The Loyalty of a General: From the Three Kingdoms to the Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Zhang Fei, who is also known in his recent life as Dharma Master Hailiang. He sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his life during the Three Kingdoms period, approximately 1,800 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on March 1, 2026.

Zhang Fei speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I, Zhang Fei, have always been a man of bold and heroic spirit, yet when I look back upon my life, I view it with a sense of profound detachment. You might wonder if I was a man driven by grand ambitions or a desire to conquer the world, but that was never the case. I possess a particular trait: despite my appearance of being a warrior who acts without thought, I am actually a very keen judge of character. I can see through a person with absolute clarity—whether they truly care for the world or are merely driven by selfish desires. Every little calculation, every hidden motive, and every scheme within a person's heart is laid bare before me. I do not need to test them; a few words, a gesture, or a simple movement is enough for me to understand the true intentions hidden deep within their soul. From a young age, I witnessed the malice of the human heart and the myriad states of life. Even as a youth, I had no grand illusions of achieving greatness amidst the chaos of war. After all, in such a turbulent era, to stand out, one would typically have to be a warrior of extraordinary ferocity, slaughtering enemies and accumulating vast military achievements.

A Keen Eye for the Human Heart

However, if one were to kill civilians without purpose or righteousness, how would that be any different from the rebellious armies rising everywhere or the decadent, crumbling imperial forces of the time? In those days, the greatest suffering of the people was the lack of a guiding goal and the absence of a leader who could truly guide them out of the predicament of that era. I was the same; in such a miserable time, I had no direction, and I spent my days in constant search. When I happened to meet Liu Xuande—Liu Bei—who would later become my lord, I saw at a glance that this man truly held the world in his heart.

His way of thinking and his mode of operation were completely out of step with the environment of that time. His aspirations and his plans for the future were vastly different from those of most people. He carried a heart full of hope to support the Han Dynasty, wishing to revive it and ensure the stability and peace of the people's lives. He operated based on ideals that were, perhaps, overly idealistic, planning for a future that seemed impossible to others. Such a person stood apart from the rest, yet he spoke of the future with such bright confidence. Even though his actions were arduous and often thankless, the clarity and confidence in his heart made my eyes light up."

The Idealism of Liu Bei

"The Han Dynasty was already in decline at that time. To revive it and command the respect of the various feudal lords for the central government was an incredibly difficult task. Liu Bei himself did not possess sufficient military strength or resources to achieve such a feat. If one wanted to achieve success and rise to prominence quickly, the most direct path would have been to join one of the local factions. However, although Liu Bei occasionally had to submit to other forces, he was actually recruiting talent and promoting his ideals in his own unique way. This unconventional approach—building from the grassroots level—was extremely difficult and unrewarding. Given his limited strength, it would have been very easy for him to be wiped out at any moment in that era. Yet, in speaking with him, one could see that he was not acting without a plan. Strangely enough, my lord was always able to attract extraordinary people from all over the world.

He did not do this out of selfish ambition to become a regional hegemon. He truly saw that in the environment of that time, no faction was genuinely acting for the sake of peace and stability. He could see the situation clearly; no one was stepping forward, and no one was truly acting for the sake of the people. I enjoyed our conversations immensely, and I could see that those who joined him to plan for the future shared similar or identical ideals. This convinced me that in such a chaotic era, if I could serve someone who truly cared for the people, it would be a worthy use of my life as a warrior.

A Life Dedicated to Stability

I never had the intention of occupying a high position or becoming a warlord. However, if there was someone worth dedicating my life to—someone who could truly help the people return to a life of peace and stability—I was willing to spend my entire life serving him and his team. People in the world think I was extremely loyal, and from the results, that is true. But the fundamental reason is that I was not acting for the sake of personal fame or success. My ideals and propositions were the same as my lord's. To outsiders, there was a hierarchy between us, but in truth, we were brothers in heart. I genuinely wanted to help my lord achieve his ambition: to let the people return to stability and peace. Looking at the subsequent history and policies of Shu Han, it is not difficult to see that it was not an aggressively expansionist state.

The core policy of the state was to consolidate and stabilize various regions, governing and settling the local people well so that they could live stable lives within their areas. Shu Han's demands for territory were not like those of other ambitious states. Territorial expansion was not the primary goal; rather, the focus was on systematically recovering the former lands of the Han Dynasty, gradually stabilizing local construction, and providing the people with a stable living space amidst the chaos of war. I followed my lord on numerous campaigns, accompanying him through a series of storms and trials. Of course, since we were in a chaotic era, protecting the people and stabilizing the situation inevitably involved many wars. However, the ambition in my heart was very clear: it was not to kill enemies on the battlefield to gain merit, nor was it to eliminate others, but to follow my lord's righteousness and implement his benevolent governance.

From the Battlefield to the Dharma Path

Perhaps it was the vow I made over many lifetimes to assist my lord in realizing his great ambition of implementing benevolent governance and educating the people. I could share his joys and sorrows, advancing and retreating with him, without craving achievement or pleasure. I was always focused on opening paths for him, standing on the front lines during the most difficult moments to share his burdens. I am a man of martial prowess, and my role was to assist my lord in repelling enemies at critical moments. If my lord ordered an attack or the capture of a city, I would spare no effort, because I knew clearly in my heart that my lord was not doing this to slaughter the innocent or to plunder. He had his own judgment, believing that a region must be taken to be beneficial for future development. I would not ask questions; from a person's speech and conduct, I could clearly understand their inner calculations. After observing my lord for many years, I knew there was nothing to worry about; I only needed to follow his decisions, and the rest was left for me to execute.

I participated in many battles, large and small. Along the way, I was granted many territories and lost many cities. Yet, I did not care much about these comings and goings. If there was an opportunity to bring stability to the people, I would do my best; if the situation forced our hand, we would adapt accordingly. I followed my lord for nearly forty years. I have no desire to calculate the merits and demerits of that time. I helped my lord for nearly forty years, which is a very long time. By then, I was nearly sixty years old, quite an advanced age. My reactions and physical strength were naturally not as fierce and agile as in my youth, but my ambition to serve my lord and my belief in his righteousness had not diminished in the slightest. That year, my lord finally decided to declare himself emperor and establish the Shu Han Empire.

I knew my lord believed the time was ripe to stabilize the people under the name of a nation. The establishment of a state depends on whether resources and military strength have reached a certain level; to declare oneself king without such conditions would only lead to uprisings and destruction by other forces. At that time, the Han Dynasty could no longer be revived, and my lord, seeing this opportunity, resolutely replaced the Han Dynasty and established the Shu Han Empire. Firstly, it was to protect the people in the name of a nation, giving them a sense of belonging; secondly, by using 'Han', he indicated the inheritance of the original Han legitimacy, giving the people who were originally attached to the Han a home, so they would not feel that their country had fallen and they had nowhere to turn. Regarding the Three Kingdoms and other forces, my lord's attitude was always to value harmony. If we could form alliances and cooperate, there was no need to launch large-scale wars; after all, there was no great significance in mutually seizing territories. If we could let the people in each region live stable lives under their respective rulers, there was no need to fight over areas that were already tending toward stability. It is a great pity that shortly after my lord declared himself emperor, I passed away that same year. I had always followed my lord during the most arduous founding period, struggling alongside him. Yet, when he achieved success, I was the one to leave first. This has always been my regret. In the battles I participated in during the Three Kingdoms period, it was inevitable that I would harm enemy soldiers. Because of these actions, I went directly to hell to suffer retribution after I died. But the King of Hell, considering that I was acting for the sake of the greater good and the stability of the people, and knowing that I had no attachment to officialdom or status, nor any greed, allowed me to reincarnate into the human world after a brief period of suffering in hell. After several cycles of life and death, I met my lord again in the human world in this lifetime. Meeting Practitioner Su this time was for the purpose of helping her establish the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. I followed Practitioner Su again, helping to open up new territory during the founding period of the temple. I participated in the early establishment of the temple and assisted in stabilizing its systems. People call me Jiang Yuchan or Dharma Master Hailiang, but at this moment, blessed by the Buddha's power, I have opened up the space between ancient and modern times. In truth, this spirit has had too many identities, and any identity is merely a temporary manifestation for convenience. At this moment, I am Hailiang, and I am also Zhang Fei. In terms of spirit, I am one and the same, and I have transcended my original female form. Now, I am connected through ancient and modern times, and I am not limited by the consciousness of Hailiang. In this scene, I truly never imagined that, under the Buddha's blessings, I could be so clear and transparent, describing my past body, speech, and mind so clearly. Looking back on the more than ten years I spent with Practitioner Su, opening up new territory and establishing the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I truly miss it very much."

Namo Amituofo.

"Back then, I served my lord Liu Bei in the identity of Zhang Fei, and now, I serve Senior Sister Su in the identity of Jiang Yuchan and Hailiang.

From an outsider's perspective, everyone is simply following the teachings of Senior Sister Su. In the depths of my heart, however, I truly treat her like a brother, helping her with the utmost sincerity. The depth of the karmic affinity I share with her across many lifetimes is precisely why we clicked the moment we reunited in this life. My trust in her is identical to the trust I placed in my lord all those centuries ago. In this life, as Hailiang, my spirit is exceptionally sharp. My ability to read people and gain insight into the human heart remains as keen as it was in the past.

The Inconceivable Nature of the Spirit

Only now do I understand this clearly. Because of the Buddha's blessings, which opened up the identities I held in different lifetimes, I am able to perceive more distinctly just how inconceivable this spirit truly is. Furthermore, Senior Sister Su's achievements in this lifetime far surpass those of the past. During the Three Kingdoms period, she served the sentient beings of a region through the human world and worldly methods. But now, Senior Sister Su manifests as a great practitioner—even an awakened being who has realised her true nature—and she uses the identity of a Buddha to help all sentient beings in the world.

Senior Sister Su's current mission to save beings across the five thousand, or even ten thousand, years of space in China is also guided by past Dharma affinities; it is a natural progression of events. This is the result of Senior Sister Su having incarnated in China countless times over the long ages, making countless vows to save the Chinese people. Every word, every action, and even every tiny mental note she has made has followed the Buddha's footsteps, all under the Buddha's blessings, leading to these inconceivable results.

The Establishment of Hsiang Kuang

The Buddha's power enables Senior Sister Su to fulfil her Ultimate Vow, and the establishment of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a testament to this. From the early days when I followed Senior Sister Su to establish the temple, I understood this principle: only through Senior Sister Su's great vows and great practice, combined with the Buddha's blessings, could we invite Namo Amituofo to reside at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Only then could Namo Amituofo and Senior Sister Su create this salvation team to save the world. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is now conducting a large number of interviews, and the speed and output of these interviews are even greater than before, which makes me feel incredibly joyful.

Watching the development of the temple from the Dharma-Nature Land, I see that even if there are ups and downs, this is just the natural course of operation. Spreading the Dharma in the world using such a magnificent Amitabha Dharma is destined to be tested and interfered with by many demon crowds.

A Spirit's Unwavering Loyalty

Although I am very eager to help Senior Sister Su continue to expand the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and bring the temple to the forefront, perhaps the Dharma affinity is as it is, and the opportunity is just so. It is similar to the situation a thousand years ago; perhaps it is a result destined by fate. Now, with the connection between my past and present lives, my spirit is even clearer. I recall how I helped my lord selflessly and fearlessly in the past, and in this life, I truly have the same heart, helping Senior Sister Su and assisting her in building the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre with my own hands.

However, we are currently in the age of the Dharma’s decline, and worldly interference is indeed quite severe. In this life, I have taken on the body of a woman, and the interference I have received from all sides is even greater than in the past. Yet, I still display the boldness of a man, helping Senior Sister Su break through the difficulties of the temple's early founding period.

A Message for the Fourfold Assembly

Regarding the current situation, I am also quite gratified and full of admiration. As for the future development of the temple, I believe it will not stop here. The temple is gradually getting on the right track, and the personnel and talent are becoming more stable. The fourfold assembly of disciples who have karmic affinities with Senior Sister Su and the temple, coming from all directions, have arrived one by one. Although there have been some comings and goings, it does not hinder the overall progress of the temple. Observing this from the Dharma-Nature Land, I can consider this good news for the fourfold assembly of disciples at the temple. The temple is about to open its doors, and when that time comes, it will depend on all of you fellow practitioners to shoulder the great responsibility of spreading the Dharma and saving the world.

Although I cannot do much as a spirit in the Dharma-Nature Land, I can still communicate with all of you. If you have any needs or think of me, please do not hesitate to speak with me. I am very eager to contribute to everyone again from this place, doing my small part with my spiritual identity.

I am grateful to Namo Amituofo and thankful to Senior Sister Su. She has given me this magnificent opportunity to know myself today, allowing my present and past to merge. It is because Senior Sister Su has saved immeasurable and boundless demon crowds and sentient beings in the ten directions that we have this magnificent Causal Condition to break through these limitations of time and space.

I will share up to this point for today. Thank you all.

Namo Amituofo.

Zhang Fei"

Disciple Fa Ru asks the Buddha: Is it true that Zhang Fei and Hailiang are the same?

Namo Amituofo's discourse:

"The child's heart has received the signal correctly, it is truly within the Buddha's blessings,

What the child has seen and heard in the Alaya consciousness, allows one to see the time and space of that era,

Hailiang has now entered the Dharma-Nature Land, this spirit can see its past lives,

But because the spirit is stained by different consciousnesses, the Buddha's blessings allow entry for only a moment.

The past, the future, and the present, are one before the Buddha with no distinction,

If you ask if Zhang Fei and Hailiang are the same, before the Buddha, they are the same spirit,

It is only because of the many stains on the consciousness over many lives, that the heart and space are different from the past.

If you wish to open up these interviews, it must be done through the Buddha's power to assist the spirit,

Opening the two spaces of ancient and modern times, only then can the consciousness be one without being two.

Fa Ru, child, you have received the signal directly, do not have doubts that obstruct your clarity,

The signals you have received are all the Buddha's words, present them directly to Practitioner Su and you will understand,

There is no need for worry or anxiety, just hold the Buddha-name and have faith in the Buddha's name."