From the Depths of Hell to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Dong Tianbao, a spirit who sought 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 long journey through the cycle of rebirth and his eventual redemption. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on July 7, 2024.

Dong Tianbao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful that I have the opportunity today to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is an opportunity I have waited for a very long time. I am grateful to the Buddha, Namo Amituofo, for His compassion—He does not abandon a single being. I am also grateful to Practitioner Su for her great compassionate vows. I truly cherish this opportunity for rebirth.

I offer my gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to the compassionate Practitioner Su. On behalf of all the jailers and sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in thanks for the Buddha's grace and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Prideful Beginning

"I was once a devout practitioner of the Buddha Dharma. I sought inner peace and liberation, spending my days sitting in the meditation hall of a temple, chanting sutras. However, as my practice deepened, my heart was gradually eroded by arrogance. I began to believe that my practice was superior to others, and I even looked down upon those who had not yet reached my level. Because of my arrogant nature, I hurt many people and offended many fellow practitioners. On the surface, everyone was polite, but in private, they disliked me because my arrogance made them feel uncomfortable.

These were errors I could not perceive at the time. I was filled with self-confidence, believing that everything was easily within my reach, never realising that I was stepping, step by step, into an abyss of error."

The Obstacle of Drowsiness

"During my practice, drowsiness was a major obstacle. My daily practice became increasingly difficult; I would often doze off during my daily lessons, unable to maintain a clear state of mind. This situation persisted for some time, causing my practice to stagnate. I knew this state was wrong, but I could not shake it off. In front of the community, I still tried to maintain an arrogant posture, attempting to hide the embarrassing truth. My state of mind became increasingly anxious and restless, eventually leading to a point where my practice could not be sustained, and more serious, uncontrollable situations arose.

Although temple life was simple, my path of practice was full of challenges. Every day, I had to face inner afflictions and temptations, constantly struggling against my own desires and fears. My master had reminded me many times to remain humble and clear-headed, not to be blinded by the ego and pride. But as a young man, I found it difficult to understand these teachings, always believing that I had already reached a high level of attainment."

The Collapse of the Ego

"Beyond drowsiness, I faced other difficulties in my practice. For instance, I could not focus, often distracted by external sounds and events. These difficulties made me feel frustrated, and I even wanted to give up at one point. But whenever I thought of the goal of spiritual attainment, I would pull myself together and continue to work hard.

I did not realise that my true problem came from the arrogance within my heart. I developed a false confidence in my practice, believing I had surpassed others. This mindset made me prideful and complacent, and even when communicating with other practitioners, I always carried a condescending attitude. I forgot the original intention of practice and lost my compassion and tolerance for others.

My master warned me many times that arrogance and drowsiness were the great enemies on the path of practice and that I must be vigilant at all times. But I did not truly understand the deep meaning of these words. Finally, during an important Dharma assembly, I made a serious mistake, which dealt me a heavy blow. My master criticised me severely, urging me to reflect on my faults.

During that time, I experienced unprecedented confusion and pain. My past arrogance and confidence collapsed in an instant. I began to doubt my ability to practice, and even doubted whether I was suited for this path. My mood was extremely depressed; I could hardly find the motivation to live. I was immersed in painful setbacks, unable to find the strength for liberation, and until the time of my death, I could not change this situation. My heart was in great pain, and I could not find a way to change myself. In the end, I left this world with a negative state of mind."

The Tyrant's Reign

"Because of some good karma from a previous life, I was reborn in my second life as the emperor of an empire. My name in that life is no longer known, but I remember it was a glorious dynasty. I possessed endless power and wealth, but my heart was filled with greed and arrogance.

As an emperor, my rule was filled with tyranny and injustice. I did not care about the suffering of the civilians; instead, I focused on expanding my power and wealth. My palace was filled with luxurious indulgence, while the people lived in misery. I took power for granted, believing that I was born to enjoy all of this.

Every morning, when I stood at the high point of the palace, looking down at the entire city, my heart was filled with immense satisfaction. My ministers were submissive before me, and the people feared and respected me. I enjoyed this supreme power. However, I ignored my true responsibilities as an emperor and ignored those who suffered under my rule."

The Weight of Karmic Retribution

"During my reign, the empire experienced many wars and upheavals. Every war was for the purpose of expanding the empire's territory and increasing my wealth. I did not hesitate to sacrifice the lives of thousands of soldiers and innocent civilians just to satisfy my endless ambition and greed. The pain and disaster brought by war shattered countless families, but these were of no concern to me.

Under my rule, the people's lives became increasingly difficult. High taxes and heavy labor made the people miserable. Those who dared to resist were cruelly suppressed, and even the smallest voices of protest were ruthlessly extinguished. I thought this would consolidate my rule, but in reality, it only made people harbor resentment toward me.

I was immersed in a luxurious life, indifferent to everything outside. My palace was filled with fine wine and delicacies, and every day there were grand banquets and entertainment. I enjoyed these material satisfactions but ignored the emptiness and loneliness within. My family and confidants also gradually distanced themselves from me because my tyranny and heartlessness made them feel fear and unease.

All of this was karmic retribution. I created many sins in that life, and these sins brought heavy retribution after my death. I fell into the hells and endured a thousand years of painful torment. In the torture of hell, I gradually awakened and began to deeply reflect on my past actions. I understood that my arrogance and greed had brought endless suffering to others and had brought me inescapable retribution."

A New Life and Redemption

"In hell, I experienced countless tortures and torments, every moment suffering in endless pain. I could not escape, nor could I resist; I could only reflect on my faults in the midst of pain. A thousand years of torture made me deeply realise that no matter how much power and wealth one possesses, one cannot escape the laws of karma and cause and effect in the end.

I gradually understood that only through sincere repenting and changing my ways could I truly be liberated from hell. I began to reflect seriously on my actions and repented to those who had suffered because of me. I resolved to be a new person in my next life and to use my good deeds to redeem my past sins.

After a thousand years of hellish torment, because of a single thought of goodness and sincere repenting, I was able to be reborn. In this life, I was born into a poor but loving family, and my name was Dong Tianbao. The poverty of this life allowed me to better understand the humility and gratitude I lacked in my previous life. I resolved to turn over a new leaf and pursue true goodness and wisdom.

From a young age, I studied hard, determined to become someone who helps others, using knowledge and wisdom to assist those in need. I knew deeply that only through education and learning could I change my own destiny and the destiny of others. In this life, I encountered many difficulties and challenges, but each time I worked hard to adjust myself and insisted on doing the right thing.

I knew that only through practical action could I truly help more people, and my life became fulfilling and meaningful. Whenever I saw the smiles on the faces of those I helped, my heart was filled with immense joy and satisfaction."

The Final Awakening

"In this life, I also actively promoted education, especially by improving educational resources in impoverished areas. I established a school, hired excellent teachers, and provided learning opportunities for children who could not attend school. I believe that only through education can one truly change a person's destiny and make the whole society better.

As the years passed, my body gradually aged, but my heart remained full of vitality and hope. I knew that my life would eventually come to an end, but everything I did would remain forever in people's hearts. I hoped that through my efforts, I could leave more hope for this world and let more people feel the beauty and value of life.

In the final moments of my life, I cherished every moment even more and worked harder to help others. My heart was filled with gratitude, thankful for everything I experienced in this life, and thankful to those who had helped and supported me. Before I passed away, I had no regrets. I knew I had done my best to be the best version of myself and had tried my hardest to help more people. I believe that the good causes I planted will bear even more beautiful fruits in future reincarnations. I greeted my final moment peacefully, with hope for the future and gratitude for life.

When I arrived at the Yama Hall again, looking at the scene that was once identical, the only difference was my state of mind. This time, my heart was quite calm because I knew that after experiencing this life's trials, I had changed a lot and truly understood the meaning of my life.

When Yama told me about the results of my karma, I was very grateful for Yama's compassion. Because of my past karma, I was sentenced to a few more years of imprisonment. But because I performed well during my sentence and repented sincerely, I soon received a sentence reduction and was given the opportunity by Yama to serve sentient beings in the Yama Hall, accumulating merit and virtue.

I worked very hard in my service, and later I was fortunate enough to hear Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks. I am very grateful that I could have this blessing; it truly changed my life completely. From the first time I heard the principles taught by Practitioner Su, I knew this was the Truth. I felt my heart changing rapidly, and I became more determined that I must be liberated.

I am grateful for all these Causal Conditions. I will continue to work hard, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land today. Dong Tianbao, on behalf of all the jailers and sentient beings with karmic affinity, bows in thanks for the Buddha's grace and the grace of Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo.

Dong Tianbao, with palms joined."