This is a record of an interview with Li Shuimao, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the . This account reflects upon the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong. Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on November 29, 2025.
Li Shuimao speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Li Shuimao. I have been waiting for this interview, as I knew the person before me had already been spoken to. It seems that from where we are now, we can see everything happening in your world.
The Suddenness of the Inferno
That massive fire came with such terrifying speed. Everyone was caught completely off guard, and we all lost our lives in an instant. Because I was one of those victims, I know exactly how horrifying it was. In the past, when I watched news reports about large fires, I always thought of them as distant accidents. I never imagined that such a tragedy would ever happen to me.
At that moment, I heard a deafening roar. Then, I saw flames erupting from the gaps in the walls. In the blink of an eye, the fire consumed the entire house. It was like a demon, unleashing a massive, roaring inferno that surged directly toward me. I was frozen in place. Suddenly, the word 'escape' flashed through my mind. Without a second thought, I scrambled to find a path where there was no fire. But the house only had one main entrance, and the fire was already pouring through the door frame, flooding the entire space. Heavens! Where could I go? I thought of the window, but when I opened it, it did not lead to the outside. What was happening? Why was there no way out?
Trapped in a Living Nightmare
I ran to the other rooms, but they were already engulfed in flames. I slammed the doors shut, desperate to keep the fire at bay. Was I really going to be burned alive in my own home? This place, which had been my sanctuary, had suddenly become a death trap. I was completely cornered. If the window had led to the outside, I would have jumped without hesitation—it was my only hope for survival. But it was a dead end.
The situation was incredibly dire, and I was paralyzed by shock. I could not comprehend how such a thing could happen so suddenly. I frantically searched for my mobile phone, desperate to contact the outside world, but no one answered. I tried again and again, all while watching the flames close in around me. I knelt on the floor and begged the Heavens, 'Please, save me! I still have so much to do! Please, save me!' I kowtowed to the Heavens, but I knew for certain that my pleas were not heard, for I was not saved. Everything happened so fast, like a nightmare. I kept hoping that I would wake up, that this was just a terrible dream, but the reality before my eyes told me otherwise.
The Descent into Darkness
Heavens! How could I have encountered such a fate? What was going on? Was I really going to die in such an inexplicable, tragic way? I could hear the roar of the fire and the screams of others. Then, I heard my own screams, as the fire finally reached me. I had no chance to escape. I kept shouting and wailing. I do not know how long it lasted, but the pain was excruciating. My throat became raw, and I could no longer make a sound. Even now, I can remember kneeling on the floor—that was the state of my final moments.
I do not know how much time passed, but I discovered that my spirit was being consumed by the fire. I could see my own body, kneeling on the floor with its mouth wide open in a terrifying expression. It was like watching a horror movie. Then, I looked at myself again, and the fire was gone. Heavens! Was I dead? I felt as though I were surrounded by absolute darkness. Where was I? I did not know. The fear I felt then was just as intense as when I was being burned by the fire. I felt as if I had fallen into a dark, swirling vortex. I screamed with all my might; I was terrified to death!
The Light of Namo Amituofo
I spun and spun in that vortex for what felt like an eternity. I struggled and struggled, and suddenly I thought, 'Heavens! Am I in hell?' It felt exactly like hell—it was utterly terrifying. I felt as though I could not even scream or call for help anymore.
Suddenly, a beam of light shone upon me. I was completely bewildered, unable to comprehend what was happening. This light brought me here. This world is not the one I knew, and these experiences are unlike anything I have ever heard of or encountered. I was still deeply afraid; I feared the fire, and I feared the darkness. I found that I could make a sound again—a scream—but the surroundings remained bright. I did not return to the darkness, and the fire did not reappear. I seemed to settle down.
When I regained my , I knew one thing for certain: I had experienced the most extreme fear and helplessness a person could endure—the disintegration of body and soul. But at that moment, my soul felt a little calmer. I was terrified that everything might suddenly change again. Heavens! My soul kept weeping. What was happening? I do not know how long it took, but I finally realized I could see everything. 'Where is this?' I asked myself. I had never been to such a place. I felt that the light which had saved me from the darkness was here. I knelt down again and asked, 'Where am I? Can someone tell me?'
Suddenly, a sound echoed in my ears: 'Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo.' It was as if the sound had awakened me. I knew of Namo Amituofo; He is a Buddha. I asked, 'Namo Amituofo, did You save me?' The sound of the Buddha-name continued, and it brought a profound peace to my heart. Before my eyes, a few words appeared: 'Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.' Had Namo Amituofo from the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre saved me?
As I thought this, rows of white houses appeared before me. I felt as if I were dreaming, where whatever I thought of would manifest. I stopped worrying about it; after what I had been through, I felt that anything was possible. When I calmed down, I realized I had remained in this place. It was a place of absolute peace.
Later, I understood that this was the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. That beam of Buddha-light was the light of Namo Amituofo, which had brought me here. The memories of the fire still flashed through my mind, but the chanting of 'Namo Amituofo' allowed me to accept these changes peacefully, without the extreme fear and helplessness I had felt before. It was Namo Amituofo who saved me! My mind finally became still, and the sound of the Buddha-name continued to orbit around me, never ceasing. I realized then that my eyes were filled with tears, and I could no longer hold them back. It was Namo Amituofo who saved me! It was Namo Amituofo who saved me! Thank You, Namo Amituofo! Thank You, Namo Amituofo!"
