From the Hells to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Shi Dingshan, 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 experiences in the hells and his subsequent rescue. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on December 2, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Shi Dingshan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. When Practitioner Su appeared before me, I saw that Practitioner Su truly possessed the form of a Buddha. He led us all to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Now that I have arrived in the West, my heart is incredibly calm, and my whole body feels so comfortable. I truly do not know how to express my feelings; I am filled with such profound gratitude."

"In this life, I did not believe in the Buddha. Now, seeing Practitioner Su’s Buddha-body so closely and arriving in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to see Namo Amituofo, I finally realise that the Buddha truly exists. It is such a pity that I did not study the Dharma before. If I had studied the Dharma, my life would not have ended in such a miserable state—suffering from a severe illness and then falling into the hells to suffer retribution."

The Weight of Evil Thoughts

"I did not understand these things before. It was so easy to have negative thoughts, and sometimes, evil thoughts would arise in my heart. Now I know that none of this is acceptable. Even if you just keep these thoughts in your heart, it is not okay, because my karmic creditors know everything. They can come to seek revenge and cause me to fall ill and suffer. It is a terrifying reality that I only understand now that I am free."

"Because of my personality and the karma from my past, my spirit was dragged into the hells to suffer retribution. Every single day, I was crying out for help, but none of my family members could hear me. I knew it was impossible for them to know where I was, so no matter how loudly I shouted, it was useless. I felt so abandoned and hopeless in that dark, burning place."

Deliverance from the Hells

"After so many years of suffering, just recently, the fire that had been burning on my body suddenly stopped. I heard someone calling my name, 'Shi Dingshan.' A terrifying-looking jailer beside me said, 'You may go!' I had no idea what was happening or why I was being released. I saw a vast expanse of golden light in front of me, and the golden light quickly pulled me in. As soon as I entered, I arrived at the Western Land of Dharma Nature at Practitioner Su’s place."

"I was instantly seated on a lotus seat. I still did not know what the situation was or why such a thing had happened. No one spoke to me; I just sat there, my head still dizzy and unclear. The Buddha-light shone upon me continuously. As the days passed, I slowly began to wake up and understand the grace I had received."

Awakening in the Buddha-Light

"I listened to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks and began to understand what had transpired. Later, I learned that it was my daughter in this life who saved me, which gave me the opportunity to be rescued by Practitioner Su. I am so thankful to my daughter. Without her help, I do not know how much longer I would have had to suffer in that agony. It is a debt of gratitude I can never fully repay."

"I want to say to my daughter: Time is running out. Everyone eventually grows old, so you must cherish your time. Before, your father did not understand; I had my own personality and my own ideas. Only after suffering did I realise that I was wrong. You still have a chance, so you must change. Do not let yourself fall ill and suffer. Your father has experienced those things, and it is truly painful—you have all seen it."

A Message to My Family

"Now your mother is young again, and she is very happy. We both know that the past was just a matter of karmic conditions; it was all an illusion. Only when one has a physical body do these emotions exist. You must also let go; do not be tied down by this world. You must truly get to know the Buddha, study the Dharma well, and help our whole family reunite in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."

"Shi Dingshan bows in reverence. Namo Amituofo."