From the Prison of Samsara to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Gao Qingshan, 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 various lifetimes and his service as a prison guard in the underworld. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on February 11, 2024.

Gao Qingshan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for his great compassion. He has helped us obtain this magnificent and rare opportunity for liberation today. We all cherish this deeply and will seize this chance for deliverance with all our hearts.

On behalf of all the prison guards and the sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha’s grace and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Simple Life in the Mountains

"Once, I was just a child in a mountain village. Life was simple and fulfilling. Although our family was poor, we owned a plot of land where we grew our own food, and we kept cattle and sheep for wool. We were self-sufficient, and those days were truly satisfying. It was a beautiful, rustic time. Every day was spent living without a care in the world, experiencing true happiness.

However, those peaceful days were gradually shattered by the storms of reality. Influenced by the outside world, people became filled with desire and began leaving the village. As the workforce dwindled, our self-sufficient lifestyle became difficult to maintain. Food and supplies like wool became scarce, and life’s problems piled up one after another. I, too, was forced to leave my hometown and set out to find work. Little did I know, these changes were about to trigger a profound transformation in my life."

The Loneliness of the Modern World

"Upon arriving in a bustling town, I found that while the exterior was bright and glamorous, my heart was suffering from the pain of loneliness. I missed the tranquility of the mountain village and felt conflicted about my decision to leave home. Even though the environment was prosperous, my spirit was trapped in a deep, hollow isolation.

I spent my life leaving home to make a living, only to lose myself in the face of reality. Although my material life improved, my heart became even more melancholic. My life felt as though it were spent chasing the shadows of reality, and I could never shake the longing for my hometown.

After I passed away, this sense of homesickness continued to echo in my heart. The life I lived in the mountains became my most beautiful memory, filled with laughter. In the end, it was as if I had fallen into a deep sleep, never to wake again."

The Cost of Chasing Illusions

"Looking back on that life now, I deeply realise the price of chasing after reality. Even with all the improvements in my living conditions, the emptiness within could not be filled. This makes me reflect deeply: was it worth sacrificing the true joy and satisfaction of my heart to pursue illusory material prosperity?

As someone who has already walked this path, I want to tell you, the people of the modern world: cherish the present moment. Do not be easily swayed by external temptations. Maintain inner peace, reflect on your true needs and pursuits, and you will be able to find your own tranquility amidst the chaotic modern society. Adjust your mindset so that the pressures of reality do not drown out the beauty of life. After all, happiness does not necessarily require chasing after distant things; it is right by your side."

A Guardian Spirit

"Because I loved my mountain home so dearly, after I passed away, I manifested as a spirit of the mountains. I worked alongside the mountain gods to protect the peace and tranquility of that land. I silently helped those who walked the mountain paths, as well as all the creatures living there, becoming a spiritual guardian of that territory.

In this spiritual existence, I felt extremely happy. I had completely forgotten my ego and merged with the soul of the mountain. I protected the peace of the mountains in an invisible way, silently helping every living creature within them.

However, one day, a karmic opportunity allowed me to hear the sound of a wandering monk chanting the Buddha’s name. That sound was like a clear spring, stirring my soul and suddenly waking me up. Through that sound, I realised my long-standing attachments and delusions. Although I had been enjoying endless happiness in the mountains, my attachment to my hometown still remained."

The Path to Awakening

"This realisation made me understand that even as a spirit, one cannot escape the attachments of life. I began to awaken to the fact that I needed liberation—to let go of my attachments and move toward a higher level of freedom. Thus, I began to hope that I could transcend my past attachments and seek a deeper spiritual peace.

When I finally cleared my mind and recalled my past lives, as well as the time I had spent practising under the Buddha’s gate, my heart was deeply moved. I realised that this opportunity was not a coincidence, but a destined connection, guiding me toward a deeper spiritual understanding.

This realisation became the starting point of my journey toward liberation. I knew deeply that letting go of attachments would be the liberation of my soul.

At that moment, I began to practise with sincerity, listening to my inner voice and searching for that pure peace. I understood that true liberation is not about escaping reality, but about maintaining inner tranquility and peace while facing reality head-on.

From a mountain spirit, I transformed into a seeker of liberation, and my state of mind gradually shifted. I learned to cherish the present, let go of past attachments, and move toward deeper spiritual freedom. My life went through many changes, and in the end, I found true tranquility through spiritual revelation."

A New Life and the Call of the Dharma

"When I received the opportunity to reincarnate, I was deeply moved. My past good karma allowed me to obtain a human body once again, and I cherished this opportunity immensely. When I was liberated from the boundless space, I made a vow: I decided that in this life, I would achieve something great.

Returning to the human world, I was born as a child in the mountains, named Gao Qingshan. However, unlike my previous life, I was no longer obsessed with the scenery of the mountains. My heart constantly yearned for the liberation of life, and this became my core belief. In this life, I tried my best to help sentient beings, because I knew deeply that they were also suffering in the cycle of rebirth. I did everything I could to exert myself, passing love and care to every soul in need.

Fortunately, I encountered the Buddha’s gate once again. I practised diligently, moving toward the gate of liberation. Under the guidance of the Buddha’s teachings, I understood the true meaning of life more deeply, striving to transcend the bonds of samsara and find peace of mind.

Until the end of my life, I was content. Although this life was full of struggle and effort, I knew I was on the right path. In the process of helping others, I gained inner peace and liberation. This was a journey of life from delusion to awakening, and I left this world with deep gratitude for life. My soul, carrying the longing for liberation, continued to move forward."

Service in the Underworld

"After that life ended, I stepped onto the path of reincarnation once again, but this time, I held a heart that truly wanted liberation. When I arrived before King Yama, he knew my sincerity and assigned me this job as a prison guard, allowing me to accumulate merit and virtue while waiting for the opportunity for deliverance. My heart was filled with gratitude.

During the years of my service, I witnessed the true face of reincarnation many times. These experiences made me even more determined in my faith to seek liberation. Finally, in recent times, I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks in the underworld. This moved me deeply; I knew these were the true teachings, the genuine path to liberation. The broad-mindedness and great power of Practitioner Su are not found in ordinary people of this world. I began to vow that I would learn sincerely and practise diligently to achieve success.

I am so grateful to have had this magnificent and rare opportunity today to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Without the vows and great power of Practitioner Su, we would have no way to be liberated. I will seize this opportunity, and I also vow that one day, I will help immeasurable and boundless sentient beings, just as Practitioner Su does.

On behalf of all the prison guards and the sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha’s grace and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

Gao Qingshan, with joined palms."