The Preface to the Interviews with the Ten Kings of Hell

This preface was written by Practitioner Su, a dedicated student of the Pure Land Dharma Gate who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. It reflects upon the profound insights gained during spiritual interviews with the Ten Kings of Hell, recorded on July 27, 2015.

Practitioner Su speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The vast and majestic power of the Buddha-name, Namo Amituofo, possesses the extraordinary ability to transcend the limitations of both space and time. Through the records of our interviews with the Ten Kings of Hell, we have come to understand a fundamental truth: what we call 'hells' are, in reality, manifestations created by our own heart and character. It is the Law of Causal Conditions and effect in action. Whatever cause you plant, you shall reap the corresponding fruit. Good causes lead to good fruit, while negative causes inevitably lead to negative retribution. This is the Universal Principle of the universe.

The most significant revelation is that those who come to the hells to receive their retribution are driven primarily by their habits—habits that have remained unchanged. Because their habits and their fundamental character have not been transformed, the evil they create continues in a cycle, much like a revolving wheel. If one does not take the initiative to change these patterns, one cannot transform their own karma."

The Architecture of Hell: A Creation of the Mind

"The phenomena we perceive are born from Causal Conditions; they are complex and intricate. This state of confusion and karmic appearance does not exist in reality; it is born from conditions, arising from the afflictions within our own hearts as we grasp at external things. Any thought that compels us to stir our minds is merely a deluded emotion. Once we become emotionally attached, we are lost. These deluded emotions are entirely illusory.

Yet, the essence of the mind can manifest all things. The spirit is never truly obscured; our original nature possesses immeasurable and boundless virtues and capabilities, and in its function, it can manifest the entire Dharma Realm. We must realise that the practice of the Dharma is for our own benefit. As the Diamond Sutra teaches: 'One should produce a mind that does not dwell on sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touches, or objects of the mind.' Therefore, if one wishes to transcend the cycle of birth and death, one must realise the nature that is neither born nor destroyed. The three realms of existence are not peaceful; they are like a burning house. We must develop a heart of weariness toward this world and a sincere desire to end the cycle of rebirth and escape the three realms."

The Illusion of Attachment and the Path to Liberation

"Our unwavering faith in the Pure Land Dharma Gate is the result of the good roots, Blessings, and Causal Conditions we have cultivated over many lifetimes and eons. This is truly rare and precious. One must practise these skills in daily life, maintaining mastery over one's mind in every moment, understanding the harmony of all events and principles, and cultivating a heart that seeks to benefit all beings. Our true nature is inherently clear, bright, and pure.

My interviews with the Ten Kings of Hell have left a deep impression on me. The difference between a sage and an ordinary person lies in a single thought. It is the depth of our confusion that determines whether we fall into the six realms of existence. To understand Causal Conditions is to understand that the Buddha’s teachings are simply a quest for a pure heart. To chant Buddha's name is to produce the mind, while departing from appearances is the state of non-dwelling. Even when the heart feels empty and void, we must still hold firmly to the name of Namo Amituofo. This is exactly what the Diamond Sutra means by 'producing a mind that does not dwell anywhere.' These manifestations are like shadows—they appear to exist, but they are not truly real. They are like reflections, lacking an inherent self. They arise from conditions, and because they arise from conditions, their nature is empty. They are like 'dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows.' We may make use of them, but we must never become attached to them!"

The Impermanence of the Physical Form

"The physical body is definitively impermanent. In this world, the body follows conditions. Ordinary people follow the conditions of karma. The karmic force you have created in the past follows the conditions of that karma, arising and ceasing in every single instant.

The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is a special Dharma Gate. By learning the conduct of Bodhisattvas, we realise that benefiting others is the true way to benefit oneself. Throughout the entire universe and the Dharma Realm, there is nothing that is not so. With a firm, great compassion—a compassion that will never retreat—and through pure and equal Generosity, we realise that saving all beings is, in truth, saving ourselves. When our Six Roots come into contact with the Six Dusts of the world, there is not a single phenomenon that is not a bodhimanda."

The Universal Compassion of Namo Amituofo

"When the Buddha manifests a body, he may appear in the form of flowing water. Why does the Buddha manifest at this particular time? The Buddha knows that the conditions have matured. Therefore, the Buddha responds to the opportunity and appears; the timing and Causal Conditions are precise to the finest detail. If you have the opportunity to encounter the Pure Land Dharma Gate, you must cherish it. This six-character Buddha-name has the power to change the world and the universe. It possesses such immense power that it can perform Chao Du for beings in the hells. Recording these interviews with the Ten Kings of Hell has truly shown me the great compassion of the Buddha and his vast, grand vow to save all beings!

When our body and heart are pure, the world becomes pure. This is the root of true environmental protection. By working from the foundation, our efforts in environmental protection can achieve perfect results. The great work of the Buddha’s teachings is even more so. May we rain down endless treasures, possess clear wisdom, realise the liberation of the Buddha, and be fully endowed with purity.

Namo Amituofo. The light is immeasurable, illuminating the ten directions."