The Prison Guard's Path to Liberation

This interview was recorded on April 14, 2024, by Shi Fa Xi at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The speaker is Abila, a spirit who served as a prison guard in the underworld. After enduring centuries of suffering and karmic retribution, Abila sought deliverance through the teachings of Practitioner Su and now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Abila speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful for this rare opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I understand that the Pure Land is the ultimate place of liberation for all spirits. I will cherish this chance immensely and will dedicate myself to diligent practice.

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

A Tragic Origin: The Puppet's Curse

"In the distant past, I was an ordinary boy living in a small village on the border. Our village was surrounded by dense forests that seemed to hide countless mysteries and legends. Among us lived an elderly shaman, a man who had mastered ancient spells and sorcery. His small hut was filled with strange runes and herbs, and the villagers both respected and feared him.

One day, the old shaman carved a puppet from a century-old oak tree. Its appearance was deceptively kind and cute, but its eyes were so deep that they seemed capable of peering into one's very soul. The shaman claimed this puppet could protect the village from evil spirits, and many villagers came to worship it.

On a night of a violent thunderstorm, the old shaman used a secret ritual to carve spells into the puppet. Unbeknownst to anyone, he also sealed a powerful soul-binding curse within it, fueled by his own selfishness.

Centuries of Solitude

"Unfortunately, out of curiosity, I accidentally touched the puppet during a festival. From that moment on, my soul was captured by the puppet's eyes and locked firmly inside. Trapped within, I felt an unprecedented sense of loneliness and despair. I was forced to watch the world change through the puppet's eyes, unable to communicate with anyone or feel a single shred of warmth.

For hundreds of years, I lived in solitude and agony, longing for liberation. It was a dark, harrowing experience. My being was bound by countless chains of spells, leaving me unable to move or even call for help.

Then, one day, as sunlight filtered through the treetops and shone upon my wooden shell, a warm and mysterious power flowed into me. This power was both gentle and mighty, silently conveying an aura of compassion and wisdom. It whispered to me: 'Recite Namo Amituofo, and let the light of the heart dispel the darkness within.'

The Light of Namo Amituofo

"I began to follow the guidance of this mysterious power, reciting the Buddha-name over and over again. With each recitation, I felt my soul being bathed in soft sunlight, gradually finding warmth and hope. Every time I chanted, the bindings around my heart loosened. Finally, on a beautiful, clear morning, I felt myself drift out of the puppet. I had finally regained my freedom.

When I looked back at the puppet that had once imprisoned my soul, it suddenly burst into flames on its own, turning into ashes.

After regaining my freedom, that mysterious power guided me into a realm of light. In this new world, I learned many truths about the laws of karma and cause and effect. I also gradually understood my new mission: to help those souls still trapped in darkness.

A Shaman's New Life

"When I experienced reincarnation and returned to the human world, I stepped into a new life—a fresh beginning. Although my body was frail and sickly from birth, I retained an extraordinary sensory ability. I could perceive things others could not, and I could even sense the pain and desires deep within their hearts. This ability made me stand out in the village; the villagers were both in awe of me and dependent on me, eventually electing me as the new generation's shaman.

Unlike the old shaman, I had a completely different understanding and attitude toward sorcery. I remembered the fear and despair of being trapped in the puppet; the pain of being controlled was something I could never forget. Therefore, I refused to use any form of controlling or harmful sorcery. Instead, I focused on learning and teaching methods to help and heal others.

Under my guidance, the villagers learned to use herbs to treat illnesses, and I often used my abilities to help those in need. Once, a woman stood by the river in the dead of night, filled with despair due to family strife. I sensed her hopelessness and arrived at her side just before she could make an irreversible decision.

Compassion as the Ultimate Remedy

"I spoke to her softly, sharing my own story and telling her that the difficulties and pain in life are only temporary. I helped her understand that every hardship is an opportunity for growth and that every night of despair will eventually end. After a long conversation, her mood gradually calmed, and she chose to return to the village to start her life anew.

Furthermore, I helped the village children learn positive knowledge. Once, a group of children got lost in the forest as night fell, and danger lurked everywhere. Many people rushed out to search for them. I eventually found them through the messages in space and guided them safely back to the village. Upon returning, I began teaching them how to identify directions and how to find their way in nature. At the same time, I guided them toward a correct view of life, hoping that every child could find their own exit in this life.

In the village, I was more than a shaman; I became a wise person and a mentor. I encouraged the villagers to support each other when facing difficulties and taught them how to improve their destiny through correct actions and thoughts. My life was filled with the satisfaction of helping others, and I deeply felt that every time I helped someone, I was actually helping my own soul to further purify and ascend.

Gratitude and the Journey to the Underworld

"When the night was quiet, I often looked up at the starry sky, thanking the mysterious power that had redeemed my soul. I always remembered the phrase 'Namo Amituofo.' I knew it represented infinite light. It not only saved me but also gave me the opportunity to help others. In this new life, I moved forward firmly on this bright path, carrying gratitude for the past and hope for the future. Every day, I fulfilled my commitment to life, spreading compassion and wisdom to everyone who needed it.

I lived a very fulfilling life. I knew I had to be grateful for everything. Although I did not understand the meaning of 'Namo Amituofo,' I believed it must be a magnificent power.

When my life came to an end, my heart was free of attachments. I left the human world with a sense of complete satisfaction, knowing I was heading to my next destination.

Repentance and Deliverance

"When I arrived in the underworld, I knew it was another new beginning. I welcomed these brand-new days with a joyful heart. Later, I was brought before the King of Hell. After many days of judgment, I was sentenced to fifty years of punishment. The reason was that during the time I was controlled, I had still created quite a bit of negative karma. Although it was not my own intention, I had still harmed those beings with my own hands.

When I learned this fact, I should have felt resentment, as it was the old shaman who had harmed me. But in the end, I chose to let go. I sincerely wanted to repent to the beings I had harmed in my ignorance. Because I performed well during my sentence, the King of Hell compassionately gave me the opportunity to serve and atone for my past sins. I was very grateful and worked diligently.

After many years, I learned many truths about the laws of karma and cause and effect during my service. This was the first time I realized I should seek liberation from samsara. Once I had this thought, I began to pursue the Truth.

I am truly grateful for the Buddha's compassion, which allowed me to hear Practitioner Su's Dharma talks recently. This is exactly the Truth I have been seeking. My heart is filled with emotion, and I have made a great vow to practice diligently.

I am grateful for this magnificent karmic affinity. This is truly a rare and magnificent Dharma. I am also grateful for the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss today. Abila knows that the Buddha's grace and the grace of Practitioner Su are hard to repay. I must practice with all my might to achieve success and help more beings in the future.

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

Abila, with palms joined."