The Silent Vengeance of a Plague Demon

This is a record of an interview with Mo Yin-tian, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, having been given the Dharma name Shi Ming-guang by Practitioner Su. This account reflects upon his life and his subsequent time as a spirit. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa-jing, on August 19, 2021.

Shi Ming-guang (Mo Yin-tian) speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Mo Yin-tian. For the longest time, I followed my Demon King, strutting about and showing off our power. We looked down upon humanity with disdain; we felt that we had to wipe them out completely. We were always searching for an opportunity to destroy the human race.

A Golden Opportunity for Destruction

This pandemic was, for us, a truly magnificent opportunity. If we could eliminate humanity during this outbreak, our lives would become much easier. We would no longer have to look at humans, those thorns in our sides. We could occupy the entire Earth and turn it into our own territory—the Demon Realm. It sounded like such a perfect chance; it was incredibly tempting.

We followed the Demon King’s orders. Wherever he told us to attack, we went. We never dared to have our own opinions because we were absolutely respectful and obedient to him. Without the Demon King’s leadership, we little demons would have no way to establish ourselves in the Demon Realm. We had to follow him until our demon nature was strong enough to earn a promotion. But when that would happen, I had no idea, so I never dared to dream of it. However, the Demon King told us that if we could perform a great service during this pandemic, we would have the chance to become minor Demon Kings. This 'great service' meant destroying a certain number of humans. Usually, a demon who could destroy a hundred people was considered quite remarkable and could raise their rank in the Demon Realm. If the number increased, it was even more extraordinary.

The Assignment in the Americas

The Demon King assigned us to attack several major locations, and I was assigned to the Americas. It was a vast region, and attacking the people there was not difficult at all. Because every one of them had such strong subjective consciousness, loved freedom, and possessed all sorts of desires and personalities, finding targets was an incredibly easy task.

One day, I was working hard at spreading the virus. I had found several suitable targets and was just about to strike when other demon friends suddenly came to tell me, 'Yin-tian! Yin-tian! Come with us quickly! We heard that there is a human who can stop this pandemic! Many Demon Kings have already gone to find him. Let’s go over and watch the show!' What my friends said immediately ignited my interest. I wanted to see what kind of human could have the ability to stop this wave of the pandemic!

The Power of the Buddha-Name

When we arrived at the temple, it was already surrounded by countless demon crowds. The Dharma protectors were guarding the entire temple, preventing us from easily interfering with Practitioner Su. I chose an excellent vantage point to watch, wanting to see if Practitioner Su could withstand the power of the Demon Kings from our realm.

Just then, a companion walked up to me and said, 'Stop watching! The Demon King is calling everyone to assemble!' As soon as I heard the Demon King’s summons, I followed quickly.

The Demon King led us, his demon children and grandchildren, into Practitioner Su’s body. This was not my first time entering a human body, but Practitioner Su’s body was different from ordinary humans. As soon as I entered, I felt a very gentle force, but at the same time, I felt my demon power constantly weakening. As my power faded, I seemed to forget what I had come to do. The evil thoughts that were originally in my mind seemed to be washed away by the sound of the Buddha-name chanting inside Practitioner Su’s body!

A Change of Heart

I suddenly felt very nervous because I had forgotten what the Demon King had instructed me to do. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember. At that moment, I met a companion who had entered with me. I rushed over to tell him about this serious situation. To my surprise, he was the same as me, perhaps even worse. He said to me, 'I don't want to be a demon anymore. I want to learn Practitioner Su’s skills.' This companion was usually the most obedient one in our realm. Whatever the Demon King ordered, he would always do it to the King's satisfaction, sometimes even doing more than asked. But now, he was saying such things! I found it hard to believe. Fortunately, the Demon King didn't hear him. I quickly told him, 'Shh! Don't talk nonsense! We are demons; how can we learn skills from a Buddha? If the Demon King hears you, the outcome will be miserable!'

My companion still looked very determined. It seemed he had made up his mind. So, I asked him why he made this decision. He told me, 'From the moment I entered Practitioner Su’s body, I was transformed by his compassion. No one has ever been willing to treat us demons with such kindness. Everyone else shows a disgusted expression the moment they hear the word 'demon,' but Practitioner Su is not like that. I feel that Practitioner Su not only accepts and tolerates us but is even willing to help us. Therefore, I believe that as long as Practitioner Su is here, I can definitely be saved!' Hearing my companion say this, my heart began to waver. I decided to follow his lead. Whatever he did, I would do. I believed that following him would definitely be the right choice.

The Path to Deliverance

When we made this decision, we felt a sudden surge of positive energy within us. This was an energy that had never appeared in us before; it was completely different from our original demon power. We began to feel the changes in ourselves and were pleasantly surprised. Not long after, we were pushed out by a great force. With a cough from Practitioner Su, we were all ejected from his body. I thought we would never have the chance to follow Practitioner Su again, but unexpectedly, we were immediately brought by Practitioner Su to the Western Dharma-Nature Land, where we sat on lotus seats to listen to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks.

Listening to one Dharma talk after another, my heart became increasingly repentant. I regretted having become a demon.

A Childhood Lost to War

My age is actually still very young. When my spirit left my body, I was only seven years old. Although I was young, my heart had already become like a little demon. After I died, I was immediately summoned back to the Demon Realm and began to formally join the ranks to destroy humanity.

I was born in Vietnam. My name at the time was Liu Yan-dong. Our family was very poor. Seven of us lived in a simple, dilapidated house: my father, mother, and five children. I was the second oldest. The family relied on my father’s farming for a living. Although we ate simple food every day, we five children were very content and never argued with our parents about wanting anything. We didn't need toys; we often ran barefoot in the courtyard, playing happily.

In our village, everyone lived much the same way, and the economic situation of every household was similar. We had always lived a simple life. My father told me that his greatest wish was to see us children grow up safely, get married, and have children, continuing the Liu family line. When I heard my father say this, I told him, 'Father, your wish is easy to fulfill. We will grow up soon. My big brother is tall and handsome; he will surely find a wife soon. I don't look bad either; many uncles and aunts in the village like me. As long as one of them is willing to marry their daughter to me, I can fulfill your wish.' My father laughed heartily, and watching him laugh, I laughed along with him.

The Tragedy of the Village

Not long after my father said those words, the war invaded our village. A group of American soldiers began to attack the villagers. My parents took us five children and fled, fearing we would be harmed. I was seven years old, and there were three very young siblings behind me. My father carried my younger brother and sister on his shoulders and held my older brother’s hand. My mother carried my other younger brother on her back and held my hand, urging us, 'Run quickly, run quickly!' The villagers were all fleeing, unable to carry much. They took some precious items and a little dry food, and ran.

We ran without stopping. We thought we had reached a safe place and were just about to stop when we encountered a group of American soldiers! They spotted my father first. My mother was still behind us. When my mother was holding my hand and almost reached my father, she saw him surrounded by the soldiers. She stopped immediately, not daring to run forward. Watching my father, brother, and younger siblings in danger without being able to save them, I could feel my mother’s heart breaking. But to protect me and the brother on her back, she suppressed her tears and turned to run in another direction. She didn't run far; she found a hidden place to hide. She told me, 'I cannot let go of your father. Tomorrow morning, I will go out to find them.'

We didn't sleep all night. Mother fed me a little dry food, but I couldn't eat, and she didn't eat either. We endured the whole night in agony.

The Final Act of Vengeance

Early the next morning, before dawn, Mother took me to look for Father. When we reached the place where Father had encountered the soldiers the day before, Mother immediately covered her face and wept bitterly, because Father and my brother were already lying on the ground! Mother painfully turned Father’s body over, and underneath him were my younger brother and sister, who had already stopped breathing. Mother wailed, and I cried along with her. Our once-happy family had been destroyed just like that! Seeing Mother’s sadness and seeing Father lying on the ground, I remembered his only hope: to see us children grow up safely. At the time, I thought it was an easy dream to realize, but I never expected it to be shattered so quickly. A strong hatred arose in my heart. I hated the soldiers who destroyed our family and our village. I hated them; I hated them so much. I wanted them to pay for our happy home!

Mother was unable to bury Father, my brother, and my younger siblings at that time. She dragged them into the bushes, covered them with some dry grass, and then took me away quickly. Halfway there, more soldiers appeared. Mother told me to hide, but I stood still. No matter how she pulled me, I refused to go. I told her, 'Mother, take my younger brother and go!' Mother asked nervously, 'What are you going to do?' By then, my eyes were already filled with murderous intent. Worried that I would do something foolish, she used all her strength to pull me away. I don't know where I got the strength, but I was stronger than her. Finally, I pushed her away. I ran directly toward the soldiers, taking out a sharp tool I had picked up from the ground, intending to stab them. I never expected that as soon as I raised my hand to attack, I would be shot dead. Before I completely stopped breathing, I heard Mother crying out, 'A-Dong—' Tears flowed from the corners of my eyes, and I died with my eyes wide open, unable to rest in peace.

After death, my soul was quickly sucked into the Demon Realm. A Demon King summoned me, saying they could help me take revenge. I joined without hesitation, thus becoming a member of the Demon Realm.

A New Beginning

Now, I regret it. I committed sins, and I couldn't save my family. I joined in this pandemic, and although I hadn't harmed many people yet, my character had been influenced by demon power over these years and was no longer pure. Now, after listening to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks, I have begun to correct myself. I listen to the sutras earnestly every day, chant the Buddha-name to purify myself, and truly change myself thoroughly.

I am grateful for the Buddha’s compassion. I am grateful for Practitioner Su’s compassion.

Namo Amituofo.

Mo Yin-tian

Practitioner Su gave Mo Yin-tian the Dharma name Shi Ming-guang.

Reflections on the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies

From the time I was alive until now, I had never seen so many people gathered together. When I first attended the Dharma assembly, I was truly shocked. How could there be so many spirits? Immeasurable and boundless! No matter if I looked to the east, west, south, or north, I couldn't see the edge. It was completely full of spirits! These spirits were all waiting for Practitioner Su. May I call him 'Grandma Su' like everyone else? Everyone came to find Grandma Su for Chao Du! I suddenly felt that Grandma Su was amazing, truly amazing. No matter what kind of spirit—human, animal, insect, or even the trees, flowers, grass, and the earth that usually don't move—all could be saved by Grandma Su! Grandma Su quickly brought golden light and the holy name of Namo Amituofo. After taking off their 'clothes', they all turned back into their original human forms. I saw many of them showing expressions of surprise, while others were moved to tears, all quickly moving toward the Buddha-light, wanting to gain liberation!

I participated in the entire Chao Du process and sang the Buddha-name loudly along with everyone. I hoped they could all be saved; I understood all their suffering! So, no matter how loudly I had to sing, I would do it, just hoping they could gain liberation soon!

Following Grandma Su to perform Chao Du everywhere, I realized how miserable it is for a spirit not to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. They have to go everywhere to reincarnate and suffer retribution. I dare not imagine where I would have gone to suffer retribution if I hadn't come to Grandma Su. It is truly too terrifying! Now, my heart is filled with gratitude. I am grateful that the Buddha saved me, and I am grateful that Grandma Su was willing to accept me, so that I could be saved.

During this pandemic, I attacked humans. The number of people I harmed was about fifteen, and the number of deaths was about eight.

Shi Ming-guang

A Family Reunited

Shi Ming-guang’s family:

• Father: Liu Zheng-fan, protecting his children in the space.
• Mother: Lin Li-xian, currently in the form of a cat.
• Big Brother: Liu Qi-yang, standing by Father’s side in the space.
• First Younger Brother: Liu Feng-wen, in the space.
• Second Younger Brother: Liu Wei-zheng, in the space.
• Younger Sister: Liu Mei-jia, in the space.

They have all been saved by Practitioner Su and led to the Western Dharma-Nature Land to listen to the Dharma.

Reflections after the whole family was saved by Practitioner Su:

Mo Yin-tian (Shi Ming-guang):

'Thank you, Grandma Su! Thank you, Grandma Su! Our whole family can finally be reunited! Father is fine; the gunshot wound on his body has healed. Big brother is also fine; as soon as he saw me, he ran over to care for me. My younger siblings are also fine; they look the same as they did back then, just frightened and unable to speak for a moment. Seeing Mother, I felt so sad. She has aged; she must have lived a very hard and sorrowful life after fleeing with my younger brother back then, which is why she has aged so much. I quickly hugged Mother and told her not to worry: 'We are all back. Our whole family is back, and everyone is fine!' Mother cried and said, 'As long as everyone is fine! As long as everyone is fine!'

I still didn't dare let my parents know that I had become a demon. My appearance is still decent now. I told my parents, 'It was Namo Amituofo and Grandma Su who saved us.' My parents immediately took us five children and knelt on the ground, kowtowing to thank Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su!'

Shi Ming-guang