A Guided visit to Hell

Xuống địa ngục by Thuận Pháp – translated by Bluesky – edited by Horangi

I respectfully bow to Grandmaster and Master, Greetings to sisters, brothers and friends,

I’d like to recount a dream I had recently. In the dream, I was at home with my parents and younger brother when we heard a distant voice echoing through the air. It announced solemnly, “A family member’s life has ended. Follow me to the gathering place. Duration of life: 28 years.” We exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of who the message was directed towards. Suddenly, a blast of wintry wind swept through the room, causing me to collapse as if intoxicated, and I was carried away by the wind amidst streaks of light resembling a comet.

When I awoke in the dream, I found myself in a small, ancient-looking town surrounded by desolate landscapes reminiscent of ancient China. The atmosphere was dreary and dim, with rustic thatched-roof houses. I found myself inside one of these empty houses, illuminated only by the flickering light of a candle.

After some time passed, a monk, aged in his sixties or seventies, arrived and beckoned me to follow him. Stepping outside, I found myself in a small, bustling market square. People stood or sat quietly, not engaging in conversation but rather waiting in a solemn manner.

I am escorted to what appears to be a dining establishment, with a line of people patiently waiting. The monk guides me to the front of the line, where I encounter another monk resembling the first, seated in meditation on a sturdy wooden platform beside an old television set. He calmly informs me, “Your time on Earth has concluded. According to the laws of Heaven, you must remain in this gathering place until a decision is made about your next existence.”

Handing me a TV remote control, he instructs, “In the meantime, use this to watch a replay of your life journey. Reflect on your actions, shortcomings, and any lingering regrets. The waiting period spans 1000 years, so take your time. You may also continue your spiritual practices as you did on Earth.”

With the remote in hand, I explore the surroundings. This gathering place is where souls convene after their earthly lives conclude. Observing the diverse array of individuals, I notice varied facial expressions: some display quiet contemplation, perhaps tinged with regret, while others appear pale with fear, akin to criminals awaiting judgment. Some engage in animated conversations, while others prefer solitude in meditation.

I ponder, “Is this hell? Why is there no demons, no horrible faces or overt punishment? ”
To satisfy my curiosity, I inquire with those around me. They confirm that this place is indeed Hell, though devoid of physical punishment. Instead, it serves as a waiting period for one’s rebirth into an appropriate realm, determined by the balance of sins and good deeds from their past life. The duration spent here constitutes the actual punishment.

For those still consumed by greed and delusion, watching the replay of their life brings intense regret and self-torment. Their anguish stems from unfulfilled desires or the inability to carry possessions beyond life. Enduring such feelings for a thousand years surpasses any physical suffering. Relief comes only when they acknowledge their errors and relinquish regrets, lust, and greed.

In my secluded space, I settle down to recite the Five Dharanis, finding solace in the peaceful atmosphere. Here, free from external influences, I immerse myself in spiritual cultivation, losing track of time entirely.

Eventually, a monk beckons me forth and reveals that I will be reborn as a human. He explains that my diligent cultivation has earned me merits, ensuring my rebirth into a wealthy and respectable family, where life will flow smoothly without hardship. However, he cautions against complacency, emphasizing the importance of continuing to cultivate merits for blessings. Neglecting this could lead to accruing negative karma in the next life. With a warm smile and well-wishes, the monk bids me farewell.

As a beam of light envelops me, I realize that I am being reincarnated once more as a human.

My dream ends here.

Disciple Thuan Phap expresses profound gratitude to Grand Master and Master for their unwavering guidance and teachings, which have enriched my understanding and broadened my perspective immensely.

Thuan Phap

Updated 4/5/24