The Fruit of a Burning Heart

This interview was recorded on December 15, 2024, by the chief writer, Shi Fa. The subject is Qiu Haiping, a former prison guard who, after enduring the consequences of his own violent temper in the underworld, sought deliverance through the teachings of Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. He now shares his journey of repentance and his eventual rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Qiu Haiping speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo, to Practitioner Su, and to all the virtuous Dharma that has helped me. It is only through this support that I have the opportunity today to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I will cherish this chance dearly, and I will strive with all my heart, making a vow that one day I, too, will have the ability to help other sentient beings.

I offer my deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su. On behalf of all the prison guards, I bow in thanks for the Buddha's grace and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Life Consumed by the Fire of Rage

"In a past life, I was a hot-tempered military officer. My nature was volatile, and I was quick to use my fists and my authority to resolve any problem that arose. At the time, I considered myself both brave and strategic, but because of my impatient temperament, I would fly into a rage over the smallest trifles. I spared no one—not my subordinates, and certainly not my own family.

Because of this character, I made enemies everywhere I went. My friends gradually distanced themselves from me, and my subordinates harboured deep resentment. Yet, I never once realised that the problem lay within myself. I always believed that my anger was a symbol of strength, a tool that allowed me to control any situation.

I would often boast, 'In this world, one cannot stand tall by relying on kindness alone. Only through the fire of intimidation can one force others to obey.'"

The Consequences of Cruelty

"Once, because a soldier was slightly delayed in his duties, I berated him mercilessly and even whipped him, leaving him severely injured. The soldier was filled with resentment and eventually resigned from his post to return to his hometown. His family was devastated by his suffering, and they held a deep, burning hatred for me.

After this incident became known, I acted as if I did not care, but deep within my heart, I felt a gnawing sense of unease. I refused to admit that I was wrong, but I began to grow even more irritable, desperately trying to mask my inner turmoil with further outbursts of rage.

Years later, due to a military defeat, I was demoted and branded a war criminal. I refused to accept that the failure was my own fault. I was thunderous with rage, cursing everyone and believing that the whole world was conspiring against me. This resentment consumed my spirit like a wildfire. Eventually, overcome by the intensity of my own anger, I fell ill and died in prison, leaving this world with a heart full of bitterness."

The Hell of One's Own Making

"After death, my spirit was brought to the underworld. The King of Hell looked at me with a stern expression and said, 'Because of your violent nature, you have harmed countless people, accumulating deep resentment and causing immense suffering to others. Do you know that anger is like a blade? It does not only hurt others; it turns back to destroy the one who wields it. Now, you must experience the suffering of this fire yourself to repay your debts and clear your karmic retribution.'

Following the order of the King of Hell, I was cast into a scorching space. It was filled with rolling flames, and the air was searing hot. My own anger had transformed into inextinguishable fire, and the flames completely engulfed me. Every time I tried to break free, the fire would take the shape of my own past outbursts. I seemed to hear a voice roaring at me: 'Did you not love the fire of anger? Now, you are the fire!'

I tried desperately to dodge the flames, but each one lunged at me, mercilessly trapping me. I tried again and again to calm my emotions, but the more I struggled, the higher the flames rose. I roared in fury, 'Why must you torture me like this?'

A low voice echoed through the space, seemingly coming from all directions: 'The anger you held in life was like this fire; it burned others, and now it is simply burning you. This is the hell you created for yourself.'"

A Moment of Clarity

"I endured long, agonizing ages in that scorching space. The torment left me physically and mentally exhausted, and it forced me to reflect upon my entire life.

One day, deep within the flames, I saw a single drop of clear water suspended in the air. It was like a mirror, reflecting my own face, twisted in rage. I was stunned, and I murmured to myself, 'So, my anger has made me look this hideous.'

I heard that drop of water tell me, 'The fire of anger is an obsession within your heart. As long as you let it go, the flames will be extinguished.'

I stared at that drop of water, and a profound sense of remorse and shame welled up within me. I pondered for a long time, then slowly knelt down and bowed deeply to the space, repenting: 'I was wrong! I am willing to change; I do not want to be controlled by this fire anymore!'

As I repented, the flames gradually died down, and the scorching space transformed into a cool, clear lake. My spirit felt a long-lost sense of peace and coolness. A soft light descended from the sky, lifting me up and bringing me back before the King of Hell.

The King of Hell said, 'You have finally understood the harm of anger and are willing to change yourself. In your next life, you will be born as an ordinary person. You must learn to treat others with a peaceful heart, resolve your anger, and accumulate virtuous connections.'"

A New Life and the Path to Liberation

"Thus, I was reincarnated as Qiu Haiping, a simple farmer. In this life, my personality was gentle. No matter how great the difficulties I encountered, I was able to face them with a calm mind.

I often used my own experiences to counsel others, telling my neighbours, 'Anger is like a flame; it burns others and hurts oneself. Only by keeping a peaceful heart can one live a life of coolness and ease.'

My gentle nature helped my neighbours live in harmony, and I became a bridge for resolving disputes in the village. Once, when villagers were arguing over the distribution of fishing nets, I listened patiently to both sides and coordinated with a sincere attitude, eventually resolving the conflict.

I often reminded people, 'Anger is your own enemy. Only by learning to let go of your obsessions can you transform suffering into joy and possess true stability.' In this life, I had a special awareness regarding my emotional changes. I frequently examined myself and would change quickly if I felt anger rising. I knew the immense impact of emotions, so besides constantly reflecting on myself, I often counselled others.

Until the end of my life, I remained in a peaceful and stable state, with no great fluctuations in my heart. When I returned to the underworld court again, I felt very light and at ease. I did not feel much suffering, and I waited quietly for the judgment of the King of Hell.

I am very grateful that this time, the King of Hell gave me the opportunity to serve in the underworld. This allowed me to finally change myself further."

The Turning Point

"Time spent serving in the underworld court passed very quickly. I did not count how many days I spent there; I only focused on my service and on learning from it, until recently, when I finally encountered the turning point of my life.

In the underworld, I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks. The voice was extremely clear, and it touched my heart. I could feel the power within those words. I was overjoyed, for I believed that this was the method for liberation.

I began to study earnestly and actively engaged in my practice. I am so grateful that today I have received the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is truly a rare karmic affinity, and it is all due to the great compassion of Practitioner Su.

I tell myself that I will definitely continue to work hard, so as not to fail the grace of the Buddha and the grace of Practitioner Su.

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

Qiu Haiping, with palms pressed together."