The Deliverance of Kublai Khan: From Hell to Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Kublai Khan, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having been saved from the depths of the Avici Hell, he now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life as the founder of the Yuan Dynasty and his subsequent spiritual journey. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on August 18, 2023.

Kublai Khan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have endless gratitude to express, and emotions that are impossible to fully articulate. At this very moment, I, Kublai Khan, have finally set foot into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

I am acutely aware of the painful experiences I endured in the hells, and I know that my debts have not been fully repaid. I still owe so much to this world. However, I had to take this first step, and my life will now reach a perfect conclusion. I do not ask for forgiveness from all those I have harmed; I only wish to do my utmost to help them leave suffering behind and to complete my own great task of liberation!"

The Bitter Reality of Life

"'Life is full of suffering. If one is not awakened, it is truly too bitter!' This is my heartfelt realization. I hope that those connected to me, including my descendants, can awaken. Do not place the great matter of life and death in the mundane world; instead, dedicate your life's work to liberation and enter the Fragrant Light.

I am filled with shame and repentance. From the past until now, I have harmed countless lives, both great and small. The lives I have experienced are impossible to describe in words; every one of them was soul-shaking. Every step I took could disturb all the lives around me. I was like a demon king in the world, a man who killed without blinking, slaughtering the flesh and blood of the people everywhere."

The Heavy Burden of Regret

"I once believed that the most exciting moment of my life was when I successfully seized the throne of the Great Khan and later unified China. I stood on the Mongolian grasslands, witnessing the rise of the Mongol Empire. At that time, I was overjoyed; I sang and drank for days on end. No words could describe the joy I felt then. But... hundreds of years have passed, and those moments of joy have all turned into endless regret.

I regret my ignorance, arrogance, and ego-attachment of that time. I hate my greed, my tyrannical nature, and my delusion. Because of this, I created immeasurable sins. I rotated endlessly in the pitch-black hells, with too many karmic debts counted against me, suffering punishments day and night without pause. These pains, compared to the joy I felt when I first saw the Mongol Empire, were truly not worth it! Of course, more than anything, I sincerely apologize to the innocent souls who died because of me. I truly did wrong! I dare not ask everyone to accept me, but please believe this is my most sincere apology... I should not have done such things, harming so many people and shattering countless families. My sins are too deep and too heavy (kneels and weeps bitterly)!

I am Kublai Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, whose name will forever flow through history."

A Former Life as a Practitioner

"Now, I must begin with my past story. As everyone knows, I am Kublai Khan, and many titles have been bestowed upon me. But I am not just that identity; I was once a monastic, an eminent monk who had attained the Way.

Many lifetimes ago, I was a devout practitioner. Relying on years of diligent practice and effort, I had achieved significant accomplishments on the path. Every day, I tirelessly delved into the Buddha’s teachings, treating others with compassion and tolerance. I was extremely cautious, fearing that a single wrong thought would affect my state of practice."

The Dream That Changed Everything

"In those days, I was known for my wisdom and intelligence. Many came to seek my guidance, and I was always happy to help, willing to assist every soul in need. However, although I was satisfied with my practice deep down, I knew I had to remain cautious to avoid being eroded by arrogance and conceit.

One quiet night, a major change occurred. In a dream, I was once again facing a large crowd of people eager for enlightenment, and I gave answers without hesitation. This time, an unprecedented sense of superiority surged within me, and I became intoxicated by it. Just then, a loud voice rang out: 'Why are you so pleased?' The voice was like thunder, shocking me. I struggled to find the source of the voice, and after a long search, I finally found the young man who had spoken. He stood there, his eyes full of contempt.

In an instant, ripples stirred in my heart. I actually felt dissatisfaction toward this young man. He chuckled, walked slowly toward me, and suddenly spat in my face. I was covered in it. My anger was uncontrollable, and just as I was about to erupt, I found that the young man had vanished. Immediately, I woke up from this dream.

'So, it was just a dream. How fortunate, it was only a dream,' I sat on my bed and muttered to myself."

Descending into the Abyss of Madness

"However, I did not know that after this dream, my life would quietly undergo a huge transformation. I began to feel abnormally tired, easily irritable, and often fell into emotional lows from which I could not extricate myself. People around me noticed my changes and began to distance themselves from me. I always blamed the young man in the dream, thinking he had hindered my practice, without realizing that I needed to reflect on myself.

From then on, my state of mind changed drastically. Suspicion and distrust began to take root in my heart. I often held a skeptical attitude, becoming guarded against those around me, fearing I would be hurt again. I seemed to be constantly questioning others' intentions, becoming paranoid. In those days, my heart became chaotic, as if a dark night had shrouded me. I no longer trusted people, nor did I easily give my trust, for fear of being betrayed again. This mindset began to occupy my life, and gradually, I became a reclusive and lonely person. Interacting with others became difficult, and I often stayed in my own world, isolated from the outside. I tried to restrain my suspicion, but the trembling in my heart could not be calmed. I often fell into endless thinking, questioning others' motives and purposes. The advice and comfort of friends became blurred in my ears; I seemed trapped in my own suspicion, unable to escape.

Finally, my spirit reached the brink of collapse. One day, I suddenly could not control my emotions; my thinking became chaotic, and hallucinations and reality intertwined. I felt a splitting headache, as if countless voices were calling in my ears, leaving me no peace. I tried to resist, but this force ruthlessly dragged me into a boundless dark abyss. I realized I had reached a state of madness. In the chaos of my mind, that young man from the dream appeared repeatedly; his mockery and spit seemed to become a curse in the depths of my soul. Finally, I could no longer bear this immense psychological pressure, and I collapsed."

Entering the Demon Realm

"I was treated as a madman and forced into a silent cell. I felt my freedom restricted, which caused me immense pain. Every day and night, I shouted loudly, trying to resist this invisible imprisonment. With no other options, I began to vent my resentment on those around me, believing they had pushed me into this place and deprived me of my freedom. Increasingly angry emotions occupied my heart, and I became more and more manic, like a trapped beast. As my madness intensified, I completely forgot my identity as a monastic. The contrast between these identities caused many to develop resistance toward the Buddha’s teachings, unwilling to continue believing in them. I could no longer think about these things, focusing only on my temperament at the time, releasing the arrogance within my heart to the fullest.

However, I could not escape death. In endless pain, I left this world. My spirit drifted in the void, entangled with resentment and unwillingness. I waited for an opportunity, attempting to step into the mundane world again. My desires expanded in this ethereal space; I longed to rule the entire world, making everyone submit to me. I wanted to become the undisputed overlord, discarding the label of the weak and making everyone look at me with respect. My heart was already twisted and ugly, but I could not stop the strange thoughts constantly arising within me, nor did I have the heart to stop. I just wanted to follow my inner thoughts and desires to do what I wanted. This was a powerful force; I only know now that this is demon nature. Because I was in sync with it, I could awaken it and let it completely control me.

After death, I entered the Demon Realm, deeply trapped in endless demonic power. When I first arrived in the Demon Realm, my heart burned with fanaticism. I was full of ambition, longing to conquer everything and become the sole ruler. My demonic power was infinite, and my heart surged with endless impulses, making me want to sweep across the entire Demon Realm space and reign supreme."

The Ambition to Conquer the Human World

"I began to observe carefully, delving into every corner, and discovered an opportunity to start my journey in the Demon Realm, gradually building my own kingdom. My influence spread rapidly, and many demonic powers involuntarily surrendered to me. I became an unshakable demon king in the Demon Realm; however, this was not enough to satisfy my ambition. I still craved more.

My gaze gradually extended toward other worlds, especially the 'human world.' This was a goal I had failed to achieve in my previous life: to become the ruler of the world. I realized that mastering human power would make my rule more complete. In the Demon Realm, I established a massive army as the demon king, commanding various evil spirits. This army became the sharp tool for my expansion and the instrument for achieving my ambition. I said to my subordinates: 'Our goal is to rule everything, without exception.' However, my ambition continued to expand. After I controlled most of the Demon Realm, I began to plan the conquest of the human world. I sent troops to scout for information about the human world and discovered their weaknesses and divisions.

At the same time, internal challenges constantly appeared in the Demon Realm. Some demon leaders began to show rebellious attitudes; they were dissatisfied with my rule and wanted to fight for more power. I had to face internal and external threats and firmly maintain my position.

'This is our moment; we will conquer everything, and the human world is no exception!' I encouraged my demonic subordinates at the assembly. However, in the process of marching into the human world, I gradually saw the resilience and will of humanity. Although they were scattered, they could unite in times of danger. I began to understand that conquest requires not only power but also wisdom and strategy."

The Rise of the Yuan Dynasty

"I gradually infiltrated the dark forces into the human world, waiting for a suitable time for me to appear. I needed a human skin, a vessel, that would allow me to return to this world smoothly. I carefully selected many possible candidates and finally locked my gaze on the bloodline of 'Genghis Khan.' This candidate had a sturdy build, a wild personality, and was passionate and unrestrained—exactly the qualities I needed. So, I began to wait, waiting for that moment, waiting for the time when I could quickly infiltrate his body and coexist with his soul.

I did not enter the womb but chose to wait on the side, waiting for his birth. When he came into this world, I quickly invaded his body and walked side by side with his soul, two souls intertwined in one body. We looked exactly the same but had completely different personalities. This strange connection made us closely linked, as if we had been separated and then reunited. Tracing back to the past, he was actually a part of me from my previous life. In my past life, when I went mad, my split consciousness saw part of my soul drift into the Demon Realm, while the other part followed reincarnation and was finally reborn into the human world. Our two souls met again. On the day we were born, the sky was abnormal, and blood-red clouds covered the sky. Some said this was a sign of disaster, while others thought a prosperous age was coming with the birth of this baby.

I finally gained the opportunity to return to the human world. I descended in a turbulent era, and the chaos of society provided a stage for me to realize my ambition. I began to manipulate everything from behind the scenes, using wisdom and strategy to gradually expand my influence. People began to feel my presence, and my name spread through the streets and alleys; everyone knew it."

Expansion and Cultural Integration

"However, as power accumulated, I gradually lost myself. Driven by desire, I constantly climbed to the peak of power. I was no longer the practitioner I once was, but instead became the kind of person I once detested. My rule brought oppression and fear, and people no longer respected me but feared me. 'We must let the enemy feel our power and let them know we are not to be violated!' I delivered my orders at a military assembly. My method of rule became increasingly harsh, showing no mercy to dissenters. People's fear of me spread, and society gradually fell into panic. I was no longer trying to realize an ideal, but to satisfy endless desires.

At the peak of power, I always felt a kind of emptiness. I had achieved everything in this world, but I had lost inner peace and clarity. I began to reflect on my choices and recall the path of practice I once walked. I realized that ruling the world did not bring true satisfaction; the inner depression and struggle gradually emerged. Day and night, I felt bored in the imperial palace, and confused emotions constantly surfaced.

'Your Majesty, matters outside are waiting for your decision.' The court minister advised cautiously. I waved my hand to signal them to retreat, sitting alone by the window, gazing at the scenery of the imperial garden. The distant water flowed gently, as if telling something. I began to reflect on my choices and recall my past experiences.

From a young age, I was full of curiosity about the world, cultivated the habit of observing people's hearts, and developed an understanding of human nature. As the grandson of Genghis Khan, I gradually cultivated excellent leadership skills and wisdom under strict education. I knew that ambition should not be easily revealed, so I buried my ambition deep in my heart, waiting for the right time.

'Kublai, you will inherit your grandfather's legacy and become a great monarch.' I remember my teacher once admonishing me like this. I understood that the pressure and responsibility of power were not easy and required constant vigilance and wisdom."

The Role of the Buddha’s Teachings

"When I was young, the Mongol Empire was caught in internal strife, and the contradictions and struggles between various tribes made me deeply worried. I understood that internal chaos would weaken our strength and affect the great cause of unification. I realized that unification was our only choice. I decided to step forward, take on the mission of the great cause of unification, and meet the challenge of creating a new era. I secretly planned a coup to realize the country's great cause of unification.

At that critical moment, my brothers questioned my decision, and some even openly opposed it. But I knew this was a turning point in fate. For the prosperity of Mongolia, I had to firmly move forward. After experiencing a fierce struggle, I finally succeeded in the coup, became the new Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, and took on the mission of the great cause of unification.

'Brothers, I understand your concerns, but unification is our only choice. I will use my wisdom and courage to lead us toward glory.' I solemnly declared at an assembly.

At the beginning of my rule, I faced the challenge of expanding territory. I decided to conquer the Southern Song Dynasty, eliminate the last resisting force, and realize the unification of the Mongol Empire. I led warriors across deserts and mountains, capturing cities and lands. I personally led the army to capture Lin'an, finally unifying the Chinese land under my rule and expanding the Mongol territory to an unprecedentedly vast area. I always maintained a vigilant heart, understanding that conquest was only part of unification; I hoped more to realize cultural integration.

'Great Khan, the Southern Song has been captured by us, and the path to China's unification has taken shape.' A general came to report. 'Yes, but we cannot stop here; we must continue to expand our territory and go further.' I firmly said to the generals."

The Turning Point of Fate

"But my ambition did not stop there. I realized that if I wanted the Mongol Empire to be famous on the world stage, I had to constantly expand the territory. I set my sights on further places and launched the plan for the Western Expedition. Through my efforts, the Mongol Empire's territory continued to expand. I even launched the Western Expedition, personally leading the army across deserts and high mountains, capturing Persia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, extending my map to further places and expanding to an unprecedentedly vast area. Although I encountered setbacks, I believed that as long as I persisted, our goal would eventually be achieved.

'Great Khan, your courage and wisdom are admirable; you have led us to the path of victory.' A general said excitedly. Regarding the admiration of my subordinates, my heart never wavered. I still firmly believed in the power within my heart, believed in all the decisions I made, and the infinite desires that constantly surged within me would become my infinite motivation. This was my lifelong belief.

As an outstanding monarch, I knew that conquest was not just the conquest of war. I regarded the people's lives and cultural environment as my responsibility. I understood that unifying a country requires not only force but also cultural integration and resonance of ideas. I actively promoted cultural exchange, encouraged communication and interaction between different ethnic groups, and respected the culture and religious beliefs of various ethnic minorities. I invited scholars from all over to come, established national schools, and promoted the prosperity of literature and art. This was not only for the prosperity of the country but also for the well-being of the people, enhancing the foundation of the country's stability. Under my rule, the Mongol Empire was full of prosperity and stability. I was not only a ruler good at political decision-making but also a promoter of culture. I encouraged the development of calligraphy, painting, and music, injecting a prosperous cultural atmosphere into the country. I firmly believed that cultural prosperity could enrich our country and make it stronger.

Besides politics and culture, the Buddha’s teachings also occupied an important position under my rule. I could be considered a person who believed in the Buddha. Years of war life left my hands stained with blood. Originally, I did not need to care about these theories of ghosts and gods, but in order to stabilize the territory I occupied, I specially invited many eminent monks and great virtuous ones to eliminate disasters and resolve difficulties for me personally and the entire country, purifying the peace within the country's borders. Perhaps influenced by many lifetimes ago, I trusted the power of the Buddha’s teachings and held high respect for them. For this reason, I built Buddhist temples, organized Buddhist sutras, translated scriptures, and sent people to Buddhist holy sites to seek the Dharma. The teachings of the Buddha were indeed magnificent, but I still believed more in myself. The principles of the Buddha’s teachings were a pure force I hoped to integrate into the country, which could assist in stabilizing the country and the hearts of the people. I once deeply pondered the meaning and purpose of life, seeking inner peace and higher wisdom. The teachings of the Buddha inspired my view of the world, making me pay more attention to human peace and well-being. Besides this, I also encouraged the rise of various religious cultures, providing space for people's development. In the years of my governance, I not only devoted myself to the unification and prosperity of the country but also tried to provide spiritual sustenance for the people. I integrated the teachings of the Buddha into my governance philosophy, promoting people to do good and pursue inner peace. I believed that only with inner harmony could the country enjoy long-term stability."

Reflections on Life and Illness

"In the era of my rule, the Mongol Empire's territory expanded day by day, but I was not only satisfied with the expansion of territory; I paid more attention to the happiness of the people. I once said at a court meeting: 'The primary task of a ruler is to ensure the happiness and stability of the people, and this is exactly what the Buddha’s teachings advocate.' I tried to create a harmonious and prosperous society for the people, allowing everyone to enjoy a peaceful life. This history is not only my personal life but also the rise and prosperity of the Mongol Empire. My efforts in politics, culture, and religion were all for the well-being of the people and the harmony of the country.

However, my path of rule was not smooth. I launched wars against Japan many times, attempting to include it in the Mongol territory; but mysterious typhoons repeatedly hindered my plans, forcing me to rethink my strategy. 'Great Khan, the war in Japan has been hindered by typhoons again; the army is trapped in wind and rain and cannot continue to attack.' A general reported. Although I encountered setbacks, I still firmly believed that as long as I persisted, my goal would eventually be achieved. I loudly told everyone in the army, shouting: 'Although we have encountered some difficulties, one day, we will overcome all obstacles and plant the flag of Mongol unification in every corner of the world.' I repeatedly boosted the morale of the army.

Since the establishment of the Yuan Dynasty, as an excellent Mongol leader and a monarch of an emerging diverse country, I knew how heavy my responsibility was. I tried to pursue inner peace and wisdom, implementing these qualities into my rule and decision-making.

Facing the many voices within me, some good and some evil, I always maintained a calm attitude and made every decision clearly. I also stably maintained the balance of the multiple forces coexisting with me, not letting myself lose focus. I never let emotions affect me; I did nothing that was out of control.

'Self-discipline' and 'persistence' were the greatest qualities that allowed me to succeed.

The establishment of the Yuan Dynasty was not only the unification of force but also the integration of culture. To manage a unified great country with diverse cultures, I made many efforts along the way, such as encouraging communication and intermarriage between Han people and Mongols, and respecting the differences of various cultures. I hoped that the Mongol Empire would not only be unified on the map but also achieve diverse integration in culture, allowing everyone to become my Yuan Dynasty subjects completely.

When I sat at the peak of the imperial palace, overlooking the vast territory, I felt proud of my achievements.

Looking back on the past, I deeply reflected on my past. From the initial ambition and power to the later inner struggle and awakening, my life experience was full of transformation and baptism. Now, I understand more clearly that suspicion and distrust only deepen inner confusion, while belief and tolerance can create harmony and peace.

I am Kublai Khan, once the overlord in the Demon Realm, and also the founder of the Mongol Empire. When I first entered the Demon Realm, I was full of fanaticism, longing to rule everything, but this longing brought endless emptiness. From the Demon Realm to the human world, I tried to seek the expansion of power, but as power accumulated, I gradually moved away from my original self.

When I began to seek inner salvation, I invested in the promotion of culture and art, trying to provide more happiness for the people. I was no longer just a ruler but became a promoter of culture and a seeker of inner peace. The wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings guided me, making me understand that inner peace is the true treasure.

At the moment I looked back, I once said at an imperial banquet: 'We unified Mongolia and expanded the territory; this is part of my dream; and more importantly, let the people live a happy and healthy life.' My wish was not only the prosperity of the empire but also the stability of the people.

Since the year I felt the signs of illness, pain began to entangle me; that year I was only fifty years old. The symptoms were like a thick fog that could not be shaken off, shrouding my whole body. I, who was once proud and fearless, was now troubled by the torture of illness, and even my consciousness became confused, as if I were lost in an endless darkness. Even though I began to show symptoms at fifty, I remained unaffected, even thinking that these pains were not worth fearing. The great cause of nation-building was imminent, and I should prioritize the overall situation. In the accompanying army, the best military doctors were arranged, and fine medicinal materials were carried, ready to regulate my body at any time. Although my physical condition was a minor illness at the time, for the sake of the long-term path, nourishing this body was a necessary thing.

Every day, I could feel the passing of life, and my body gradually became fragile, beginning to be unable to bear the burden. The strength and majesty I once had were long gone. Under the torture of pain, I began to reflect on my past. Were the various decisions I made as a monarch and the power and conquest I pursued really worth it? I felt inner anxiety and irritability, began to think about the meaning of life, and hoped to seek inner peace. I thought that death would not be the end but another new starting point. Repentance for karmic retribution grew in my heart. I repented for using unscrupulous means for power, and I repented for my past pride and arrogance.

After more than twenty years of torture by illness, my heart was no longer what it used to be. As death approached, I truly realized the fragility and impermanence of life. I hoped to leave a profound education for future generations: do not be blinded by power, cherish everything in front of you, and pursue inner goodness and wisdom. I realized that no matter how powerful power is, life is ultimately unable to resist the power of death."

The Final Moment of Death

"At the moment death approached, I felt severe pain in my body, like knife-cutting pain penetrating every inch of muscle, a kind of indescribable pain shrouding me. My limbs seemed to have lost their strength, as if they had been dismantled, unable to listen to my will anymore. My consciousness also gradually became blurred, as if shrouded in fog, and my thoughts became chaotic and unbearable. Every breeze that blew felt like a knife stabbing my skin. I knew my time had come. I understood that endless karmic retribution would come before me; this was the result of various causes planted in the past, gradually manifesting as fruit at this moment. I no longer struggled, no longer resisted the coming of death, but with a peaceful state of mind, welcomed this unavoidable fate.

At that moment, I felt the fragility and impermanence of life, and all pride and desire became insignificant in the face of death. I understood that all this was an unavoidable cycle of cause and effect, and the pain I suffered was the result of various seeds I planted in the past bearing fruit. Perhaps, this was also a kind of liberation, liberation from the shackles of desire, liberation from endless reincarnation—these were what I thought at the time.

In those last moments, I felt the arrival of peace, and the pain and fear gradually dissipated, replaced by a kind of tranquility. Perhaps, this was because I already understood that life and death were just a link in fate, and what was truly important was our attitude toward life and inner peace and tolerance.

Just like that, I welcomed the arrival of death and merged into eternal silence with a peaceful mood. My life was full of ups and downs and changes, but when I reached this end, I finally found true inner peace, allowing me to leave this world peacefully.

However, no one expected my true death situation. Even I thought I had no worries and could leave the world peacefully. I was forcibly dragged into the Avici Hell. In an instant, endless darkness shrouded me. Before I could be afraid, all the power of fear had drowned me.

I, Kublai Khan, officially arrived to report to the Avici Hell.

Beginning, an indefinite prison term."

The Avici Hell and Ultimate Deliverance

"After death, I entered the Avici Hell, suffering the karmic retribution of my past. In this hell, I felt endless pain and torture. I saw many mistakes and sins I committed during my lifetime. I deeply understood that the pride and pursuit of power I once had brought countless bitter fruits.

This experience also allowed me to see the truth of cause and effect. I began to hold a mood of repentance and change, hoping to be liberated from the shackles of this karmic retribution. I understood that only through inner change and practice could I obtain true liberation after death.

The punishment in the Avici Hell is unspeakably painful. Every moment is like having a thousand pounds pressing on oneself, or even squeezing one's body to deformation, or grinding flesh and blood into juice—very painful! In the Avici Hell, the most painful thing is the endless pain of rotation. The punishment suffered today will have to be repeated from the beginning another day. It is not just physical suffering but also spiritual torture. Infinite fear and terror, the feeling is constantly magnified. I also once thought about escaping, but I could not hide, nor could I run. Now, I just want to advise the world: this is cause and effect. It is not that there is no retribution, but the time has not come. 'Bodhisattvas fear the cause, beings fear the fruit.' If you have the opportunity to see this article of mine, you must be cautious about cause and effect, and do not plant evil causes again. The suffering is unbearable!

In the Avici Hell, I constantly thought, recalling the various choices and behaviors of my life. I hope to use this experience as a warning to future generations, reminding them to cherish life, maintain the goodness and wisdom in their hearts, and not be blinded by power. I hope this story can become a profound education, allowing people to stay away from suffering and pursue true liberation and peace.

In the Avici Hell, I was deeply trapped in endless pain and torture, feeling that I could no longer escape this endless suffering. My heart was already in endless despair....

However, just as I felt despair, suddenly a strong light appeared before my eyes, illuminating the dark hell. That light radiated an atmosphere of compassion and tolerance, as if it were an incomparably warm hand, soothing my trembling spirit, and at the same time, a voice kept calling my name—

'Kublai, please come up!'

'Kublai, please come up!'

'Kublai, please come up!'

I was surrounded by this warm light. In the blink of an eye, I arrived at the lotus seat in the Western Dharma-Nature Land at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

I, Kublai Khan, was saved from the abyss of the Avici Hell by Practitioner Su.

It is the compassionate power of the Buddha, and also the power of Practitioner Su's great vow."

Repentance and Spiritual Transformation

"I could not help but feel surprised and hopeful. I understood that this was the Buddha's compassion, the Buddha's compassionate blessing and salvation. I was guided to a magnificent temple; this is the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the Dharma assembly held by my descendants for my Chao Du. I heard that in order for me to be liberated from the Avici Hell, countless people participated in the fundraising for this Dharma assembly, constantly accumulating merit, hoping to exchange it for the opportunity for me to be saved.

I am very grateful to these people for everything they did for me, but I have nothing to repay them. Only by working harder to chant the Buddha's name, purifying this heart, and hoping that I can awaken faster and seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land early, can I live up to the expectations these people have for me.

At the Chao Du Dharma assembly, I saw the spirits of the innocent people I once harmed. They wailed in pain, and I felt deep repentance and pain in my heart. I knew that these sins could not be easily erased. My heart was full of hesitation and helplessness. Only by sincerely chanting the Buddha's name could I feel a little peace.

When I focused on listening to Practitioner Su's teachings and became closer and closer to the Buddha's teachings, my heart began to recall the experiences of my past practice. Scene after scene appeared before me, making me feel very ashamed, and I also saw the sins I once created, regretting it too late.

I saw myself once practicing as a monastic, and I saw myself practicing beside Amitabha Buddha. For the various karmic obstacles I created in my reincarnations, I could not forgive myself. I wept bitterly, deeply repenting for my past sins. I saw my determination to practice the Buddha's teachings and my ambition to seek liberation. However, all this was erased by my past killing behavior. I became a terrible murderer. I knelt and wept, repenting for my past mistakes.

Until this moment, the Buddha's power descended again, and I felt a warmth and love filling my soul. The Buddha's compassion was like a boundless ocean, containing all my sins and repentance. Under the Buddha's guidance, I felt an unprecedented peace and liberation. I knew that the Buddha's teachings would become the lamp of my soul, guiding me out of suffering and toward the light.

I deeply realized my arrogance toward life and the mistake of pursuing power. I repented for my past mistakes and determined to change, leaving a profound education for future generations. I know that only by practicing chanting the Buddha's name can I make my heart feel a little more at ease, and only by sincerely repenting can I be liberated under the Buddha's blessing.

I know that if there were no such karmic affinity today, and no Practitioner Su's compassionate great vow, I would never have a chance to get out. I am truly grateful and cherish it.

The Buddha's teachings allowed me to find inner peace. I firmly believe in the truth of cause and effect. I will continue to practice with a heart of repentance and change, pursuing inner wisdom and compassion. I want to use my own story to warn future generations not to be lost in the vanity of power, to cherish life, and to pursue inner purity and liberation. The Buddha's compassion will forever guide me forward, leading me toward true light and peace."

Entering the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss

"In the eight Chao Du Dharma assemblies, I deeply realized Practitioner Su's compassion and power. She personally led me, guided me to be liberated from the suffering of hell, and finally led me into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I thank Practitioner Su and admire her incomparable practice and wisdom. She is like the manifestation of Amitabha Buddha, radiating a sacred light that makes people respect her.

When I entered the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, a scene of unbelievable beauty unfolded before my eyes. This is a pure, peaceful, and compassionate world, incomparably magnificent. Countless lotus ponds radiate fragrance, and Sanskrit sounds linger in the sky, making people intoxicated and enjoying it.

In this world, there is no suffering, only peace and joy.

I saw countless beings in this world practicing happily, their hearts full of compassion and goodwill. The Buddha's tall and dignified Dharma Body personally came to teach the beings to practice the True Teachings, guiding them toward the path of liberation. I was deeply moved by such a scene. I understood that this was because they chose the righteous path, pursued inner purity and wisdom, and could obtain liberation in this Pure Land.

I deeply realized that this Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is not a distant dream but a Pure Land in everyone's heart. As long as we hold sincere faith, practice good Dharma, and pursue good deeds, we can all obtain inner peace and happiness. The scene of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss tells us that only by purifying our own hearts can we truly obtain liberation and stay away from suffering.

I felt the Buddha's compassion and wisdom. These are not only my personal realizations but also the warnings and education I hope to pass on to future generations. I know that power and the pursuit of vanity only make people fall into the sea of suffering. Only by practicing good Dharma and maintaining humility and compassion can we stay away from suffering and move toward the bright front.

In the Land of Ultimate Bliss, I understood the true meaning of life and the power of cause and effect. The karmic obstacles I planted in the past led me into darkness; but I believe that through sincere repentance and practice, I can regain inner peace and joy. I firmly believe that the wisdom of the Buddha's teachings will forever guide us, leading us toward true liberation and freedom.

I am Kublai Khan, sincerely writing this article,

hoping to repent for the past, repent for the present, and repent for the future.

From today on, I want to start over, be reborn, and the Buddha's compassion has given me a new name—Shi Cheng-zhi.

Shi Cheng-zhi kneels and bows, grateful for the Buddha's compassion, grateful for Practitioner Su and the masters of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre for their compassion, and grateful for the compassion of thousands upon thousands of people.

Namo Amituofo.

Kublai Khan bows with palms together."