The True Merit of Deliverance

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Venerable Master Sheng Yen, who now resides in the Western Pure Land. He reflects upon the profound nature of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony and the true meaning of deliverance for the benefit of both the living and the deceased. This interview was recorded on July 9, 2017, by the chief writer, Shi Faxi.

Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Master Sheng Yen. When I observe the weekly Thrice Yearning Ceremony held at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I am deeply moved. There is almost no one else who practises with such diligent sincerity. Their genuine vow to save all beings, combined with their hearts and actions, naturally invites the presence and protection of the Buddha or Bodhisattva. When a Dharma assembly is blessed by the presence of the Buddha or Bodhisattva, the difference is truly magnificent. It is my hope that one day, everyone will be able to personally experience this true merit that is for the benefit of both the living and the deceased."

The Perspective from the Western Pure Land

"Although I now reside in the Western Pure Land, I still carry the memory of the spirit realm. I am no longer of the human world; I have no physical body, only a spirit form. As one who has experienced the spirit realm, I can tell you that the benefits of this ceremony are real and profound. Many Dharma assemblies across the world do not necessarily achieve such magnificent results. The reason for this difference lies in one's mind-capacity, as well as the presence of a true, unwavering vow and the sincerity of one's repenting.

This is the only way to make the path of practice smooth and clear. Since time immemorial, who among us has not committed even the slightest error? We are not Sages, so our mistakes are certainly significant. Only by guiding beings to rebirth in the Western Pure Land can we achieve true benefit. This is how we repay our debts. Every practitioner must understand that this is a necessary step for all of us."

The Essence of Repentance and the Path to Rebirth

"The Liang Huang Repentance and the Water Repentance are undoubtedly magnificent essences of our repentance texts. It is for this reason that they have been passed down for thousands of years. But why are there voices of opposition today? It is because they do not lead beings to rebirth in the Western Pure Land. To be honest, everyone finds it easy to start the process of repenting. You might ask, 'Venerable, how can you say that?' It is true that when one cries tears of genuine remorse, the scene is deeply moving. But after the repenting is over, do you still remember what you repented for? Can you truly keep the promises you made during that moment of sincerity and avoid repeating the same mistakes?

That is the first point. The second point is even more critical. During these Dharma assemblies, or throughout our accumulated lifetimes, how many of the countless spirits and karmic creditors are truly willing to let go? And how much power do these traditional repentance texts have to urge them toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land? Very little. This is a realisation I have only come to understand now. I have seen it with my own eyes. From the time I was a novice monk, I was constantly involved in Dharma assemblies and Chao Du. At the time, I could not feel the presence of these spirits. I simply performed the rituals with the utmost respect and sincere prayer, following the classical records. I never once doubted them."

The Physical Toll of Unresolved Deliverance

"Looking back now, I realise why my body was always so tired and weak. After every large Dharma assembly, I would need days to recover and adjust. I now understand that this was because the spirits had not actually left. I was acting as a mediator, but the other party did not appreciate it at all. Some even resented me for interfering and would cause me trouble. Over time, my physical condition deteriorated. I must also be honest: a person with true virtue will have a radiant body, for they are like the Buddha or Bodhisattva manifested in the world, representing the Buddha in his mission to save the world. Yet, including myself, many of us were thin and pale. This was not the result of ascetic practice or eating only one meal a day; it was a clear sign that something was amiss in our practice. How many such situations are there in the world today?

I speak of this only because I hope everyone will strive for progress, for achievement, and for the ultimate truth. I hope you will all reflect deeply. The Thrice Yearning Ceremony ritual left behind by Zen Master Zhongfeng is truly a magnificent essence. I have participated in it many times, and I encourage you to study it as well. It will certainly increase your knowledge. If you can make the vow to participate, that would be the best thing of all. Namo Amituofo is truly compassionate. Namo Amituofo."