The Hidden Cost of Success

This is a record of an interview with Shi Yuanhuan, 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 life and his subsequent time in the hell realms. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 2, 2022.

Shi Yuanhuan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Shi Yuanhuan. My business empire was vast, yet I never imagined that in my ignorance, I was creating such heavy karma, leading to such profound suffering and retribution. I had assumed that I would simply continue to suffer indefinitely, but after repenting, a turning point appeared. I became a prison guard in the hell realms, and it is only through this identity that I am now able to join fifty-nine other prison guards in being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I never dreamed that such a day would come for me. I am truly grateful for the compassion of the Buddha, for Practitioner Su, for the King of Hell, and for my karmic creditors who helped me awaken. Without them, I would never have realised the grave mistakes I made in the past, and I shudder to think if I would have continued to err again and again. Now that I have the opportunity to share my experience, I cherish and appreciate it deeply.

I was Shi Yuanhuan. From a young age, I was considered clever; I could master anything after learning it just once. Even things no one taught me, I could teach myself. My life was incredibly smooth, and I never expected that after death, I would descend into the hells. When the King of Hell revealed the karma I had created, I was utterly shocked, yet in that very moment, I knew I had to repent."

A Legacy of Industry and Ambition

"My grandfather owned a towel factory, exporting goods from this traditional industry to foreign markets. In that era, managing a business to such a level was considered quite a success. Although the factory was not massive, it employed twenty staff members and maintained a steady stream of orders.

When I was a child, my grandfather would bathe us grandchildren and proudly tell us, 'This is a towel made by your grandfather. One day, I will give you an even softer, better towel.' We would happily thank him, and his face would beam with joy. Whenever he went out, he would return with sweets and biscuits for us. He was such a cheerful man; it is no wonder his business flourished so well.

My grandmother, though a traditional woman, held very open-minded views regarding the education of future generations. She never restricted how her children should develop, respecting their choices entirely. She told my grandfather that if someone wanted to take over the towel factory in the future, they could, but if not, they should let the union hire capable people to manage it so the industry could continue. My grandfather was always a bit displeased when she said this. He deeply hoped that the factory would be kept within the family, where he could watch over it."

The Weight of Expectations

"My father suffered an accident while working in his youth, falling from a great height, which left his legs weak. Originally, he had wanted to build his own career just like my grandfather, but after the accident, he had no choice but to work at the factory, handling the packaging. He was despondent for a long time before he finally accepted my grandfather's suggestion to help him safeguard the business.

Watching my grandfather and father develop their business from a young age, I developed a certain ambition for my own future. I understood the reality of social competition, so I sought higher education, hoping to enter society with an impressive resume. I often discussed this with my grandfather and father, and they were always very supportive of me.

During my four years of university, I studied in the United States. I placed immense pressure on myself, which caused my face to break out in acne that refused to clear. I was so tense that I developed autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It was only after a senior student guided me that I gradually calmed down, adjusted my state, and successfully completed my four-year degree."

The Rise of the Burger Empire

"Upon returning to China, because my English was excellent, I helped my grandfather introduce several new clients to the factory, which made the business even more successful. My grandfather was delighted, and my father was equally happy. They both assumed I would take over the towel factory, but I told them my aspirations lay elsewhere. Although they were disappointed, they chose to respect my decision, and I have always been grateful to them for that.

After much reflection, I realised I had a greater interest in the food and beverage industry. I recalled the hamburgers I had eaten in the United States—many flavours were delicious, and I thought that with some improvements, many people would enjoy them. I spent time travelling across several counties to sample burgers, but I found none that matched the ideal flavour I had in mind. This confirmed my desire to sell burgers.

After five months of research, I developed four signature burger flavours, accompanied by fast-food staples like fries and cola. I officially opened an American-style burger shop on the busiest street in my hometown. I carefully selected suppliers who provided fresh meat daily, ensuring that customers received quality and freshness."

The Illusion of Success

"At the grand opening, I launched a 'buy-two-get-two-free' promotion, attracting families and friends. This strategy created a massive queue, and I maintained the offer for the first fifty customers each day for a week to generate buzz. The campaign was a success, drawing in many curious patrons.

However, I knew that hamburgers would not become a staple food for the Chinese people, so I frequently launched new promotions to keep the shop bustling. Initially, the shop was losing money. I consulted my grandfather, who told me, 'The most important thing in business is giving back. You must give back to those in need for a business to last. Business is not just about personal gain; it is about caring for your employees and society.' I did not say much at the time, but I remembered his words firmly. I changed my business model, donating a portion of every burger sold to charity, placing donation boxes in the shop, and making large annual donations to orphanages and homes for the elderly so they could have a better holiday season.

The burger chain grew larger and larger, expanding across several provinces. I visited the shops in each province regularly, continuing to instil the philosophy of giving back to society in my employees. Because of this, my staff stayed for a long time and were very loyal to the company."

The Bitter Harvest

"At the peak of my career, I married and had children. I had both love and success. Magazines and television programmes interviewed me, asking me to share my experience of starting a successful business at a young age. Beyond explaining my business model, I always shared my grandfather's philosophy of 'giving back,' hoping more enterprises would carry on this tradition.

Every few years, we introduced new flavours. Following the trend of health and non-killing, we even created several vegetarian burgers, which sold exceptionally well. At sixty-one, I handed over all the shops to my son, letting the younger generation take the lead. I retired and travelled abroad with my wife.

But two years later, at sixty-three, my legs became weak, and I suffered from body-wide aches. Eventually, I was diagnosed with cancer. My condition deteriorated rapidly, and within two years, I was in agony, leaving behind the family I loved."

The Truth Revealed in the Hells

"At the moment of my passing, I thought I had finally found relief from the pain of illness. I never expected to arrive before the King of Hell and see a sea of spirits—cows, pigs, and chickens. Seeing this scene, I was truly terrified. I did not understand why this was happening.

The King of Hell then showed me a vision: piece after piece of burger meat. The animals before me had all become hamburgers. This was all because of the burger chain I had founded, which sold countless burgers and caused the suffering of countless sentient beings. I was shocked. I was stunned that my life's successful career had been built upon the cost of so many lives. I repented, and I was filled with sorrow.

The King of Hell told me that my illness during my lifetime was because these animals had already begun to seek revenge. Only then did I understand that the pain in my body was the retribution I deserved. After the verdict, I was sent to the Pressing Hell and the Dismemberment Hell. I was in immense pain, but I knew this was what I had to endure. I repented deeply. After my retribution was served, because I had practised generosity and accumulated some blessings during my life, I was granted the position of a prison guard. During my time as a guard, I served with all my might; everything was done to atone for my past sins."

A Final Deliverance

"In the hells, I listened to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks. I was very diligent every day, and I chanted Namo Amituofo, dedicating the merit to the beings I had harmed in the past. After serving as a prison guard for several decades, I received notice that I was on the list to be delivered by Practitioner Su to the Western Pure Land. Today, I have finally waited for this opportunity for rebirth, and my heart is filled with gratitude.

At today’s deliverance assembly, I saw the Buddha. The Buddha is so compassionate. I am grateful for the guidance of Practitioner Su’s countless billions of manifestations. Together with the fifty-nine other prison guards, we bow in gratitude to Practitioner Su.

Shi Yuanhuan, with palms joined."