Deliverance from the Hells: The Journey of Lay Practitioner Chen Gongfeng

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Chen Gongfeng, the uncle of Lay Practitioner Dai Shaoyan. He sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and has since attained rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account details his transition from the suffering of the hells to the peace of the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on October 4, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Chen Gongfeng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I rarely weep like this, but I simply could not hold back the tears. I am so incredibly grateful—truly, deeply grateful. I have finally arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I no longer have to endure the agony of the hells.

The Agony of Unresolved Suffering

Before I was rescued by Practitioner Su, my heart was filled with such deep resentment. I was constantly tormented by the question: 'Why? Why is life so full of suffering? Why is it that even after death, the suffering only intensifies? When will I ever be free from this cycle of pain?' I was so agitated, so overwhelmed, that I felt as though I were on the verge of madness. My spirit was in such profound, unbearable agony.

I owe everything to my niece, Shaoyan. I have always cherished her as if she were my own daughter. In a past life, we were father and son, and in this lifetime, our karmic affinity manifested in this way. If it were not for my niece, who kept me in her heart and was single-mindedly determined to save me, I would never have reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today. I would certainly still be suffering in the hells, enduring unimaginable punishments. And even if I were to leave the hells one day, I have no idea where I would have been cast next in the cycle of reincarnated suffering.

The Weight of Hidden Karma

In this life, I did not commit any overtly evil acts. However, I kept so many words, so many negative feelings, locked deep within my heart. I was not very good at expressing myself; I became accustomed to hiding away, brooding, and suffering in silence. I focused on the negative, perceived the world through a lens of bitterness, and kept it all inside. Perhaps others knew, or perhaps they did not—I cannot say for sure. But that is how I lived, and in doing so, I invited all of this heavy karma upon myself.

Countless karmic creditors were waiting for me, eager to claim their due. They invaded so many parts of my body, determined to make me suffer, to fill my heart with hatred, and to ensure that I would face retribution in the hells.

A Plea for Forgiveness

The karma I had accumulated was far too deep and heavy for me to ever repay on my own. After I passed away, I hated myself. I asked why I had created so much karma, why I had allowed myself to be tortured and tormented in such a way. But no amount of regret or self-reproach could change the reality I faced; I had to confront the consequences of my own actions.

Now, I have finally found liberation. Yet, many of the beings I harmed in the past are still unwilling to let go of their grievances. They are still out there in the space between realms, waiting for me to appear. I am so sorry to them—truly, I am deeply sorry. I only hope that through today's Chao Du, they can let go of the past. I pray they will follow the Buddha, stop waiting for me, and release their hatred. It is far more important for them to seek their own liberation and leave suffering behind.

A Message of Peace

In closing, I must express my deepest gratitude once again to Practitioner Su. Without Practitioner Su, I would not be here speaking to you today. I also want to thank my niece, Shaoyan. It was the deep bond of our past life as father and son that allowed us to meet again in this lifetime.

I also want my other family members to know that I am doing very well now. Please, do not worry about me. We shall all be reunited together in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

With deepest reverence, Chen Gongfeng."

Namo Amituofo.