The Truth Behind the Robes: A Confession from Hell

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Elder Monk Ming Shan, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey through the realms of existence. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on September 2, 2018.

Elder Monk Ming Shan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Ming Shan. I am deeply indebted to Practitioner Su for her immense effort in saving me. She rescued me from the depths of hell, intending to guide me directly to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. However, due to a momentary lapse in my own focus, I was drawn toward a brilliant golden light and found myself in the twenty-fourth heaven. It was only through Practitioner Su’s continued compassion and guidance that I was finally brought to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."

The Power of True Deliverance

"Think about it—this entire process! If one does not possess true Chao Du skills, profound meditative concentration, and immense virtue, how could the King of Hell be so easily persuaded to release a soul? I was brought to Practitioner Su by that very golden light. I am so grateful to the Venerable who gifted me the book, 'If the Buddha Dharma is to flourish, monks must praise monks.' My name was mentioned in that book, and it was through that Causal Condition that Practitioner Su was able to call out my name, allowing me to escape the agony of hell."

"Practitioner Su’s ability to perform Chao Du is renowned and authentic throughout the underworld. The spirits are overjoyed whenever she appears, for her presence signifies that the light of Namo Amituofo is shining upon us. With a simple wave of her sleeve, she offers us the chance to enter the golden light of Namo Amituofo and be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is a scene without precedent in history. If I had not experienced it myself, I would find it hard to believe that such a great virtuous being exists in the human world, one who can manifest the essence of the Pure Land Dharma Gate so clearly and thoroughly. It is difficult to witness such skill unless a Buddha or Bodhisattva has returned to this world."

The Truth of My Past

"Now, as an elder monk, I speak as a spirit without a physical body, sharing words that may be difficult for some to believe. I have seen sights that are rare to behold, and I am overwhelmed by the vastness of the Buddha’s grace. How can I ever repay it? During my life, I visited countless famous mountains and grand temples. I met many eminent monks, transmitted the Precepts to countless students, and taught extensively. I wrote calligraphy that was framed and displayed in numbers too great to count. I served as an abbot and guided countless beings. If people had known that after I passed away, I did not enter the Western Pure Land but instead fell into hell to suffer, they would have found it impossible to accept. Yet, it was the truth."

The Pitfalls of Ritualism

"Why did I end up in hell? In my youth, the impact of war made survival difficult. I lacked the guidance of a truly virtuous teacher, which led me and other monastics to make a living by 'rushing through rituals'—performing ceremonies merely for money. People came to believe that being a monastic was just about striking ritual instruments and chanting for fees, forgetting that the true purpose of leaving the home life is to rediscover one's true nature, liberate oneself from the cycle of rebirth, and save others."

"There was a time when I followed others in the temple to perform these rituals. After chanting, we would receive money, and I felt a deep sorrow in my heart. To see the Buddha Dharma reduced to such a state! I strove to change the world's perception of Buddhism, but I had already sown the seeds of hell. Some of my own disciples were greedy for wealth, or they would collect money in the name of 'war relief' and perform rituals in a perfunctory manner, lacking the ability to actually deliver beings to the Western Pure Land. As their teacher, I failed to guide them properly, and I had to bear the karmic consequences. We violated the very principles we were meant to uphold. Although survival was difficult in those times, one cannot invert the fundamental priorities. The decline of the Buddha Dharma was not without cause. One must repay the negative karma created—this is the Truth of the universe!"

A Final Plea to the Living

"Today, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is building the Amituofo Village. The spirits who know of this are spreading the news, hoping that their living relatives will have the chance to hear of it. Those who come to reside there can be delivered by the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su and reborn in the Western Pure Land, avoiding the suffering of samsara. This is a true story; do not let this rare opportunity for rebirth in the Western Pure Land slip away. People in this world often let such easily accessible opportunities pass them by, not realising what immense good roots, blessings, and Causal Conditions are required to encounter such a thing."

"Namo Amituofo resides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Come here to learn, to reside, and to draw close to the Great Teacher, Namo Amituofo. You will gain inconceivable benefits. The path to attaining Buddhahood through Buddha recitation is right here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I encourage everyone to come and see for yourselves. Namo Amituofo."