A Life of Service: From Tribal Elder to Prison Guardian

This is a record of an interview with Guatila, a former prison guardian who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his transition into the light. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on March 5, 2023.

Guatila speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am an indigenous person, and my name is Guatila. I lived upon this vast and beautiful land of Australia. I am profoundly grateful to Practitioner Su for coming to Australia to establish this temple and for performing the Chao Du to save us sentient beings. We are all filled with such deep gratitude. On behalf of all the prison guardians and all sentient beings connected by karmic affinity, I bow in thanks for the Buddha's grace and for the kindness of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

A Childhood Rooted in Compassion

I grew up in a simple, humble family. My parents taught me to care for and respect all animals and the natural world. This upbringing instilled in me a love for nature from a very young age, and I felt a calling to help those creatures in need. I always loved playing and interacting with the animals around our home. I would often wander into the nearby forests, searching for abandoned creatures to care for, nursing them back to health. My family's education shaped me into a person of kindness and empathy.

Beyond the lessons at home, I also learned under the guidance of the elders and wise people of my tribe. They taught me how to interact with nature, how to respect the balance of the natural world, and they imparted to me the moral foundations of life. These teachings helped me understand that the relationship between humanity and nature is one of mutual interdependence. I began to realise that every person has a responsibility to protect and maintain this delicate balance. I felt that my destiny was closely related to nature and all living beings, so I had to do everything in my power to help them. This inspired me to become a protector of the ecological balance.

The Wisdom of the Tribe

As I grew older, I continued to learn within the tribe and dedicated myself to helping my people. I assisted the farmers with their planting, cared for the livestock and plants, and provided aid and support to vulnerable families. I studied skills and knowledge alongside other young people, and we worked to pass this wisdom down to ensure that others could benefit. As time passed, I became a transmitter of knowledge and wisdom within the tribe. People respected me and were willing to accept my help and advice. I began to pay close attention to the changes in our surrounding environment and proposed suggestions for protecting nature. My recommendations were supported, and the tribe began taking concrete actions to protect our forests, rivers, and animals.

After many years of hard work and dedication, our tribe succeeded in protecting and maintaining our environment. We cultivated a culture of good education, allowing future generations to inherit and carry forward these values. Our efforts transformed our tribe into a beautiful, harmonious environment. Because of our commitment, our tribe became a model that other tribes admired and envied. Everything we did was not just for ourselves, but for future generations and the entire environment. While maintaining and protecting the environment, we also continuously educated and inspired the young, teaching them to respect nature, cherish resources, and learn how to protect the earth.

Education as the Pillar of Life

In our tribe, education has always been a vital part of our existence. We believe that only through education can future generations inherit and develop our culture and values. Therefore, we spent a great deal of time and energy establishing places of learning and creating many opportunities for growth, cultivating batches of excellent young people. These individuals were not only transmitters of knowledge but also the spiritual pillars and the hope of our tribe. Through long-term effort and dedication, our tribe gradually formed a sustainable ecology. Our people learned how to acquire knowledge and skills, and we built a perfect ecosystem that allowed our tribe to prosper for a long time. At the same time, we actively promoted the concept of sustainable education—the idea of 'learning until you are old.' I also called upon other tribes to join in the ranks of protecting and maintaining our environment.

A Mission Within the Prison Walls

Later, due to a specific opportunity, I went to a prison outside our tribe to provide education. There, I discovered that my mission was to help and educate those prisoners, rather than simply viewing them as criminals. I was different from others; I always cared for the well-being of the prisoners, providing them with extra food and care. I spent my later years in that prison, continuing my efforts. This was also due to the history of Australia, where many criminals from overseas were often imprisoned on this land. I hoped to do everything in my power to help these prisoners in need, as I believed that everyone has the opportunity for change and rebirth.

Beyond helping the prisoners, I continued to care for the natural environment. My entire life was maintained by love and respect for nature and animals. I believe that this world is good, and I was willing to work hard to make everything better, continuously helping people and protecting the natural environment.

The Journey Beyond

I passed away at the age of seventy-three. When I left this world, many people came to see me, and everyone held me in high regard. When I departed, they held a grand ceremony for me, though I could no longer perceive it. Shortly after my death, I entered the underworld. Along the way, I saw many animals I had helped in the past; they all came to welcome me. There were also many people I had assisted who came to guide me. I was so happy to meet them again. Later, I was brought before the King of the Underworld. He told me that I had accumulated much merit in my life and asked if I wished to ascend to the heavens, but I chose to remain to continue serving sentient beings.

During my many years of service in the underworld, I also learned a great deal, and I have always remained grateful. In recent years, I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks, and I began to awaken to different levels of the meaning of life. I am so grateful for the inspiration Practitioner Su gave me, which allowed me to understand that life seeks liberation. This was different from my previous concepts, as I had never had the opportunity to learn such a magnificent Dharma in the past. I am deeply thankful for the compassion of Practitioner Su.

I am grateful for the magnificent Causal Conditions that allow me to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss today. I will continue to learn and work hard, and when the opportunity arises in the future, I will continue to help sentient beings. On behalf of all the prison guardians and all sentient beings connected by karmic affinity, I bow in thanks for the Buddha's grace and for the kindness of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Guatila, with palms joined.