The Suffering of Marine Beings

Venerable Chang Gao, a monastic residing at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, sought the Master’s guidance to perform Chao Du for the suffering marine beings witnessed during a session on April 4, 2019. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

Venerable Chang Gao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chang Gao. Today, while participating in a Chao Du session conducted by the Master, I was granted the ability to perceive a specific space—a dimension where marine creatures endure profound suffering.

A Cycle of Endless Agony

In the middle of a vast, boundless ocean, I saw a massive school of fish and shrimp being ensnared by a colossal fishing net cast down from the surface. As the giant net was hauled upward, the catch was dumped onto the deck of the vessel. I watched in horror as countless fish and shrimp thrashed and leaped frantically across the deck. Within a very short time, they were shoved into a freezing chamber. In that environment of extreme cold, the entire mass of creatures struggled violently before their movements ceased, and they succumbed to death.

Not long after, another haul of fish and shrimp was brought up by the nets. They were subjected to the exact same process and met the same tragic fate. This continued until the freezing chamber was packed to capacity with fresh, raw marine life. The vessel then returned to the fishing port, where a large crowd had already gathered, eager to purchase the catch. Because these fish and shrimp had been flash-frozen, they retained their freshness, allowing the fishermen to sell them for a high price. I could see the fishermen wearing satisfied smiles, completely oblivious to the agony they had caused.

The Echoes of Trapped Spirits

In another dimension, I could see the spirits of these captured creatures. Some were still swimming beneath the ocean, while others remained frozen in the exact moment they were scooped up by the net. Some were trapped in the final, agonizing instant when their bodies stopped moving inside the freezer. The spirits of these marine creatures were filled with overwhelming terror. Many were still desperately thrashing within the confines of the spiritual net, trying to jump out to freedom. Others, numbed by the extreme cold, moved weakly, their spirits still clinging to the instinct to maintain warmth and stay alive. Regardless of their state, none could escape the fate of death. In this space, the spirits of these previously captured creatures were trapped in an endless loop, constantly repeating the scenes of their struggle and their final moments of death.

The Horror of the Higher Beings

It was not just fish and shrimp; there were many other marine beings, including deep-sea creatures, clams, and shellfish. Their flesh is considered a delicacy, and they are often the favourites of gourmets. There were also whales, sharks, and dolphins. In this space, all the creatures I witnessed were manifesting the exact state of struggle and death they experienced when they were first captured. Some were still alive and struggling when they were butchered, sliced into pieces, cleaned, packaged, and frozen for preservation.

These dolphins, sharks, whales, and other highly intelligent marine mammals and fish appeared to me as human spirits. I watched in absolute despair as they were sliced open, one cut after another. Their faces were contorted in agony, their bodies twisted in pain. I could even see fresh blood flowing from their wounds before they finally died. Their spirits would collapse, lying flat on the ground, which was soaked in red blood. These scenes were like a film reel being played over and over again. I could not bear to watch any longer; I had to close my eyes.

The Compassion of the Master

In the very next instant, the Master arrived. The entire surface of the ocean was suddenly illuminated by a brilliant golden light. The spirits of the various fish, shrimp, clams, and crabs began to transform, one after another, into the forms of adults and children, men and women of all ages. Some, whose scales had been stripped away during their struggle when they were captured, now appeared as human spirits with raw, exposed flesh. Under the illumination of the Buddha-light, they were restored to their original, perfect forms. They looked at one another in wonder. The Buddha-name reverberated throughout the space.

I hurriedly reminded everyone to chant the Buddha-name and move toward the golden light. The Master’s large Dharma robe sleeve swept forward, gently gathering everyone up and guiding them toward the front, into the golden light. The number of beings was truly immense. With great wisdom, the Master swept the sleeve again, and countless more creatures were sent toward the golden light. In an instant, the ocean surface returned to a state of profound peace. I hurried to follow in the Master’s footsteps.

This is but one small glimpse of the scenes I witnessed during today’s Chao Du. Countless marine beings have been saved. I am filled with gratitude to the Master! We shall all continue to follow the Master forward."

Namo Amituofo.