After I pressed my palms together toward the Magistrate, I returned by white lotus flower.
Postscript
The Nether Laws Are Inexorable, Yet the Buddhas Are Compassionate
Some netizens ask why the laws of the netherworld are “inexorable”. These laws can also be regarded as the manifestation of the law of cause and effect, an unchanging cosmic principle. To say they are inexorable means karmic consequences are inevitable and can never be altered by any factor. As you sow, so shall you reap. The law of cause and effect spans three lifetimes. Hence retribution may not manifest in the present life, yet the law of karma is utterly real and undeniable. It makes no exceptions or distinctions based on status, rank, wealth, fame, gender, age, race or any other differences. All beings are equal before the law of karma — this is why the karmic laws of the netherworld are called inexorable.
Nevertheless, while the nether laws are inexorable, the Buddhas are compassionate. Though the principle of karma itself never changes, there exists a transitional phase of conditions before karmic fruition of good and evil takes shape. During this phase, transformation is possible through repenting faults and embracing goodness. All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas possess boundless kindness and compassion. Ceaselessly and tirelessly, they benefit all beings, teaching in accordance with each being’s capacity, guiding others as conditions arise, and perpetually turning the Wheel of Righteous Dharma. Through this, beings gain support to escape suffering and attain joy, and tread the path to ultimate liberation. The teachings of Buddhas are the beacon that swiftly guides sentient beings to the other shore.
In the present era, though virtuous people dwell in the human world, the force of evil deeds committed without understanding cause and effect is even stronger. Disasters, wars and illnesses occur frequently. Even with the combined might of the awesome power, power of merits, compassion, wholesome karma and merit dedication of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, these combined forces only address the symptoms. To address the root cause, everyone should understand cause and effect, turn from wrongdoing and embrace goodness. As circumstances transform in accordance with the mind, all Buddhas perpetually turn the Dharma Wheel.
The book The Inexorable Nether Laws emerges in response to the times and prevailing conditions, embodying the compassionate arrangements of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who pity all living beings. Senior Shangguan Yuhua spared no effort, bravely shouldering this great responsibility and serving all beings with wholehearted devotion. Though some living beings create karmic offenses out of ignorance of cause and effect and refuse to heed repeated exhortations, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas cannot bear to watch them suffer. Thus they allow living beings to witness the true reality of the hells, giving rise to sincere remorse and resolve to reform. This serves as a warning to the world: those who have not yet committed evil deeds may learn from this and refrain from wrongdoing. It is like erecting a final barrier before the hells, stopping beings from descending to endure torment. The boundless kindness of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, who protect living beings at all times and everywhere, can never be fully recounted. If you encounter The Inexorable Nether Laws, truly repent, reform your conduct, never repeat your misdeeds, widely circulate this work, and help others mend their ways, then the gates of hell shall close for you. Yet if you remain incredulous and unyielding, recklessly committing evil, you yourself will swing open the gates of hell, and no one can hold you back. Bear this in mind: when Earth Store Bodhisattva meets you in the hells, he wishes to see you walk the Bodhisattva path and enter the hells to liberate living beings — not to encounter you again because you suffer retribution for your evil karma!
All readers, take care! Amitabha!
Daolan, respectfully pressing palms together
To Safeguard the Nation and Cherish the People; Comprehend the Karmic Law of Cause and Effect Clearly