From the Prison of Shadows to the Western Pure Land

This interview was recorded on November 5, 2023, by the chief writer, Shi Faxi. The subject is Ji Zhenyan, a prison guard of the underworld who sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of Practitioner Su. Having served in the palace of the King of Hell, Ji Zhenyan now shares his profound journey from a vengeful spirit to a dedicated practitioner, ultimately attaining rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Ji Zhenyan speaks:

"I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su. If it were not for the compassionate assistance of Practitioner Su, there would be no Ji Zhenyan here today to share this story. Great kindness is beyond words; I know that the grace of the Buddha is difficult to repay. I have made a vow to strive diligently in my practice, to follow the example of the Buddha, and to help immeasurable and boundless sentient beings.

I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. On behalf of all the prison guards, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha's grace and the kindness of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Past of Wandering and Resentment

"I was once a lonely wandering spirit drifting through the human world. A thread of resentment bound my soul, for I was a fetus who had been heartlessly abandoned, becoming a vengeful infant spirit after my death. Because my resentment was so heavy, I was found by a Taoist practitioner. He took me in as a minor spirit, providing me with food and shelter, yet he also used his hand of control to manipulate me. Under his command, I was dispatched to disturb the minds of others, forcing them to act against their own intentions, making them obey his every order.

However, the Taoist eventually fell victim to his own evil arts. Numerous powerful, malevolent spirits followed him like shadows, and I watched in terror. They were far more vicious than I, intent on taking the Taoist's life. Though I suffered greatly, I did not go to harm him, for I knew the depth of pain all too well. When I saw a ray of light, I rushed toward it. Before departing, I broke the talisman on a woman, and because of this single act of Goodness, I unexpectedly earned myself a chance at reincarnation."

The Cycle of Life and Loss

"This time, I was reborn in the womb of a compassionate woman. The ten months of gestation were filled with anticipation. However, at the moment of birth, the woman suffered a tragic accident and perished in agony. I, too, lost this precious life along with her. This departure left me feeling immense pain and helplessness. I returned once more to the form of an infant spirit, but this time, my heart was not filled with resentment. At the moment my mother and I passed away, our living relatives held a forty-nine-day Dharma assembly to perform Chao Du for our souls. This sacred ceremony brought a great sense of peace to my heart.

When I returned to the spiritual space, I was different from before. I began to help many souls in silence. From a dark existence, I gradually accumulated much hidden merit through my efforts to perform Goodness. My soul began to radiate light; it was an internal transformation. Eventually, I was granted another opportunity to be reborn. This time, I was born into a family with a compassionate couple. They gave me the name Ji Zhenyan. My life continued in this warm home, and I grew into a kind-hearted person."

The Path of the Hidden Redeemer

"My destiny seemed ordained by the heavens, with each reincarnation accompanied by a miraculous story and a mission. In this new life, I hoped to use my own strength, through compassion and Goodness, to help those in need and to pass on light and hope. I knew deeply that no matter how many times one is reincarnated, the Goodness and compassion within the heart are the true path of practice. Growing up in that warm family, I gradually came to understand the warmth, truth, goodness, and beauty of the human world. Yet, the past often lingered, and those dark memories frequently made me feel inexplicably uneasy.

Because I knew how difficult it was to reach this point in my life, I cherished this hard-won opportunity. I studied constantly and was even determined to walk the path of practice. Due to the seeds of the Buddha’s teachings planted in past lives, I wanted to become a monastic while still young. However, because my parents needed care, I ultimately chose to practise while remaining a layperson, though in my heart, I had already become a monastic."

Wisdom and the Balance of Light and Dark

"One day, I met an old man with deep, wise eyes. He said to me, 'Zhenyan, your heart holds many stories. Both evil and Good are parts of life. Do not forget the hardships you have endured; they are the nourishment for your inner growth.' I was stirred by the old man's words. I began to understand that between light and darkness, balance is necessary. I resolved to use my spiritual insight to assist those souls trapped in difficulty, leading them toward liberation and peace.

Slowly, I became an unknown redeemer. At night, I would visualize myself transforming into a faint light to seek out those troubled souls. I used the Truth to resolve the resentment in their hearts, leading them toward the light and helping them find a new lease on life. At the same time, I continued to learn, seeking more Wisdom and strength to better help those souls. I travelled across mountains and rivers, visiting renowned masters to explore deeper spiritual Truths. 'Child, the road ahead is long and difficult, but your heart of Goodness will be your most powerful strength,' the old man's words echoed in my heart."

Service in the Underworld

"Today, I continue to walk in this world where humans and spirits coexist. I have become a support for those helpless souls and a hope for people to resist the darkness. Although the past was once a shadow, I firmly believe that through a sincere heart and acts of Goodness, the light will eventually illuminate the path ahead. I am very grateful for the encounters in this life, and I am grateful for the opportunities to practice. Knowing that such opportunities are rare, I have been very serious, treating one day as two, striving actively to achieve success in my practice.

In this life, I moved forward without slackening, and when the time for my life to conclude arrived, I had no regrets. I knew my life was ending, and I understood that I was heading toward another beginning. After my life ended, my soul came before the King of Hell, who gave a positive evaluation of my life's experiences. Later, I decided I wanted to stay in the palace of the King of Hell to serve, and I am grateful that the King of Hell fulfilled my wish. Over these years, I have served diligently here and have witnessed the laws of karma and cause and effect of so many lives, which is truly something to be feared. Fortunately, in recent years, I have been able to encounter Practitioner Su’s Dharma teachings, which allowed us to understand the Truth and know that we must seek liberation and departure from this cycle."

A Final Bow of Gratitude

"I am truly grateful for the compassionate heart of Practitioner Su. Only today do we have the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. On behalf of all the prison guards and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha's grace and the kindness of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Ji Zhenyan, with palms joined.