The Repentant Guard: A Journey from Hell to Light

This is a record of an interview with Hu Jinchuan, a spirit who served as a guard in the hell realms before seeking deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now aspires to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his past lives and his transformation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on October 20, 2024.

Hu Jinchuan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful for this precious opportunity to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is a chance I never had in my past lives, and I cherish it with every fibre of my being. I know that I must apply myself with even greater diligent practice to truly grow and to be of service to others. On behalf of all the prison guards and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Life of Regret and Lost Time

"I remember my life as a poor farmer in a small village. My parents were such hardworking, kind-hearted people. They laboured from dawn until dusk just to keep our family afloat. When I was young, I worked tirelessly, dreaming of providing them with a better life. But the economic pressure was crushing, and I felt I had no choice but to leave for the city to find work.

In the city, my life became a frantic, exhausting blur of heavy labour. As time passed, I grew cold and indifferent. My focus narrowed until it was only on how to earn more money, and I gradually drifted away from my parents back in the village. When I heard they were ill, I was so blinded by my work that I foolishly thought sending money back was enough. It was not until I received a letter from home that I learned my father had passed away and my mother’s condition was rapidly deteriorating. The shock was like a physical blow; I finally realised the magnitude of my mistake.

When I rushed back to the village, my mother was already on the verge of death. I held her cold, frail hand, and my heart was shattered by a grief and regret that words cannot express. I knew then that I had lost the most precious thing in my life. I should have been by their side. In her final moments, she told me she had simply missed me and wanted to talk. My heart completely collapsed. I sent her off with such deep remorse, constantly blaming myself for my choices. Even though I earned a great deal of money later in that life, my heart remained hollow. I could never find that missing piece, and I carried that heavy, aching regret with me until the very end."

The Healer’s Pride and the Monk’s Lesson

"In my next life, through the arrangement of Causal Conditions, I was born into a family of healers. From a young age, I was immersed in the medical arts and determined to become a physician. I wanted to save lives and help those struggling in suffering, though I did not realise then that this drive was rooted in the attachment from losing my parents in my previous life.

I practised medicine in the countryside, treating the poor for free. Because of my skill and my refusal to take payment, people began to call me a 'Bodhisattva healer.' Once, a desperate mother brought her child to me with a high fever. They were destitute and could not afford medicine. Seeing her anxious eyes, I could not bear to turn them away. I treated the child with the utmost care until he was out of danger.

However, as time went on, I discovered a hidden arrogance growing deep within me. I became intoxicated by the praise of the people and felt proud of my own 'selflessness.' One day, an old monk visited my clinic and said, 'Healer, doing good is noble, but if your heart is attached to the merit, you will find it difficult to attain true liberation.' His words were like a sudden awakening. I realised I had to correct the pride in my heart to become a truly selfless healer. I began to strive for change, hoping to break through my own limitations so I could help more people."

Service in the Hells and the Light of Compassion

"I began to draw closer to the Buddha’s teachings, visiting temples to practise and purify my heart. I started teaching the children of poor families, treating them like my own younger siblings, teaching them to read and write, and guiding them toward Goodness. I stopped chasing fame and fortune, focusing instead on how to help others secure a better future. When a young man I had taught passed his examinations and came to thank me, his gratitude filled my heart with a joy I had never known. I finally understood that true happiness comes from selfless giving, not from the satisfaction of fame.

After I passed away, my spirit arrived at the Hall of the Yama King. He looked at me with a serious but compassionate gaze and said, 'Hu Jinchuan, you learned to be kind and selfless in your past life, but you still have attachments you have not let go of. Now, I give you an opportunity: go into the hells to help those suffering spirits so they, too, may find the path to liberation.' I felt this was a precious opportunity and respectfully accepted his arrangement.

I entered the hells and saw countless spirits struggling in agony. Their cries were constant. I began to explain the laws of karma and cause and effect to them, encouraging them to repent for their past sins. Whenever I saw a spirit find even a moment of comfort from my words, I felt a surge of strength and hope. Then, the Great Compassionate Practitioner Su arrived in the hells to explain the Dharma. Her light illuminated the entire realm, and her voice was like nectar, nourishing every parched heart.

Under the guidance of Practitioner Su, many spirits began to repent, and hope began to shine on their faces. In her radiance, I understood that true compassion is unconditional acceptance—a willingness to give everything, even one’s own time and energy, for the sake of all beings. These teachings moved me deeply. I know now that this is the Truth. I have told myself that I must apply diligent practice to gain the strength to help more people. I am determined to follow the teachings of Namo Amituofo and bring light and hope to those who suffer. I am so grateful to Practitioner Su for this opportunity to be liberated and to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I will work hard and vow to help more sentient beings. Namo Amituofo. Hu Jinchuan, with palms joined."