Transforming Circumstances: A Reflection from Steve Jobs

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Steve Jobs, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his observations of the modern world and his journey toward the Dharma. Recorded on October 6, 2018.

Steve Jobs speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Life is like a slide. The amplitude is always shifting between highs and lows. In the midst of these constant fluctuations, one finds themselves unable to truly master their own destiny. To put it simply, when a person begins as a child, their cry is resonant and powerful; their needs are the most fundamental human requirements. Children are naturally the most pure and unstained beings. However, this cross-generational society is vastly different from the past in terms of its pollution—both in the character of the heart and in the external environment.

The Digital Erosion of Childhood

Most children today have lost the innocence of their childhood; they have been assimilated by the adults around them. Their eyes never shift from their screens, and of their entire bodies, only the fingers on a keyboard remain truly agile. Virtual computer spaces have replaced outdoor activities. All sorts of information and ideologies are harvested from the internet. The definition of success has also changed from what it once was. How much of a price must one pay for the glossy, polished exterior of a 'successful' person? How much negative karma must one create to reach the image of success that society imposes upon children? The children who end up in the hells are taught in exactly this twisted way.

Early, premature sexual relationships are now viewed as normal. Who would know that by engaging in one partner after another at such a young age, they have already arrived at the Hell of Copper Pillars? Their character, paralysed by the internet, has become cold-blooded and heartless. They do not know the height of the heavens or the depth of the earth; they do not know right from wrong. Filial piety toward parents and respect for teachers are becoming increasingly thin. Practising the Buddha’s teachings is seen as something only for the middle-aged or elderly, and becoming a monastic is viewed as abandoning society. But what is true practice? What is the original intention of practice? How does one save the masses? For these questions, how many practitioners can truly answer and then implement it in their actions?

A World in Need of Healing

This society and this planet have already developed cracks and chaos. Practitioner Su brings everyone to see these facts and truths every day, hoping that those who should wake up will finally do so. In this age of the Dharma’s decline, the Buddha’s teachings are being injected with a new atmosphere. These heartbreaking events are being turned around every single day, simply because a field of pure Goodness has been introduced. A heart that does not act for itself is equivalent to helping change the relationship between the Earth and the universe. Everyone needs to make a vow to start by changing themselves. Once you let go of yourself, you will attain a different kind of transformation of circumstances.

The Boundless Compassion of the Pure Land

Every day, Practitioner Su flies through the heavens and drills into the earth to perform Chao Du. Her Dharma Body manifests in thousands of millions of forms and transformations, opening up every layer of space. What she sees is the Buddha-nature inherent in everyone; she has never abandoned a single Buddha. She even shows great respect to the Demon Realm, which has never been subdued by others. Under the Universal Principles, she works alongside the Yama Kings of the hells to save the world. Even the high-level spaces beyond the planets of this universe are beneficiaries of this Buddha-name, Namo Amituofo.

In the Buddha’s teachings, saving those at the level of Equal Enlightenment and saving those in the hells encompasses everything without limit. This boundless salvation of the masses is Practitioner Su’s daily harvest. It is also because Practitioner Su has no-mind that she has moved Namo Amituofo to reside in this world. The great banner of the Pure Land headquarters is flying high, and the significance of its fluttering is that the entire universe benefits. I, Steve Jobs, am learning every day to emulate Practitioner Su’s great heart, great capacity, and great compassion. I wish to walk with Practitioner Su to save the world, to help Namo Amituofo expand and stand firm in this world. The Buddha’s teachings are inconceivable, especially when proclaimed in this age of the Dharma’s decline. They truly help people go straight to the Western Pure Land. With great vows and great power, I hope we can all achieve this together.

Namo Amituofo."