A Prison Guard's Journey to the Western Pure Land
An Interview with the Spirit of Lay Practitioner Huang Changzong
Recorded by Chief Writer Fa Ning on March 6, 2026
This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Huang Changzong, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his experience as a prison guard in the underworld. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on March 6, 2026.
Lay Practitioner Huang Changzong speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Today is truly a magnificent day! My name is Huang Changzong. For a long time, I served as a prison guard in the underworld. Today, under the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, I have arrived here at the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This place is not unfamiliar to me at all. During my many years serving under King Yama in the underworld, I constantly heard the name of Namo Amituofo and stories of the Western Pure Land. Especially in these recent years, I was always able to hear Practitioner Su giving talks. Because of this, I had already developed a deep and thorough understanding of the Western Pure Land!"
A Familiar Path to the Western Pure Land
"I had originally assumed that one day, I would be like many other prison guards—that when my time came, I would be able to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land. After all, I had been diligent and sincere, listening to the Dharma and chanting the Buddha-name every single day. Little did I know that I would receive even better news! My son in the human world had begun to study the Buddha’s teachings and had found the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Because of his efforts, his father could be immediately received by the light and brought to the , which Practitioner Su has established. This is truly a miraculous event!"
The Miracle of a Child's Devotion
"In the years since I passed away, our family has truly been blessed with wonderful things. My child has begun to study the Buddha’s teachings, which means that his mother and I can finally set down the heavy burdens in our hearts. Following the path of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is the only correct path; there is absolutely no reason to hesitate. In truth, I had already let go of everything long ago. From the moment I began my service as a prison guard, I witnessed the suffering of so many beings in the hells, and my heart no longer felt any attachment to the human world. I know that a journey through human life inevitably involves creating much . Unless one receives proper Buddhist education, it is almost impossible for people to avoid sinking into the cycle of rebirth. At the very least, my child is studying the Buddha’s teachings today—he is saved! Our whole family is saved!"
Witnessing the Suffering of Samsara
"Today, as I arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I saw many faces that were once familiar to me, yet they no longer look the way they did back then. Everyone here looks so dignified, so pure, and so beautiful. Especially here, where we undergo purification, the Buddha is truly magnificent! He has built such a wonderful world to provide a place of peace for our spirits. Moreover, the Buddha’s mind-capacity is so vast and all-encompassing; it is no wonder that this place is never 'full.' There is always space to welcome more and more people into this realm.
Speaking of this, my heart is filled with such profound peace. Although my days as a prison guard were busy, I had to witness every kind of suffering, and I could not help but feel deep sorrow for the beings who were being punished. Even when I tried my best to counsel them to chant the Buddha-name, it was very difficult to get them to do so because their physical suffering was simply too intense. I have spent time in so many different hells—the Ice Hell, the Tongue-Pulling Hell, the Copper Pillar Hell, and so many others. I am filled with such emotion, knowing that one must study the Buddha’s teachings in this life, or else the journey is wasted. Otherwise, so many people, upon death, end up in these very places. It is truly a tragic sight. If the Buddha had not opened these spaces, these beings would have had to endure suffering for an incredibly long time. The Buddha-name is truly of the utmost importance!"
A Final Message of Hope
"I will not ramble on any longer. My child, you must continue to work hard and practise diligently. Do not let this lifetime of knowing the Buddha go to waste! I am here in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, waiting for your return.
Namo Amituofo.
Huang Changzong"
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library