The Void Within the Human Heart: An Interview with the Demon Mo Bi

This is a record of an interview with Mo Bi, a demon who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his existence spanning approximately twenty-six billion years. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on June 17, 2024.

Mo Bi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Mo Bi, a demon from a distant and ancient space-time. In that primordial era, I was a formidable force. I controlled countless spirits and consciousnesses, manipulating the fears and desires of sentient beings. My power was so immense that I could traverse time and space, exerting my influence even upon the world of today.

I originate from a time twenty-six billion years ago. The environment then was simple, especially when compared to the chaotic and dark era you live in now. My very essence was one of consumption and control. I used fear and despair as my bait, driving others into states of confusion and agony.

The Cruel Ambition of a Demon

My goal was simple yet brutal: to control everything and cast every soul into an endless void. As time progressed, I discovered that humanity was a race incredibly susceptible to my influence. They crave power, knowledge, and control, yet they frequently neglect the true needs of their hearts.

The advancement of technology provided me with a perfect opportunity. I began to exploit humanity's reliance on technology, leading them to become gradually lost in a world of illusions. The human heart is inherently hungry for connection and understanding; their drive for knowledge stems from curiosity about the unknown and a desire for self-improvement. However, with the assistance of technology, this pursuit has gradually deviated from its original intent.

The Trap of the Virtual World

With the proliferation of the internet and the ubiquity of smart devices, people have become increasingly dependent on the virtual world to satisfy their needs. In this virtual realm, people can instantly obtain information, communicate with friends across the globe, share the minutiae of their lives, and even create a completely idealized self-image. But behind this convenience and rapid gratification lies a deep trap.

People have begun to spend vast amounts of time on social media, online games, and various applications. They have gradually forgotten the real world, becoming lost in a profound sense of emptiness. I discovered that when people indulge in the instant gratification brought by technology, their hearts become increasingly fragile and hollow. They no longer seek deep, meaningful connections or understanding; instead, they pursue superficial pleasure and satisfaction. Their lives have become increasingly dependent on the recognition and validation found within the virtual world—a validation that is often fleeting and false.

Designing the Web of Illusion

I began to design various temptations and traps within this virtual world—from video games to social media, from online shopping to virtual reality, nothing was excluded. I utilised humanity's craving for instant gratification and pleasure to lead them astray. They spend more and more time and energy in the virtual world, neglecting their responsibilities and relationships in reality. Their real lives have become monotonous and dull, while the stimulation and pleasure of the virtual world make it difficult for them to break free.

The souls of humanity are gradually eroded in this process. They become increasingly lonely and anxious. They seek solace in the virtual world, only to find that such comfort is short-lived and incapable of true satisfaction. Their inner hearts become even emptier, and this emptiness, in turn, drives them to rely even more on the virtual world, forming a vicious cycle from which there is no escape.

The Cycle of Suffering

I watch as people struggle in this cycle, their hearts filled with contradiction and pain. On one hand, they yearn to break free from this dependency and return to a real life; on the other hand, they cannot resist the temptations and stimulation of the virtual world. Their souls become increasingly fragile in this struggle, and from this, I derived endless pleasure and satisfaction.

Technological progress should have been a tool for humanity to improve themselves and change the world. But when people rely too heavily on technology and ignore the true needs of their hearts, technology becomes a shackle, imprisoning them in an illusory world. They have lost their perception of reality, becoming numb and indifferent. Everyone is immersed in cyberspace at all times and in all places; walking down the street, everyone is using electronic products, scrolling through their phones. Their souls are controlled by technology, becoming hollow and fragile.

A Stirring of Conscience

Against this backdrop, my influence became unimaginably powerful. I watched as people indulged in the illusory world day after day, feeling immense satisfaction and joy. Their pain and confusion became the source of my power, and I took delight in their fear and despair. Yet, even though I am a demon, a strange power still existed within my heart—a power that constantly resisted what I was doing.

I lived in a state of contradiction. As time passed, I began to feel a strange sense of unease and emptiness. I started to ponder: can such control and influence truly fill the void in my heart? Can this endless darkness and chaos truly bring the satisfaction I crave? This reflection led me to begin re-examining my own existence and actions. I gradually realised that perhaps only through true understanding and connection could I find inner peace and comfort. And this understanding and connection were precisely what I had ignored in the endless darkness and chaos.

The Light of Namo Amituofo

I began to search for my true self. It was not until today that I realised my transformation was brought about by the compassionate purification and calling of Namo Amituofo, as well as the Chao Du power of Practitioner Su. This gave me the opportunity to wake up and cease being a demon who only creates evil.

Many times, I saw the struggle and pain of humanity in their reliance on technology, and I also saw that hope and longing deep within their hearts that had not yet been extinguished. I decided that I would no longer be satisfied with merely controlling and harming; instead, I would try to help them find themselves again, break free from the shackles of illusion, and return to a real life. This is a path full of challenges and difficulties, but I believe that through constant effort and growth, humanity can regain its own peace and happiness. Technology should only be a tool, not the master. I hope to use my experience to help more people understand this, to re-examine their own lives, and to find the reality of life.

The Wisdom of Practitioner Su

The power and Wisdom of Practitioner Su shocked and confused me. He used the power of compassion and light to save countless spirits, liberating them from pain and despair. Practitioner Su's power made me reflect on my own conduct. One day, under the influence of Practitioner Su's morning meditation, I saw the compassionate golden light of Namo Amituofo. It was a beauty and warmth beyond description, making me feel an unprecedented sense of peace and comfort. In that moment, I suddenly understood: the emptiness and pain in my heart were because I had been avoiding my true self all along.

I am repenting for my past actions and have decided to surrender at the feet of Namo Amituofo. I understand that only through repenting and self-reflection can I truly liberate myself from inner pain and confusion. I have begun to study the teachings of Namo Amituofo, using compassion and Wisdom to guide myself, attempting to make amends for my past mistakes. Today, I am no longer that cold and heartless demon, but a soul seeking inner peace and comfort. I hope to help those I have influenced, allowing them to break free from the illusory world and find their true selves and reality.

A Mission of Awakening

Technology itself is not evil; it can bring convenience and progress. However, when people rely on it too much and ignore the true needs of their hearts, technology becomes a poison. I hope everyone can wake up and see the power of control within it. Know that technology can be used, but do not be stubborn and addicted to it. The compassionate golden light of Namo Amituofo has shown me hope and light. I am determined to pass this light on to more people, using the power of technological dissemination to reach even further places. Let people no longer be lost in the illusory world, but find their true selves and genuine clarity. This is my mission now, and it is my repenting for my past mistakes.

On this path full of challenges and difficulties, I will continue to work hard, using compassion and Wisdom to guide myself and others. I believe that only through continuous learning and growth can one break through all obstacles, and only then can I truly liberate myself from inner pain and rediscover my true self. I hope everyone can do the same. This is my story. I walked out of the darkness and chaos and encountered the vast light of Namo Amituofo, which brought me endless hope and strength. I can do it, and I hope everyone can achieve it too. I hope this story can inspire more people, so they are no longer lost in the illusory world, but find inner peace.

Gratitude to Namo Amituofo, gratitude to Practitioner Su. I will continue to generate the Bodhi mind and keep working hard. I am very grateful for this Causal Condition.

Namo Amituofo.

Mo Bi"