Imagine going to a theme park where the main attraction is descending into the 10 Courts of Hell. An interesting place to visit in Singapore is the bazaar theme park at Haw Par Villa.
My husband says going to Haw Par Villa is like entering a different realm. Where everything feels strangely bizarre. You’ll discover the many levels of hell on earth, where sinners go to, when they cause harm to others. From my own understanding, the way we interact with others is very much connected to what happens to us in the afterlife.
Previously known as Tiger Balm Gardens, the Au Brothers from Burma built this area in 1937 before the Japanese occupied Singapore. Boon Haw and Boon Par brought with them, their fathers’ secret recipe for the Tiger Balm ointment. And yes, I still use it myself and for my children when they were younger.
In this post, I’ll share my experience of this unique place and the stories behind these Chinese folk tales and mythology.
Journey into the 10 Courts of Hell on Earth
Watch the video of the ten courts of hell.
I was born and raised in Singapore. As a young child, I have vivid memories of visiting many attractions in Singapore. One of them is Hwa Par Villa’s Ten Courts of Hell. My first visit to the park was in the late seventies. And although back then, I never realized the legend behind these mock-up purgatory stories, I was fascinated by them. The thought of seeing what real punishment awaits us in the afterlife is pretty scary.
Most children, including myself are curiously mischievous. But these scenes made us realize our actions have consequences too. When we intentionally hurt others, we must take responsibilities for our actions or end up being judged ourselves.
I’ve heard many stories from friends about how souls are reincarnated according to their actions towards others here on earth. The karma of our past actions can haunt us into the present. And we get stuck in a cycle of our own vicious actions. Pretty heavy stuff! Don’t you think?
Tales of the Unknown or Known
What if some of it, is true. That right now we may be living in an unconscious state, going around in circles repeating the same mistake unknowingly. Our choices makes us who we are. Lessons constantly repeat themselves until we become aware of our mistakes. Only then do we move on.
In this mock up purgatory, the 10 hell judges declare judgement on sinners who have committed acts of violence against another. And punishment awaits these sinners after death, before the reincarnation process.
One Reaps What One Sows
I’ve always been taught to be kind to others and to help them if I can. But to treat them cruelly or hinder their growth for your own needs means you create your own reality be it good or bad. Your choices grounds your fate.
My friends have often shared similar stories with me about karma and dharma. But what stays with me is this idea that all the hardships we face are karmic episodes. And only through acceptance of our fate, do we unlock a door to enter the next level.
When you have paid for your karma, your soul earns its dharma. The hardships and sufferings we face is the karma endured as penance. And when you calmly accept it, you make amends to free yourself from the chains of past actions. You fulfill that side of fate to create a new destiny. Achieving your dharma! And to experience both in the same lifetime is a blessings.
When you share insights from your experiences to sincerely help others, that truly a gift and a blessing.
We all have a mission in this world and a huge part of our actions to help others not only repays for past karma, but it also creates harmony. However, when your intentions to help others is sincere without wanting anything in return, your soul gains cosmic gold. Because you are giving back what you’ve learned through hardship. And in return for your payback, you will be given a better path in your next life.
Are you stuck in a cycle of constant anxieties? Perhaps it’s time you learn to start living a fulfilling life to reap your happiness.
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