From the Depths of Hell to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with Huang Shanzhen, who sought deliverance 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 through the realms of suffering. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on July 21, 2024.

Huang Shanzhen speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I kneel before the Buddha in deep repentance, bowing to express my gratitude for the Buddha's grace. Namo Amituofo’s great compassion has embraced my many faults, allowing a sinner like me the chance to arrive at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I truly believed I was beyond redemption, that I could never even touch the hem of this sacred realm, yet here I am. This is entirely due to the boundless compassion of Namo Amituofo and the mercy of Practitioner Su. I am filled with endless gratitude to Practitioner Su for being willing to guide my spirit, allowing me to escape the hells and the suffering I endured there. My heart is overflowing with a gratitude that words cannot fully express.

The Hells of My Own Making

In truth, I did not just visit one hell. When Practitioner Su reached out to guide my spirit, I happened to be suffering retribution in the Volcano Hell. Before that, I had already endured the Eye-Gouging Hell and the Tongue-Cutting Hell. In my life, I was always quick to judge others and speak harsh, malicious words. Every single karmic debt I created had to be repaid in the depths of those hells. It was a cycle of agony that seemed endless.

I am not worthy to call myself a practitioner of the Buddha’s teachings; it is truly too shameful. Coming here to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and witnessing the way Practitioner Su practises, I see that I am worlds apart. I have brought such disgrace to the Buddha, and I feel profound shame. Now that Namo Amituofo is still willing to allow me to enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I must offer my deepest, most sincere repentance for all that I have done.

The Weight of Karmic Creditors

While at the Centre, whenever there were Dharma talks, I listened intently. Only then did I truly understand what it means to practice the Buddha’s path. Looking back at my life, my body had long been overtaken. My karmic creditors were upon me, clouding my vision, poisoning my thoughts, and making my personality unbearable. I had no control over my own body because my karma was simply too heavy; so many karmic creditors were seeking retribution against me for the wrongs I had committed.

During my life, when my eyes could no longer see, it was because my spirit was already suffering in the Eye-Gouging Hell. No one in the human world knew of this agony, but the retribution was real and absolute.

A Message to My Family

I must apologise to my son and my daughter-in-law. I do not know if they are doing well now, and I am too ashamed to look. Today, I have reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and it seems my daughter-in-law helped make this possible. Hearing her name mentioned brings me even greater shame. Thank you both. I am well now, and I no longer have to suffer. I will follow Namo Amituofo forever. You must also diligently chant Namo Amituofo, listen to the Dharma, and change your personality traits. Do not end up like me—it is truly too shameful.

Huang Shanzhen bows in reverence. Namo Amituofo."