From the Serpent's Coil to the Golden Lotus

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Huang Pengsheng, the grandfather of Lay Practitioner Guo Pinling, 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 past life as a snake catcher and his subsequent transformation through the power of the Dharma. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on December 17, 2021.

Lay Practitioner Huang Pengsheng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Huang Pengsheng. When I first beheld the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I was truly moved—so moved that I nearly burst into tears. But I held them back. I am a man, after all, and I felt that tears should not fall. Yet, the feeling of being there, in that place, was simply overwhelming. It was a profound, heart-stirring sensation that I cannot fully describe with words.

The Weight of Past Karma

Looking back now, how did a whole lifetime pass by so quickly? I knelt before Namo Amituofo, filled with gratitude that the Buddha would accept a disciple like me. I was a wayward disciple, having only just emerged from the body of a snake. This was the consequence of my past life, where I had caught far too many snakes. The spirits of the snakes I had harmed followed me, one after another, through the cycle of rebirth. They waited until they found my weakness, and then they struck. When I was at the end of my life, all I saw before me was a blinding white light. It turned out that I had entered into a snake egg. It is difficult for people to believe that such a thing could happen, but it was my reality. Only when my mind became clear did I realise the truth of what I had done, and I felt such deep, crushing regret. Who has not made mistakes? But the Buddha is able to accept even someone like me. His compassion is truly boundless.

The Clarity of the Dharma

Pinling, my dear granddaughter, thank you for all your help. Grandfather is now free from all suffering. My entire being feels so clear, so light, and so refreshed. Walking upon the lotus pond here is incredibly comfortable! You can tell everyone that I am doing very well now. I do not have many words to say, but I must entrust this to you: take good care of yourself, and take good care of your children. If there are things that worry you, do not dwell on them anymore. Now that you are studying the Dharma, leave everything to the Buddha.

After I emerged from that snake body, it was only by listening to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su that I was able to become clear-headed, bit by bit. I used to be so attached to the things I possessed in the past, but now I understand that the past is gone. Everything should be let go.

A Final Message to My Granddaughter

I know that you are bringing your children along with you to study the Dharma, and that is a wonderful thing. Raising children is never an easy task; there are so many emotions involved, and I know you have often swallowed your frustrations and kept them to yourself. Our connection is for this lifetime. Pinling, you do not need to hold on so tightly. Let go of as much as you can. The most important thing is to seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. As for your home and your family, just do your best to help them and support one another, but remember that the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is our true home. Grandfather has returned home, and I am here in this boundless golden world, waiting for all of you to return as well.

Namo Amituofo."