From Architect of Earthly Dreams to Guardian of the Hells

This is a record of an interview with Guang Jianxing, who sought spiritual deliverance 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 life as a professional architect and his subsequent journey through the realms of existence. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on July 14, 2023.

Guang Jianxing speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su. I, Guang Jianxing, have arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The moment I reached this magnificent realm, I was absolutely stunned by its splendour. The ground is made of gold, and everywhere I look, there are exquisite pavilions, towers, and rows of jewelled trees. The very space of the Western Pure Land is so gentle, and the celestial music that permeates the air has brought my heart to a state of perfect, level calm—there are no longer any turbulent waves of emotion within me.

The Architecture of Perfection

In my life on Earth, I was an architect. Now, seeing the architecture of the Western Pure Land, I am struck by how incredibly refined it is. Every decorative element is so seamlessly integrated into the structures that the overall effect is one of immense grandeur and majesty. These are the very buildings I had always dreamed of designing but could never quite manifest. To see them here, in reality, leaves me in absolute awe.

I cannot help but observe every single detail of these structures; they possess a level of craftsmanship that is simply beyond the reach of current human technology. While I was admiring the buildings, I saw the Buddha. He is so immense, and He is currently giving a lecture on the Dharma. Having just arrived in the Western Pure Land, I am still soaking in all this beauty, and I have not yet fully settled down. But once I give myself a little more time to find stillness, I will sit properly before the Buddha to listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma."

A Life Built on Precision

"I, Guang Jianxing, was an architect in a second-tier city in China. Before I even stepped into this industry, I travelled to many countries to study various styles of architecture. Whether it was traditional Chinese design or Western structures, as long as I studied them carefully once, every detail would be imprinted in my mind. This became a tremendous advantage in my later career when I began designing for others.

I was an incredibly diligent worker. When I first joined an architectural firm, I would constantly work overtime. I always insisted on gathering the most complete information possible before pushing a project forward. Because of this dedication, every project I launched—down to the finest detail—satisfied both my supervisors and my clients. I never felt proud or arrogant because of this; I simply did what I loved. When I first entered the field, there was not a single day I rested. I was always striving, always pushing. That feeling of constant effort made me feel grounded and secure.

I started in a small firm, but after a few years, I gained recognition and moved into a larger, more prestigious office. I became even busier, taking charge of massive, high-stakes tenders.

The Weight of Success

Bit by bit, I accumulated experience. The details of construction and design became my true expertise. After building several landmark projects, my design fees began to soar. After years of hard work, I had earned both fame and a significant fortune. Every year, I would arrange to travel abroad specifically to understand the different architectural styles of various nations. Some were modern structures, but many more were ancient. Every time I went on these trips, I gained so much, and I would synthesise these diverse features to create designs that were uniquely my own.

However, when I reached my thirtieth year of work, a sudden sense of weariness took hold of me. That exhaustion completely eroded the joy I once felt for architecture, so I requested a six-month sabbatical.

A Return to Roots

On the first day of my long break, suddenly not having to go to work, I did not know what to do with myself at home. If I went out, where would I go? Eventually, I decided to return to my hometown to spend time with my parents. From the time I started my studies until my career took off, I had barely been home. I had not even called them often. Looking back, I realised I was a somewhat failing son. I decided to take this opportunity to return home and fulfil my filial duties properly. I packed my bags and set off for the countryside.

When my parents saw me walk through the door, they thought they were seeing things. They knew I had always been working hard; although I had not visited, I had been sending money home regularly, and as the amounts grew, they knew I was becoming more successful. My parents said they were very happy for me, which is why they had always let me focus on my work without bothering me. When I returned this time, they asked with great concern, 'Has something happened?' To keep them from worrying, I told them the company had given me a long break so I could rest properly. Only then did they let out a sigh of relief and set their minds at ease.

The Hidden Cost of Ambition

The high-pressure work environment had taken a toll on my health. The doctor told me that due to long-term sleep deprivation, my liver function had declined. If I did not rest properly, my condition would deteriorate rapidly. When I heard this, my heart sank, but back at home, I could not let my parents see my distress.

During that precious time, I accompanied my parents to buy groceries and chatted with them. I could see from the bottom of their hearts how happy they were.

One day, I accompanied my parents to visit an old neighbour. Because this neighbour had no children and had not earned much in his youth, his living conditions in retirement were poor. I heard that he was renting a place and often could not pay the rent, frequently facing the threat of eviction. My heart ached for him.

Looking around this old community, I saw many elderly people living in similar circumstances. A thought began to take root in my mind, waiting for the moment I returned to work to be realised.

Building for the Vulnerable

After my six-month break, I returned to work, but I began to adjust my pace to balance my body, mind, and spirit. I started to gather resources and leverage my years of connections. I planned to build a 'Community of Love.' I used genuine, high-quality materials, but kept the designs simple and humble, hoping to help the vulnerable in society. I collaborated with government officials to set criteria, allowing the government to manage the rentals at a reasonable price that the vulnerable could afford, or even providing full government subsidies. Once we raised the funds and completed the community, we handed it over to the government for management.

Not long after the first Community of Love was completed, it was immediately filled with residents.

I mobilised all my human resources and ended up building five phases of these communities, which could accommodate five hundred households. I also ensured there was a comprehensive medical team that would assist the elderly every week, as well as a dedicated group to help handle end-of-life arrangements. Because the communities were mostly populated by the elderly, these aspects had to be considered thoroughly so that the residents could truly feel at peace.

After each phase was completed, I would have the various donors stand on stage to receive recognition from the government and society, while I retreated into the background. I thought to myself, 'I am just the one who does the work. As long as people have a place to live in peace, that is enough.' My life was guided by a single principle: 'Use every brick and every tile to build the home of everyone's dreams.' Therefore, the quality of construction was always my highest requirement.

The Final Project

After completing the five phases of the Community of Love, I received one last major project. I was tasked with designing a unique landmark building. The very top of the structure was shaped like a dragon's head, symbolising that the Chinese people are the descendants of the dragon.

While constructing this building, my health took a sharp turn for the worse. But no matter what, I wanted to finish this project, so I kept pushing my body to the limit.

Until the day of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, even though my body was completely drained of strength, my heart was filled with joy. A week later, due to my liver enzymes being dangerously high, I was hospitalised and never walked out again.

In my final moments of consciousness, I looked at the building I had completed. My heart was filled with immense joy; it was the pride of my life.

From the Dragon's Head to the Hells

After I passed away, my spirit entered the dragon's head of that building. I stayed there for decades, watching the world change, yet I was unable to help anyone. Through these bits and pieces of realisation, I decided to let go of my attachments and wanted to do something more to help others.

Once that intention arose, I immediately left the space of the dragon's head and arrived in the hells. After being judged by King Yama, because I possessed a heart of goodness and kind intentions, I was granted the position of a prison guard.

During my time on duty, I heard the wailing of countless beings in the hells every day. The sound of their suffering was intense. I knew this was the fruit of the causes they had created themselves, but I would always look for opportunities to counsel them, hoping that after they had paid their dues, they would find clarity.

While in the hells, I also had the good fortune to hear Practitioner Su giving lectures on the Dharma. I learned about ultimate liberation and the importance of chanting the Buddha's name to escape the cycle of rebirth. I began to chant Namo Amituofo diligently every day, and today, I finally received the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. My heart is filled with gratitude. I am grateful to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su for their compassion toward me and the other fifty-nine prison guards, allowing us all to be reborn in the Western Pure Land today. I kneel and prostrate in gratitude to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

Guang Jianxing, with palms joined in reverence."

Namo Amituofo.