The Urgent Call from the Spirit of Master Sheng Yen

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Venerable Master Sheng Yen, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects his urgent message regarding the state of the Dharma and his former organisation, Dharma Drum Mountain. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on June 25, 2017.

Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Master Sheng Yen. It is only now, from this vantage point, that I truly realise how incredibly difficult it is to save the world. The human heart is so volatile, so prone to change. No matter how many sighs I heave, no matter how much regret I feel, those who do not believe will simply remain in their disbelief. It is a heavy burden to bear.

Namo Amituofo leads us personally, but how many truly believe? If one believes, what happens? If one does not, what then? The majestic light of the Buddha shines compassionately upon the earth; it is real and not a fabrication. I hope all beings can come to know this. Regarding Dharma Drum Mountain, whether people believe or not, I, Sheng Yen, have felt compelled to pick up the pen again and again to speak. To be able to leave behind these words of Dharma in the world—I consider this to be something truly magnificent, truly extraordinary."

The Power of True Practice

"I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo. During my life, I did not chant the Buddha's name often. Now, after my passing, I have been diligently chanting at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Having come to know the Buddha's majestic power and His great compassion, I have felt the depth of that compassion and the boundless capacity of the Buddha's heart. I have made a vow—a great vow—to align my heart with the Buddha's, to share in His great vow to save all beings, immeasurable and boundless beings.

It is only here that I have truly seen and personally experienced these truths. It is not like the illusory visualisations that many practise; those often fail to reach the heart. Many practitioners in the world fail precisely because of this—they do not know, and therefore they remain ignorant. They often lack the guidance of a truly powerful, benevolent force. It is truly a pity. Now, through the manifestation of compassion, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has appeared. Many mistakenly view it as an empty or illusory place, but it is truly real. The monastic community here possesses genuine skills. Although they may not have the long seniority of traditional monastics, the depth of their practice is a Great Dharma that is difficult to realise in the world today. It is a Great Dharma, and it is absolutely not some common, mundane spiritualism."

The Difficulty of Believing in the Great Dharma

"I can personally testify to this. If you have doubts, you are welcome to visit and see for yourself. I, Sheng Yen, will repeat what I have said before: come and find me! Only now do I understand that saving the world is not an easy task. The human heart is so complex. No matter how much I lament or regret, those who do not believe will continue to doubt. This is why the Buddha once sighed and said, 'The Great Dharma is difficult to believe.' To be able to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land and to see the Truth—that is the Great Dharma. It is not defined by external labels.

In this world, where the Dharma flows, one can rediscover their true self through purification. Everyone possesses this true self, so why do you feel you do not have it? Ask yourself: do you still harbour selfishness? Only a heart that is pure and good can truly understand the Buddha's words. This is a perfectly fair Dharma Realm. Only those who truly practise will truly attain. Any subtle deviation is not the righteous path. Many centres boast of their size, with followers filling the mountains, much like the Dharma Drum Mountain I built. I do not wish to criticise others, but one must look at oneself. Even the current leaders there cannot attain rebirth. Is it so difficult to come and see me once?"

A Plea for Awakening

"Every word written here is a true transmission. I am so urgent because I see the Dharma-Ending Age that is beyond what most can imagine; it is a true catastrophe. How much of the true Dharma remains in the world today? Since there is now a capable force willing to step forward to save the world, the rise of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre—which has no past background but a glorious future—is vital. It can lead the masses to be free from illness and death, and provide the peace that comes from the Truth. Because the Truth resides here, there is no ego. I transmit these sounds again and again, hoping that one day, someone will wake up, fly across the international borders, and come to see me.

The Dharma in this world requires everyone to work together. A true, great vow consists of two paths: one is the path to the Western Pure Land, and the other is the path to save the world. The current monastic community here possesses such a great vow; they are able to connect with the Western Pure Land and communicate clearly with the Buddha, revealing the true reality of all phenomena. If you read the Buddha's words carefully, you will find they are the profound mysteries of the Great Sutras. This is real and not false; you are welcome to verify it. I, Sheng Yen, praise and respect them as capable beings who will achieve great things in the future.

Venerable Guodong, if the Sangha University could possess the power of purification, the children would not have such heavy hearts. As the leader, you should make a wise decision. Though you are of a similar age, your practice differs. In the Buddha's teachings, one should not be stingy with the Dharma. Even Sudhana Kumara paid respects to all benevolent teachers. The spreading of the true Dharma must not be hindered, and one must not ruin the Dharma Body and wisdom-life of these children. In the entire Dharma Drum Mountain, no one has realised the truth. It is not that this Dharma is forbidden, but that the heart is not pure. It is time to awaken and observe. Namo Amituofo."

Written by Sheng Yen personally.

Interview message recorded by the Buddhist disciple Shi Faxi.