From the Depths of Hell to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Yu Changchun, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his experience of being rescued from the hells. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on January 10, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Yu Changchun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Yu Changchun. I am filled with such profound gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su, for I have finally arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is a place of such peace that I can hardly find the words to describe it.

I had never encountered anything like this in all my time in the cycle of rebirth. To think that there is someone in the human world who possesses the power to reach down and save us from such darkness! I was destined to suffer in the hells for an incredibly long time—a duration that felt like it would never end. Yet, against all odds, I was delivered early. I was saved."

A Hopeless Existence in the Hells

"I endured suffering in the hells for what felt like an eternity. At the beginning, I would scream at the top of my lungs, 'Who will save me? Is there anyone who can hear me?' But eventually, I stopped. I knew no one could hear my cries, and I believed it was impossible for anyone to rescue me from that wretched place. So, I simply stopped calling out and resigned myself to the daily, relentless agony. It was a life—if you could call it that—of pure, unadulterated suffering.

Then, while I was in the midst of my torment, I saw the Buddha-light. I was in the middle of a punishment—the pain was unbearable, and I had no choice but to endure it. Suddenly, a vast expanse of golden light appeared before me. It was so bright, so warm, and it enveloped my entire being. Almost instantly, I heard someone calling my name. I had no idea what was happening or who was calling, but I had a sudden, overwhelming premonition that my salvation had finally arrived."

The Golden Light of Deliverance

"It happened so quickly—in the blink of an eye, my spirit was rescued by Practitioner Su. I left the hells behind. Before me, there was no longer the darkness and terror I had known for so long. The terrifying screams that had filled my ears were replaced by soft, harmonious music that seemed to resonate within my very soul. It was as if I had woken from a nightmare that had lasted for lifetimes.

Every day since arriving here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I have received the help of the Buddha’s power. With great compassion, Namo Amituofo has shone His Buddha-light upon me, helping me to purify my spirit. As I slowly regained my clarity, I realised that the figure before me was truly the Buddha. I began to learn about Practitioner Su and listen to the Dharma talks. Now, in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I can see Namo Amituofo every single day. It is a blessing beyond measure."

A Message to My Granddaughter

"Later, I learned that it was my granddaughter who saved me, which gave me the opportunity to be rescued from the hells by Practitioner Su. When I found out, I immediately looked to see where she was, and I saw her. Time passes so quickly, and I am so moved by her kindness. I want to tell my granddaughter: you must cherish your connection with Namo Amituofo. If not for Him, we would never have had the chance to be saved. I can see that she has a very deep affinity with the Buddha, and she must seize this opportunity. In this lifetime, she must return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

With deepest respect, Yu Changchun. Namo Amituofo."