The Prison Guard’s Redemption: An Interview with Kang Shihong

This article records an interview with Kang Shihong, a spirit who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. After enduring the profound suffering of the hell realms, he was successfully delivered to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This testimony, which recounts his life, his karmic struggles, and his eventual liberation, was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on October 30, 2021.

Kang Shihong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The Great Vow King, Namo Amituofo, possesses compassion, joy, and selfless giving beyond measure. I, Shihong, along with fifty-nine other prison guards from the hell realms, have arrived in the Western Pure Land. Seeing Namo Amituofo before us, we all knelt and kowtowed in gratitude. We are profoundly grateful for the great compassion of Namo Amituofo and the compassionate guidance of Practitioner Su, who made our deliverance possible."

The Burden of Ancestral Karma

"My grandparents once sought out a fortune-teller because every expert they consulted insisted that the Kang family would struggle to produce an heir. They feared that after my father, the family line would end. This terrified my grandparents, and they searched everywhere for a solution, determined to ensure the Kang family's legacy continued. They were desperate, feeling the weight of an impending silence in our home where there should have been the laughter of children.

After two years of searching through deep mountains, they finally found a blind seer who possessed the ability to perceive different dimensions. She was not someone one could simply find; she only revealed herself when she chose to be found. When my grandparents finally stood before her, they wept and begged for her help, pleading that the Kang family line not be severed. The seer looked at them and asked, 'Every family wishes to continue their lineage; what makes the Kang family so special?' My grandfather replied, 'We are no different from others, but if we are granted a descendant, we will surely raise them to be virtuous, to help others, and to benefit society.' It was a promise made in total sincerity.

The seer led them to a large, circular ceramic vessel filled with water. With a few gestures, she manifested a scene within the water for them to witness. It revealed that my ancestors had earned their wealth by selling abortion drugs for two generations, causing the deaths of countless unborn children. These spirits were still seeking vengeance against the Kang family. It was this heavy karma that had caused our family line to wither. Upon seeing this, my grandparents were struck with a sudden, profound realisation. They knelt and thanked the seer for her guidance, finally understanding the source of our family's sorrow."

The Power of Repentance and Chanting

"From that day on, they sincerely performed Chao Du for the spirits of the infants harmed by our ancestors. They gave generously to help orphans and families in need, ensuring children could grow up safely. Two years later, my mother became pregnant. The entire family was overjoyed, even hosting a feast for the whole village to share in the blessing. I grew rapidly in my mother's womb, nourished by the herbal soups my grandmother prepared. However, during the pregnancy, my mother suffered from constant, inexplicable abdominal pain. No doctor could find the cause.

Eventually, someone told my grandparents that the child in her womb was coming to seek revenge for the family's past sins. The family was plunged into despair, fearing the worst. My grandfather, however, stood firm: 'We must not think the worst! From today, we will have this child listen to the sutras. He will chant the Buddha-name and follow a vegetarian diet from within the womb.' The effect was miraculous. Once my mother began chanting Namo Amituofo, the pain vanished, and she felt light and at ease. Soon, the entire family—my grandfather, grandmother, and father—began chanting. Our home was filled with the constant, resonant sound of the Buddha-name, creating a sanctuary of peace."

A Child of Blessing

"One day, a person with spiritual vision encountered my grandmother and mother in the street. They remarked, 'This child in the womb has come to repay a kindness. He will help turn the family's karma around. You must cultivate him well.' My grandmother was confused, as this contradicted the earlier warning, but my grandfather concluded, 'Whether others say it is good or bad, our hearts must not be shaken. We will care for this child, and he will surely be a blessing.'

When I was born, the midwife was astonished. Despite my large size, the birth was effortless. My grandmother held me and exclaimed, 'Look at my precious grandson! His earlobes are just like the Buddha's, and his eyebrows and eyes are identical to the Buddha statue in our home. This is surely the Buddha's blessing!' My birth inspired the entire village to begin chanting. The atmosphere of our village transformed as families became sincere in their practice, and the collective energy of the village shifted toward the light of the Dharma."

A Short Life and a New Path

"My grandparents kept their promise to the seer, raising me to be a person who benefits the public. I loved chanting the Buddha-name; even before I could speak, I would chant in a sweet, clear voice that brought joy to everyone who heard it. However, my karmic retribution was not yet fully exhausted. At the age of ten, I fell gravely ill. For three years, I suffered, yet I continued to chant. I passed away at thirteen. My departure devastated my family, but my grandfather used his wisdom to comfort them: 'Shihong was sent by the Buddha to teach us to chant. He has not died; he has left a house filled with the sound of the Buddha-name. We must be grateful.' My family continued to perform good deeds, and within three years, my mother gave birth to a healthy brother.

As for me, I entered the hell realms as a prison guard. I saw the karmic ties I had with the Kang family—both debts of gratitude and enmity. But because of the chanting I did in the womb, my spiritual memory was transformed; the gratitude outweighed the hatred. I spent my short life of thirteen years learning the truth of cause and effect. Even in the hells, I continued to chant, teaching other beings to do the same, hoping to one day escape the cycle of rebirth. Having heard the Dharma talks of Practitioner Su, I achieved a great awakening. I longed for the Western Pure Land, and today, my wish has been fulfilled. We sixty prison guards waited with anticipation to be delivered. The moment we arrived in the Western Pure Land, our hearts were filled with infinite gratitude. Gratitude to Namo Amituofo. Gratitude to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Kang Shihong