A Mother's Journey from Hell to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Li Benbin, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her life and her journey to liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on September 29, 2023.

Li Benbin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Li Benbin. Looking back at my life, I feel a profound sense of repenting. I cannot say that I lived a life of virtue; in fact, I created a great deal of negative karma and caused deep pain to many people along the way.

I want to offer my sincerest apologies to everyone I have ever harmed. In my past life, I had a difficult temperament. I was prone to suspicion, and I was quick to anger. I hurt so many people, and I truly accumulated an immense amount of karma. My heart was always heavy with suffering. I told myself countless times that I needed to change, but every time, I found myself unable to control my temper. I was constantly plagued by karmic creditors who were chasing me for debts I had incurred, which only made my moods more volatile. I felt as though I had lost all control over my own self.

The Agony of the Hells

I left this world at a relatively young age, and looking back now, it was truly not worth it. It was not worth sacrificing my precious life for such illusory things, only to end up suffering in the hells. The agony I endured there was beyond words—it was absolutely unbearable!

My child, Peng Hong, has always had a temperament similar to mine, and I know how much she has suffered because of it. Now that she has learned the Dharma, she must change. She must not be like her mother. Do not follow in my footsteps, for the price I paid was far too high!

A Warning to the Living

I hope that everyone who reads my story will wake up. The cycle of being reincarnated is truly terrifying. Please, I beg you, do not easily create karma. The suffering of the hells is beyond anything you can imagine. You can scream and cry for help, but no one will come to save you. I was only fortunate because my dutiful daughter performed the Chao Du ceremony for me, which allowed Practitioner Su to guide me out of that darkness.

The Beauty of the Western Land

I have been practising here for several days now, and in my heart, I have truly repented and sincerely seek liberation. I am so deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for bringing me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This place is so incredibly beautiful; it is a realm where one can forget all worries and sorrows. I am doing very well here, so please, do not worry about me anymore!

You must all practise the Dharma diligently. I will be here waiting for you, and I hope that one day we will be reunited in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I will continue to work hard in my practice, waiting for the day you all return home.

Gratitude to Namo Amituofo, gratitude to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."