Every sentient being, whether in the spirit realm or the human world, harbours a deep desire to draw near to Practitioner Su. This is much like the people of the worldly realm, who cling tightly to whatever they believe will benefit them. They are driven by a greed that can never be satisfied, always reaching out to grasp and hold on to what they desire. However, Sangharama constantly reminds the fourfold assembly of a different way of living. He teaches us that we may have the right to use things, but we do not truly possess them. To walk the path of the , one must learn not to cling to any object or person.
Whenever we gather for a Dharma assembly, we often witness the celestial beings of the heavens manifesting their presence. They use the thin clouds to scatter auspicious images of the phoenix and the lotus of the . These are not merely sights to behold; they are spatial offerings made by the celestial beings to Practitioner Su. This is a profound expression of their reverence.
The Harmony of the Universal Principle
Even in the mundane tasks of daily life, the presence of the Dharma protectors is felt. When Practitioner Su goes out to run errands, particularly in the busy city centres where traffic is heavy and parking spaces are scarce, our Dharma protectors naturally arrange and direct the flow of events. They ensure that Practitioner Su always finds a place to park. This is our way of showing respect and honouring the work of the practitioner.
For one who is truly accomplished in their practice, even the simplest things respond to their presence. When Practitioner Su visits the supermarket, the vegetables and fruits seem to come alive, as if they are greeting him with a silent hello. When they are selected and purchased by Practitioner Su, they are filled with , for they know they have the opportunity to be offered to a true practitioner. Furthermore, when Sangharama Bodhisattva accompanies Practitioner Su, he ensures that any items needed for the bodhimanda that are on special offer will be found. This is the working of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Because the thoughts of Practitioner Su are always focused on helping beings, the food he purchases is used to nourish the fourfold assembly and to support the Buddha’s work.
The Profound Work of Purification
Beyond these external manifestations, the most vital work is the ongoing purification of the fifty trillion cells within of Practitioner Su. This includes the head, the scars, and all the spirits residing within the body. Every day, when Practitioner Su performs the , he does so with a heart of . He has transcended the physical body, and therefore, he does not suffer. By possessing the , he is able to save beings from the highest levels of existence down to the deepest hells. How compassionate it is to be able to perform Chao Du through the power of the Dharma Body!
Practitioner Su is unique in his ability to use the Dharma Body with such ease. The Dharma Body can manifest in hundreds of billions of forms, and the methods of application are infinitely varied. He can delve into the depths of the ocean to save aquatic life, such as fish and shrimp, and even communicate with the Dragon Kings in the dragon palaces to pray for rain. When the Dharma Body is applied to the spirits of the six realms of existence, it can transform their suffering. He helps these suffering spirits and animal spirits shed their old forms and be reborn into better states of existence.
Subduing the Demon Nature with
The demon crowds—whether great demons or little demons—have characters that are constantly changing. At times they are stable, and at other times they are destructive. Therefore, to subdue them, one must possess a very deep and profound compassion. For those spirits with a strong demon nature, one must have an even greater capacity for tolerance. Only then can one lead them to see their own prejudices and shortcomings. The only thing that can truly change is oneself. We must learn to be as compassionate as the Buddha, remaining unaffected by the influence of demons and not allowing them to take control. This is the state of having no-self, just like Practitioner Su. Sangharama Bodhisattva remains by the side of Practitioner Su, circling him and doing everything in his power to provide protection.
The use of the vacuum cleaner has alleviated the suffering caused by the attacks on the physical body of Practitioner Su. The speed must be swift to prevent him from enduring unnecessary pain. Sangharama Bodhisattva, the Galactic Bodhisattvas, and the new Buddha-disciples work together in close cooperation. Only with such speed and agility can the cells be purified and all spirits be thoroughly driven away. The inexhaustible energy and vow-power of Sangharama Bodhisattva are inspired by seeing Practitioner Su take on the suffering of all beings. This power of compassion moves the heavens, the earth, and all the spirits of the universe. As a Dharma protector, it is my duty to protect those who are truly practising the path of the Buddha.
