A Brother's Journey from Hell to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Ye Guohui (also known as Ye Yongxin), the younger brother of Lay Practitioner Ye Qianxian. He sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his transition from the suffering of the hell realms to the peace of the Dharma. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on December 9, 2022.

Ye Guohui speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Ye Guohui, also known as Ye Yongxin, the younger brother of Lay Practitioner Ye Qianxian. It was only after I lost my life that I truly understood the meaning of suffering. I found myself trapped within the dark, suffocating depths of the hell realms, enduring tortures that felt utterly endless and inescapable. I wanted to scream for help, to beg for even a moment of mercy, but there was no way to halt the relentless, agonising punishments being inflicted upon me. It was absolutely terrifying—a nightmare from which I could not wake.

I was in such deep agony. It was only because of the Buddha that I was finally rescued from that nightmare. I am filled with such profound gratitude toward my sister for performing the Chao Du for me. I know that during my time in the world, I caused those around me a great deal of worry and heartache. To leave the world in such a state, and then to have my sister step forward to organise these Dharma Assemblies for my sake—it truly means everything to me. The help I received was immense. I have finally been able to escape that painful hell, and my heart is filled with a joy I never thought possible."

The Escape from Darkness

"When I was still in the hell realms, I heard someone calling my name. I did not care who it was; I just wanted to escape, because the suffering of hell is truly beyond words! When I finally arrived here in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, my first priority was to heal the wounds that covered my entire being. Once my spirit began to recover and my mind felt clearer, I started to observe my surroundings. Every single day, I can hear Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks, and the sound of the Buddha-name chanting plays continuously. The environment here is incredibly quiet and peaceful. To be honest, I did not like it at first, because I had never been interested in such things during my life.

However, during the Dharma Assembly for Chao Du, I heard many voices calling my name. I observed for a long time before I realised that these were my karmic creditors. They were desperate to find me, and I was terrified of them. It was at that moment that I stopped wanting to leave the Western Dharma-Nature Land. I began to love this place, because it is the only sanctuary where I am safe from being found by those I have wronged."

A New Path of Practice

"I did not know what it meant to practise the Dharma, but after living here for these past few days, I feel that I have been purified to a great extent. From the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su, I have heard of the wonders of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I now have a deep desire to go there and see it for myself.

Sister, thank you again for performing the Chao Du for me, allowing me to stop suffering. I know that I was not a good person in my life, but now that I have begun to practise, I hope that I will become a better person, don't you think? Sister, the people here are all so kind. I can see that your health is not good right now, so please, you must come here to help deliver your own beings. If it is possible, I also ask that you continue to help me with further Chao Du. I feel a sense of regret towards the beings who are still seeking repayment from me; I know they are also in great pain. Now that I am following the Buddha in my practice, I truly hope that everyone can find peace and be well.

It is the Buddha who has changed me, and I am so grateful to Practitioner Su and to everyone who has helped me. Sister, and all my relatives who are still in the world, let us make a promise to meet again in the Western Pure Land. Gratitude to the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."

Ye Guohui, with palms joined in respect.