I pressed my palms together to take my leave, filled with gratitude toward the Magistrate, and returned by white lotus flower.
18 / The Hellish Retribution for Circulating and Sharing Pornographic Books, Periodicals and Discs
I have been swamped with various matters and have also secluded myself for inner spiritual cultivation, leaving me no opportunity to journey to the hells to gather materials for writing articles. I sincerely apologize for keeping everyone waiting. I only travel to the hells when my mental state is at its peak. Each trip depletes some of my vital energy, and I must continuously recite mantras to replenish it after returning. Although my condition is good today, forces from another dimension have come to obstruct me and prevent me from writing. Their power is considerable, and they have wasted half of my day. To break precepts for even a single day makes one a follower of demons. This is what Ayù firmly believes. Whenever I encounter obstacles, I overcome them by practising the mindset of upholding the precepts. This Buddhist method is highly effective. I share it with everyone now, as it has worked flawlessly every time so far.
Before entering nirvana, the Buddha told Ananda: “In the Dharma-Ending Age, practitioners shall take the precepts as their teacher and rely upon the Dharma, not upon people.” The Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom, Volume Two states: “The Buddha takes patience as armor, diligence as steel cuirass, observance of precepts as steed, dhyana as fine bow, and wisdom as fine arrows. With these, he conquers the army of demon kings externally and eliminates the bandit of afflictions internally; this is called an Arhat.” Furthermore, The Sutra of Śakra’s Questions to the Buddha states: “Those who disregard the Buddha’s prohibitory precepts should now feel shame.” All these teachings demonstrate how vitally important it is to uphold the precepts!
Let my spiritual power converge! Namo Mahāmāyūrī! Namo Mahāmāyūrī! I shall break through these obstacles and head for the hells immediately.
Grateful for the empowerment of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, I set forth by white lotus flower and arrived at the hells instantly.
Amitabha! I pressed my palms together toward the Magistrate.
Today I wished to ask the Magistrate about the retribution for circulating pornographic books, periodicals and discs.
The Magistrate said: “An excellent question. Countless young people across the mortal world engage in such harmful conduct nowadays. Ayù, when you return, remember to warn all mortal sentient beings afflicted with these depraved habits. They must immediately repent thoroughly, reform their wrongdoings, and cultivate virtue and good deeds, so as to avoid terrifying retribution in hell and stop harming themselves and others. This message is extremely vital; bear it well in mind!”
“Yes, Magistrate! Ayù will write this down right away upon returning.”