From the Depths of Hell to Eternal Peace

This is a record of an interview with Jing Yongli, who sought Chao Du 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 and his journey to deliverance. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on March 22, 2024.

Jing Yongli speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Jing Yongli. Oh, the suffering! The sheer, crushing weight of it! But now, finally, the suffering has ceased. I never truly understood how vivid and precise the laws of karma and cause and effect were until I faced them. Everything is accounted for, down to the very last detail. In the turbulent era I lived through, I did everything I could to protect myself and my family. I endured what I had to endure, swallowing my pride and my pain. Now that I no longer possess a physical body, I have no need to dwell on those sensitive matters of the past. Let the past remain in the past; what matters most now is that my descendants are doing well."

The Weight of a Lifetime of Suffering

"Looking back on that life, I realise that so many of my choices were made under duress, with no real room to manoeuvre. I had to live every single day with extreme caution, and I must confess, I was exhausted. I was truly, deeply tired.

In the past, I had a habit of constantly replaying the events of my life in my mind. When I thought of my achievements, I felt a sense of pride, but when I thought of the grievances and the suffering I endured, I only hoped that my descendants would cherish their lives more than I could cherish mine."

The Agony of Karmic Retribution

"When I died, I was taken away by a group of karmic creditors to whom I owed a debt. After my death, my spirit was dragged down into the hells. I was forced to endure punishment in more than one execution ground, and in every single one, I cried out in agony. I knew then that this was the price I had to pay for the harm I had caused others. I accepted it—it was a debt I had to repay—but I just prayed for it all to end."

A Light in the Darkness

"Then, in the midst of that unbearable torment, I felt a sudden, brilliant light. It called my name, and it saved me. In that very moment, all the pain and suffering I had been enduring simply vanished. Upon arriving at the Buddha-land, I truly came to know Namo Amituofo. I began to practise chanting the Buddha-name, 'Namo Amituofo,' focusing on each and every syllable with absolute clarity. I also realised the necessity of repenting. In this life and in previous lives, I had caused harm to so many beings. When I saw them, I knew I could never repay them on my own. It was only after seeing the truth of my situation that I decided to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, to study diligently under the guidance of the Buddha.

Today, I have arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am so deeply grateful for the guidance of Practitioner Su. Without her intervention, someone as burdened by sins as I was could never have ascended. The moment I entered the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I felt a profound, refreshing coolness wash over me. Golden light bathed my entire being, and I felt a gentle, radiant warmth. I seemed to hear the Buddha whispering in my ear, 'Child, let go of everything.' My heart was so moved, so touched. I am eternally grateful for these magnificent Causal Conditions."

A Father's Final Message to His Family

"I know it was my child who helped me receive this Chao Du. Shirong, please tell the rest of the family that your father has truly arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Please, everyone, rest assured. The Buddha has been so compassionate to your father. I hope that by sharing this with you, you will all be encouraged to follow the Buddha with sincerity. You are all getting older now; at the end of our lives, there is no other destination that matters. Following the Buddha is the only path. One day, our whole family can be reunited in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Jing Yongli kneels before the Buddha, offering his most respectful and humble prostrations.

Namo Amituofo."