This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Venerable Master Sheng Yen, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his past life and his insights into the current state of the Buddha’s teachings. Recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi on July 20, 2017.
Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:
". To be born into this human world and to have the opportunity to encounter the Buddha’s teachings is an incredibly rare and fortunate blessing. You are truly lucky, and you possess immense . If you can practise well, you will soon be able to depart from this place—a world that everyone knows is filled with suffering, a vast ocean of in the saha world. To be liberated from the cycle of three lifetimes is to experience true, genuine happiness and complete fulfilment. The pain of the human world can only be transformed through the Truth and through diligent, sincere practice.
I have walked this path for an entire lifetime. Are you willing to believe that these words are the absolute Truth? There is no reason for me to fabricate such illusions. If your erroneous views and deep-seated attachments are too heavy, it will be very difficult for you to practise effectively. Because you have not observed the world clearly, you have not observed the Truth clearly, and consequently, you have not observed your own practice clearly. Naturally, you will find it impossible to achieve liberation.
The Root of Human Suffering
Why has this world become what it is today? The primary cause, which we can never escape, is selfishness and self-interest. Everything is viewed from the perspective of , or centred entirely around the self. All events—whether good or bad—are made to revolve around one's own ego. You may desire a pure heart, but that is extremely difficult to achieve. Even when there is nothing wrong, you will habitually find things to trouble yourself with. Not only does this fail to resolve any problems, but it also prevents you from attaining rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The situation is truly that grave. Has everyone seen this clearly yet?
The of the Buddha has allowed me, Sheng Yen, to take this opportunity to share these profound Truths with all of you. It is not because I am particularly extraordinary, and it is certainly not because the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is creating trouble. This is a genuine opportunity, a manifestation of the real Truth. It is so magnificent that the masses should believe and accept it. The only one who benefits is yourself, and the only one who attains rebirth is yourself. If you can practise well, why not let go of your preconceptions and give it a sincere try? Once you have departed and achieved success, that attainment belongs to you—and it is something you can truly take with you.
Letting Go of the Heavy Burden
Everyone should put down the heavy, cluttered things they are holding onto—things that cannot be taken with them. There is simply too much, it is too heavy, and it is far too complex. A vast majority of these burdens are merely products of your own imagination. Not only can you not take them with you, but in the end, they are all illusions. You end up with nothing, and you fail to attain rebirth. Your practice becomes nothing more than an empty, illusory dream. It is such a pity.
I have left behind many books and many teachings that I once spoke about. There are so many of them, but I have never truly investigated whether they have been useful to you, or whether you have actually put them into practice. In truth, I was not a perfect leader. I did not truly lead the way to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, which is why today, Drum Mountain lacks the presence of the True Teachings. This statement is not meant as a criticism; rather, it is an articulation of the Truth.
The True Nature of the Buddha’s Teachings
A true Dharma, a true bodhimanda that propagates the teachings, cannot be filled with disputes over 'self' and 'others.' It cannot contain illegal practices, and it cannot be defined by the boundaries of a specific organisation. Because in reality, there is nothing to hold onto—that is the only Truth. Dharma Drum Mountain has grown in scale, with one centre after another, including retreats and branches spanning the entire globe. But first, it lacks the Truth. Furthermore, even if the Truth were present, it has not been popularised for the benefit of the masses; instead, it has remained loyal to the Dharma Drum system. This is not the True Teachings. These were all my mistakes.
In truth, my original intention was not malicious, but my incorrect actions truly require reflection. The Buddha’s teachings should be the Dharma of the Buddha, without any sectarian divisions. We are all one family. We should be giving to the ten directions, and only then can we accept the offerings of the ten directions. If you can agree with what I have said, please share it with everyone. Only through this gathering of strength can the Buddha’s teachings have a chance to change, and only then can the True Teachings stand tall once again.
A Final Plea for the True Teachings
The real Truth, the real Buddha’s teachings, and the real practice depend on your wise choices and your support. Venerable Guo Dong, your wisdom is exceptional, and I hope you can understand. I am now in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I have appeared once more to speak of the Truth I have seen, and to leave these words behind to rectify the mistakes I once made. I hope you can come to find me. The propagation of the True Teachings still requires your great strength. For the sake of all sentient beings in the ten directions, we must do this. Namo Amituofo."
