This interview was recorded on October 3, 2022, at the of the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. Venerable Master Chin Kung, having sought deliverance and now residing in the spiritual realms, reflects on his life's work and the profound silence he has encountered from his former followers regarding his current state of existence.
Venerable Master Chin Kung speaks:
". Today, Namo Amituofo has given me a topic to discuss: 'Why has it come to this?' As soon as I saw this title, I understood the Buddha's intention. The human heart is truly difficult to fathom; it changes constantly depending on external circumstances, people, and timing. This is simply the way of the world—what we call the impermanent world, is it not? The evolution of events is never within one's own expectations. This is why the Buddha's teachings are so profound: there is no need to predict, no need to deliberate, and no need to overthink. Everything happens naturally. How it occurs and how it progresses is not something you can grasp or control, because it all originates from external causes.
The Responsibility of
The Buddha's teachings are known as 'internal classics.' They are about managing oneself—your own body, your own heart, and your own spirit are within your jurisdiction. As for people and things outside of yourself, if your position gives you the opportunity or responsibility to manage them, you are considered a leader within a group. If people are truly convinced by you, they will listen, follow your instructions, and complete the tasks or duties assigned to them—in the Buddha's gate, we call these 'duties.' This is the interaction between people. Whether you are in frequent contact or far apart, if everyone is truly convinced by you, it is easy to accomplish comprehensive goals because everyone has a consensus and acts together. Everyone believes in your words. Such leadership is necessary in any group; it provides cohesion so that the group does not become like scattered sand.
I do not deny that previously, at the Pure Land Learning College, the Pure Land societies, and even during satellite broadcasts, if I mentioned a project or an activity, everyone would diligently rush to complete it. The united power of the Pure Land community is immense. Although we were scattered across the globe rather than concentrated in one place, that was not a problem. With the internet, telephones, and mobile phones, it was very convenient. Once an instruction was given, everyone quickly reached a consensus and executed it. Therefore, every group needs such a figure—it is a form of cohesion and centripetal force. In the past, I occupied this role. In the hearts of the protectors and followers of the societies and colleges, once I gave an instruction, it was completed quickly. Everyone was cultivating and wisdom, accumulating merit and virtue. It was all very good; they would constantly pay attention to when they could help and when it was enough to just observe from the sidelines.
The Finality of the Human Journey
But that was during my lifetime. The Pure Land community is a large group; everyone worked efficiently, and the results were quite good, often refreshing to witness. Is this the Buddha's teaching? Yes, it is. For the sake of teaching beings, it is necessary—for example, when holding large-scale Dharma assemblies, it is necessary to gather everyone's strength to complete a task at the same time. Of course, in the Buddha's gate, if such a leader passes away—what we call 'entering nirvana' or 'completing the stillness'—it is a sign of respect. After the passing and the cremation, the process attracts attention because of the participation of many Venerables, Dharma protectors, and followers, becoming a focus of the media. At this moment, the deceased, because of their contributions and efforts for the Buddha's teachings, receives the recognition and following of the community, marking a full stop to their journey in the human world. As for where the spirit of the revered master goes—since the spirit never dies—that remains unknown to most. Everyone believes they have entered the Land of the Golden Lotus and attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, especially when there are auspicious signs and sarira relics. Everyone believes this, and that is fine. It brings peace of mind to the followers. If we do not bring up the merits and demerits of the teachings transmitted while alive, it is better for the deceased.
A Question of Faith and Action
'Why has it come to this?' This is the topic Namo Amituofo gave me today. There must be some discrepancy between the actual situation and what was expected for this topic to be assigned. Now, when I speak, does everyone believe it is me? I have spoken, but has anyone acted upon it? If this were said during my lifetime, it would have been done long ago. But now, in the more than twenty interviews conducted at this temple, I have appealed in every single text, hoping everyone would come to draw close to Namo Amituofo. Yet, here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I have received no response.
The Pure Land school has a direct, inseparable relationship with Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the Amitabha Pure Land Dharma Gate. Now that Namo Amituofo is at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, how could there be any reason not to come? My spirit has seen Namo Amituofo and has told everyone. It has been over two months, and I have been constantly saying, 'Please come over,' because this is a place of salvation—a place to save your and wisdom-life. Practicing Buddhism is about realising one's true nature. Now there is such a place where one can realise their true nature; I have seen it and told everyone. There is a place that can help everyone attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss; I have seen it and told everyone. Namo Amituofo is right here; I have seen it and told everyone. Yet, not a single person has listened. To this day, not a shadow has appeared, not even a phone call. How can this be? When a person dies, are their words like air, to be ignored at will? They are not listening at all. I am still here; my body is just broken, and I am separated from everyone. My spirit, in principle, is unborn and undying, and this has been verified here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. My spirit never dies. If you do not believe it, come here once to verify whether the Master's words are true or false. No one says you are wrong for doing so, yet currently, there is not a single shadow.
The Silence of the Pure Land Societies
With so many Pure Land societies globally, the Pure Land Learning College in Australia is the closest. Just make a phone call—you don't even need to dial the area code—yet there is not even a ring. No wonder Namo Amituofo would ask, 'Why has it come to this?' How could it be like this? As for me, I have long been asking in my heart: when will someone appear? Realising one's true nature is a personal matter; attaining rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is a personal matter; coming or not is also a personal matter. Whether an individual believes and comes, or a group believes and comes, either is fine. But to not even have a shadow or a sound—this is too absurd, too strange! Have the sixty years I spent lecturing on the scriptures and teaching everyone about respecting the teacher and the Dharma all been in vain? I even wrote calligraphy, and that was in vain too! Do I need to lecture again on what it means to respect the teacher and the Dharma? At the very least, call me 'Master'—I am in the 'Master' generation. Have you respected the words of your Master? Looking at it this way, the facts prove that you haven't even touched the edge of respect. Some are afraid to come forward because it might affect their personal reputation. 'If it is right, that is fine, but if it is wrong, what then?' Sigh, this is called self-protection; this is called lacking sincerity. I have felt this deeply since my passing. In these interviews, I have reported my thoughts and experiences to everyone. The greatest victim is myself.
The Burden of the Pure Land Lineage
Truly, sixty years of lecturing have been in vain. Asking you to come here is not for my sake. I am already here; whether you come or not, I am here, and it is very good here. If you come and verify that Namo Amituofo is here and that my spirit is alive, it would count as helping me dissolve my . Because things I did not accomplish during my lifetime, I can still do after my passing, which would compensate for some of my faults. If you do not come, I will just continue to stay here. I cannot go to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I have no qualifications to enter, and I have no face to see Namo Amituofo! After sixty years of lecturing, I have ended up like this, and even the Buddha asks, 'Why has it come to this?' How could I have the face to see Namo Amituofo?
'Pure Land School Headquarters'—I often think about this in my heart. We truly need such a place and a cohesive figure to connect the hearts of our Pure Land practitioners and those who chant the Buddha's name. In the past, everyone considered me a benchmark, a cohesive figure for the Pure Land school, and I took on that responsibility. I felt I truly had this duty; the continuation and transmission of the Pure Land Dharma lineage require someone to shoulder it. For these sixty years, I took on this burden; it had to be passed down. This burden cannot be carried by any one person or any one event; it requires everyone's joint effort. Now, there is a need to unite the hearts of Pure Land practitioners. Who is more qualified to be the leader of the Pure Land school than Namo Amituofo? What place is more qualified to be the gathering point for the Pure Land school than where Namo Amituofo resides? This Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is the headquarters of the Pure Land school and the place where Namo Amituofo resides. Such a wonderful thing—you could search with a lantern and never find it.
A Rare Opportunity
I have been speaking here, over and over again, until my mouth is dry and my throat is hoarse, yet I cannot see a single shadow. How can this be? Without this place, I dare not say it is impossible to realise one's true nature or attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, but in my sixty years of experience, this opportunity is too rare. I did not achieve it while I was alive, let alone now that I am no longer in the human world. Of course, there are rising stars, and I believe the Pure Land school is full of talent. Everyone has faith, vows, and practice, but there must be someone who can lead everyone to overcome problems, someone everyone is willing to follow to help sentient beings leave suffering behind and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Who is more qualified than Namo Amituofo? Namo Amituofo is now at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Because it is a spiritual state, people cannot see it, which is why I have been talking for so long and no one has appeared. If you cultivate diligently and your eyes open, you will see it. This is an event difficult to encounter in millions of years—one should be setting off firecrackers to celebrate, yet no one is interested.
Currently, Practitioner Su is single-handedly bearing the responsibility of following the Buddha to save sentient beings. He is doing it very well, and I applaud him. Day and night, his heart is focused on sentient beings, delivering them. Whether through lecturing on the scriptures or the , his Dharma Body manifests in countless ways to deliver sentient beings. It is truly inconceivable, and it is the 'technology of technologies'! Practitioner Su has realised and verified what I said before. He is constantly working, constantly updating, and no matter what he does, it is to save sentient beings. He has indeed delivered countless sentient beings, and he continues to save them. Namo Amituofo is here; there is no stopping the saving of sentient beings. 'Sentient beings are numberless, I vow to save them all.' Now, the ones to be saved are the Buddha-chanters on this Earth, the Pure Land Venerables, Dharma protectors, lay practitioners, and volunteers. But it seems everyone has no interest in being saved, and the vow to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land is not on their minds.
The Call to Action
What I say is the same as not saying anything; it is such a pity! For those who come, I feel fortunate for them; they are saved. For those who do not come, they have their own set of reasons. But what reason can outweigh the words of Venerable Master Chin Kung? I am not boasting; it is truly the case. Am I not Chin Kung? I am Chin Kung. Those who believe would have come long ago; those with sincerity would have arrived long ago.
Sigh, now that I say this, will those who were going to come shrink back? No. To those who are coming, I encourage you and applaud you—you have boldness and courage! After all, no one has dared to do this yet. If you do it, you save yourself, not others. I am speaking these words from the bottom of my heart, but this is also because I did not do well enough. There were flaws in how I handled things before, which led to the current . I cannot blame anyone, because this affects everyone's confidence in the Pure Land. I hope everyone will come quickly! Do not wait any longer. More than two months have passed, and as for my funeral arrangements, everything that needed to be done has been done.
My soul, which has not realised its true nature, is not particularly precious, nor is it anything extraordinary. It is just that if your role has influence over others, and if they listen, the greatest beneficiaries are yourselves! If someone resolves, 'Old Master, I will come find you now,' then fine! Make a phone call, see how to connect, and come here once. Especially the Venerables, or the Dharma protectors who know Practitioner Su and have spent a long time with him—it would be good for you to come. Of course, it is even better if the Venerables come, or if the Pure Land Learning College in Australia comes.
A Final Plea
Sixty years of lecturing have truly been in vain. Where can I put my face? In fact, all of this is my own doing. I treated Practitioner Su this way during my lifetime; otherwise, I would not have to wait so hard for everyone now. Sigh! I really do not know how to continue; my heart is filled with emotion! Do I have to name names? Under the watchful eyes of everyone, if I name names, whether you come or not, people will have opinions and comments about you. It is better to come on your own; there is no need to name names.
Also, you can come here to listen to Practitioner Su lecture on the scriptures, or listen online first, especially the recent scriptures. I have heard them, and this content is not something I could have lectured on. After sixty years of lecturing, I have ended up in this situation, and I truly have no qualifications to say anything. But the scriptures and Dharma that Practitioner Su is currently lecturing on are very worth listening to and are very helpful to everyone. Those who believe, come and listen quickly; it will be helpful to you. If you do not receive help, that is also on you. Whether you listen or not is up to you; it has no impact on me. The content that Practitioner Su lectures on cannot be heard elsewhere. I never said these things before because I was unaware and had never encountered the opening of space. These matters of the spiritual realms are related to attaining rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss; they are too important, closely related.
'Entering space' is happening vividly around us; it is just that there was no term to explain it to everyone, and now there is. This is more concrete than . Drowsiness is seeing the state of , falling asleep; in fact, where has this spirit gone? It has entered into space. Why does one enter space? Because one thinks too much, is too good at deliberating, and thus awakens one's own sentient beings, pulling you into the space you like and think about. This is very reasonable. Moreover, those whose eyes are open can see what space your spirit has entered. This is a concrete fact, but people's eyes cannot see it, so they do not believe it. I have said it, and you do not believe it. If you do not believe it, how can you solve this problem? This is also a problem that everyone has never been able to solve. Now we know: purification, do not deliberate, do not think too much, chant the Buddha's name, and naturally, the drowsiness will improve, and the situation of entering space will also disappear. Also, resolving conflicts with is very important. Delivering them to the Western Pure Land is even more important; it is one of the methods to reduce or improve drowsiness and entering space.
The Importance of Deliverance
Karmic creditors are also sentient beings; they may even be the ones coming out of you to collect debts. To put it bluntly, they are one with you. Their going to the Western Pure Land is your repentance to them, and it is also dissolving karma and purification. In the past, everyone did not understand this, and sometimes avoided mentioning it. Now it is clear at a glance, and Practitioner Su has explained it clearly and explicitly, but how many people listen? I have listened, and now I am speaking. Those who believe are blessed and save themselves; those who do not believe, then let it continue this way; the problem remains.
This is also where I feel sorry for Practitioner Su. Many of his insights are like treasures that could have been told to everyone. If it were during my lifetime, I could have arranged time for recording, and once played here, everyone would have seen it. With me coming forward, everyone would have naturally accepted what Practitioner Su said, received the benefits, and improved their own problems. Most importantly, Practitioner Su is an awakened being who can lead everyone on how to realise their true nature. Namo Amituofo can also answer everyone's questions and, together with Practitioner Su, help everyone invite spirits and treat illnesses. Where can you find such things? But now it is just so quiet; it is such a pity! Now that I am speaking, no one is listening; it was all in vain, and it has no weight. If I tell everyone, no one accepts it. It turns out that my sixty years of dedication have resulted in this treatment. I am filled with emotion! Instead, I am the one who has received the benefits.
I know that during those days, many Pure Land Venerables, Dharma protectors, lay practitioners, and volunteers were busy with my funeral arrangements, making my final journey in the human world very grand. I thank everyone here. But this trip to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is also necessary. Those who are filial and obedient have already taken a flight and come directly. Those who want to see me will come impatiently. From Taipei or Hong Kong, it is an eight-hour flight, right? I am waiting for everyone here.
Alright, that is all for today.
Namo Amituofo.
Shi Jingkong, with palms joined.
At the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Australia.
