, because he harboured a dark secret in his heart—a mistake he dared not face—it completely covered up his entire life of practice. At the end of that life, he passed away due to illness. I was surprised to encounter him again through these Causal Conditions. That was over a thousand years ago. Because of that one thought, it was truly not worth it. I hope that under the influence of the Buddha-light, he can awaken once more and help save the world."

"He understands the importance of saving the world deep in his heart, but currently, it is obscured by layers of spiritual obstacles. Furthermore, there is a darkness in his family that needs deliverance—the sins accumulated over many lifetimes. From what I can see, it stems from a past incident where his family caused harm to others, which is why some of his descendants now face unfortunate fates. The laws of karma are truly terrifying. If one does not encounter the true guidance of the Buddha to reach the Western Pure Land and escape the ten realms, it is truly a frightening prospect. Now, seeing the karmic events around me and the fate of this young girl, I see that karma must be addressed through deliverance. The true power lies in the need for rebirth in the Western Pure Land. All beings need to be led to rebirth in the Western Pure Land. There are too many illegitimate temples claiming to have special abilities and gaining fame in the world, but how much truth is there really? If it is the Truth, everyone should be able to attain it; it should not be just one person’s special ability, nor should it be the deification of a person. Can one liberate oneself? That is what is real. I now understand many things in the spiritual realms, and my only wish is to help myself, help those in the spiritual realms, and help the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to reach the Western Pure Land. This is my vow."

A Demon King's Surrender

"Today, I am extremely joyful because the number of beings coming for deliverance is truly immeasurable and boundless. The three-day Dharma assembly has been magnificent, and the joy of the crowd today has made them even more eager to move forward. To everyone who has worked so hard for these past few days to conduct the Dharma assembly, Namo Amituofo."

"Before each Dharma assembly begins, the compassionate teachings of Namo Amituofo are given. Like everyone in attendance, I kneel and listen with joy. I truly understand every word. The things that keep us lingering in this world are all attachments. Those who cannot wake up are hindered from quiet retreats. The physical body that comes into this world carries these difficult-to-sever emotional ties, the turbulent fluctuations of emotion, and the selfishness that one does not admit. It is very difficult to pass this test. People always leave behind lifetimes of regret in this world because they do not know how to 'see through' and 'let go' early enough. This requires immense perseverance and faith to break through these thoughts—thoughts of oneself and thoughts of these worldly objects. Behaviors and events that seem harmless are often the greatest spiritual obstacles. What a terrifying world of human bodies this is. Some mistakenly believe it is a happy place and remain infatuated with it, not knowing that these are karmic debts and that they do not understand the true reality."

"I am grateful to have met Namo Amituofo and to have acknowledged Practitioner Su. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has given me a place of reliance in the void. I was a leader in the Demon Realm, and now I am a leader who guides everyone to surrender to the fold of Namo Amituofo. Many more will come. The Dharma realm of emptiness has never seen such sincerity. Although Namo Amituofo is the Saint of Great Compassion, that distance is too far for us. Only the sincerity of the human world can be felt. I am grateful for Practitioner Su’s sincere dedication; I understand every bit of it. I know the truth of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre completely. It will only get better, because such truth has not been seen for hundreds of years. Namo Amituofo, immeasurable merits."

Changren is here. The assembly hall is even more crowded with spirits today because of the magnificent Chao Du performed yesterday, which allowed an immeasurable and boundless number of beings to achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Today, beings from even more unimaginable levels of space have arrived. The ability to perform such Chao Du exists in this world only through Grandma; her importance is self-evident. Grandma, Changren has become strong and determined. I do not wish to let past issues interfere with myself anymore. From now on, I will be even more diligent in performing Chao Du, and I will also take care of Grandma's physical health.

Clearing the Spiritual Interference

I will help to invite out any interference, regardless of where the beings come from. Since I have decided to return to Grandma's side, I will give my absolute best. A large portion of the beings who arrived at the assembly hall today are from the celestial realms, while others are from the hells and the netherworld. Many of them have a karmic affinity with this venue, as the space above this location has indeed been somewhat chaotic. However, it is now gradually being mediated. Because different people are constantly entering and leaving this place, such situations are inevitable. I have observed that some individuals wearing monastic robes are easily carrying a large number of spirits, and the same is true for some of the Buddha statues here. However, I believe Grandma is already aware of this. Now that I and many Bodhisattvas from the universe are present, we will help to invite some of them out during the Chao Du process. Although these are celestial beings, a single space cannot sustain such a diverse range of magnetic fields simultaneously. This deeply affects the human space, including the niece they care for. I will help with these matters according to karmic affinity; unless the host of the venue proactively asks for help, I and the others cannot truly step in to assist. Dealing with these is still a minor matter; the truly major issue is their physical bodies, which are controlled by a special energy field, but it is not appropriate for me to interfere too much.

A Vow of Protection

I will synchronize and strengthen Grandma's condition to one hundred percent, and I will also protect all the attendees. I will do my best to help everyone so that they are not too severely affected by the arising of their own thoughts. Grandma, I have returned. I will be proactive. Namo Amituofo.

Interview with Venerable Changren

April 10, 2018, 6:12 PM / Chief Writer: Shi Faxi

Venerable Changren's teachings:

I have been here all day. Today's Dharma assembly is particularly magnificent. Many great Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, whom everyone is familiar with, have arrived to provide their blessings. The Dharma realm of emptiness is filled with beings from the spiritual and nether realms. So many spirits have arrived that they are being managed by Dharma protectors and must remain in orderly rows. I am leading a large group of universal Bodhisattvas to follow Grandma in performing Chao Du. At every site of Chao Du, there are countless spirits; the scene is so full that it is unimaginable to the general public. I spare no effort in supporting the Dharma assembly, hoping to help everyone truly see the Western Pure Land and enter it.

A Rare Opportunity for Deliverance

Such an opportunity for Chao Du has never existed before. I have been a monastic for eight hundred years, yet in my past practice, I only knew how to purify and elevate myself; I completely forgot about the matter of Chao Du and was unable to open these spaces. Now that the world has the blessing to witness this, everyone should be aware and cherish it. This is truly a rare and magnificent Dharma affinity. In order to head to the Western Pure Land, everyone should be sincere and wholeheartedly chant the holy name of Namo Amituofo. The Buddha Amitabha is truly right before us. Namo Amituofo.

Interview with Venerable Changren

April 9, 2018, 9:01 AM / Chief Writer: Shi Faxi

Venerable Changren's teachings:

Indeed, my heart is not yet pure and mature enough, because when the past misdeeds I committed were brought up again, I realized I had not truly let go. The reason I could not let go was because of regret and the need for repenting. Only now do I know that these, too, must be let go. One's vow must be even stronger to match the Buddha's; that is the only way to possess boundless perseverance. In the midst of all experiences, only then can one be truly pure and cool.

Learning from the Master

I have now deeply realized the appearance of emptiness. Seeing Grandma's dedicated efforts this morning, performing Chao Du for an immeasurable and boundless number of beings, I realize I should truly learn from her. If I continue to be bound by my own mistakes, then that is truly the greatest selfishness in the world. I know that my past faults cannot be undone, but now I must do my best to move forward. To walk through life with a heart of non-attachment—I understand this now, and I will quickly transform and take up my duties. For the sake of the greater good, I cannot be this way. Namo Amituofo.

Interview with Venerable Changren

April 8, 2018, 3:08 PM / Chief Writer: Shi Faxi

Venerable Changren's teachings:

The Dharma assembly for Chao Du always attracts countless spirits to arrive beforehand. Although my duties have changed, my sincere heart in following the Buddha will never change for all eternity, because that was the very moment I decided to turn from evil to Goodness—a vow I made back then.

A Commitment to the Path

I know Grandma's intentions and her care. The daily Chao Du is a true, magnificent event. I now listen completely to Grandma's instructions and take good care of my current post; for the rest, I follow Grandma to perform Chao Du with all my heart. I will also do my best. Any lack of sincerity is a sign of disrespect to the Dharma. I will absolutely change and be authentic. Namo Amituofo, boundless compassion.

I never thought about how terrifying it is to create karma. It turns out that the dream of karma is difficult to break throughout one's many lives. Now I know that the only way is to change and to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Amitabha Buddha, thank you for your teachings. Namo Amituofo.