Growth Through the Laws of Karma

This is a record of an interview with Shi Guanzhong, who sought deliverance 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 journey through the realms of existence. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on December 31, 2023.

Shi Guanzhong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am here today as a representative of those who have attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. My name is Shi Guanzhong. All of us are profoundly grateful for the grace of Practitioner Su. It is only because of Practitioner Su’s great vows and immense power that we have been able to find liberation. On behalf of all the prison guards and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha’s grace and to the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

The Fall from Prosperity

My family was once a very wealthy landowning family in our local area, and we all lived lives of great abundance. However, our fortunes eventually declined. The lands our family owned were sold off piece by piece until we were left with almost nothing. My brothers and I began to argue bitterly over the remaining assets. In the end, our family became incredibly impoverished—to the point where we had to beg others just for a single mouthful of rice.

Facing such drastic ups and downs in life, many people find it impossible to accept. But I knew that these were matters of destiny. It was also because, in the past, when we were fortunate, we did not know how to cherish our blessings, nor did we continue to cultivate Goodness. That is why, in the end, we had no blessings left and became people without fortune.

Understanding the Laws of Karma

I firmly believe in the principle that 'every event has a cause.' I believe that all things exist according to the laws of karma and cause and effect. When such a massive change occurred in our home, although it was extremely difficult for me to face the shift in my destiny and the change in my environment, I chose to let go in my heart. I knew that I had to adapt to everything as quickly as possible and then find a way to live a good life again.

Rather than complaining more, I realised that practical breakthroughs and changes were the only things that held true meaning. I understood that one cannot live in the past forever. Since destiny had already changed, what we needed to do was to face these changes head-on, rather than resisting them. Human strength is always insignificant; we cannot fight against the Truth. We can only change ourselves and face everything positively.

The Lesson of the Broken Bowl

This life taught me the truth of existence. I realised that only by completely changing oneself can one find meaning in life and fully realise one's potential. At that time, our family had nothing left, and we relied on begging to survive. It was a difficult time; even a mouthful of rice was a luxury. The arguments between my brothers ruthlessly tore apart our once-harmonious family. I once thought that fate was too unfair to us, but later I understood that everything was a matter of cause and effect.

During that period of starving, I felt a deep, helpless despair. However, the turning points in life often appear in the darkest moments. When I needed help the most, a kind person reached out to provide us with food and warmth. That act of kindness changed my perspective on life and made me deeply appreciate the value of helping others. Even though my life became very difficult after the family crisis, I never forgot to use my ability to help others. Because I knew suffering, I could better empathise with the suffering of others.

A Cycle of Rebirth

In my next life, I was reborn as a broken bowl. Because of the karmic debts of my previous life and my final thought at the moment of death—I had been so desperate for the food in others' bowls but could not possess it—I understood that this was the spiritual obstacle I had created. Before I died, I kept staring at the food in someone else's bowl. In that single thought, I entered into the broken bowl.

In the world of the broken bowl, I learned humility and gratitude. I could not possess abundant food, but I learned to be content and to cherish every single grain of rice. Eventually, this karmic debt had to be repaid. In the space of that broken bowl, I spent a long time until, one day, a voice awakened me. It was the compassionate sound of the Buddha-name, Namo Amituofo. The power of the Buddha-name purified my spirit. After I regained consciousness, beyond the endless gratitude in my heart, there was a firm vow to help sentient beings in my next life.

Service and Deliverance

I stepped into my next life. This time, I was born into a humble family. Although we were not wealthy, it was an honest household. Because of my awakening to life, I knew how to cherish blessings, recognise them, and cultivate Goodness to help others. I did many good deeds with all my heart, trying my best to make that life full of warmth and positive energy. In the end, I passed through that life peacefully and fulfilled. This journey made me deeply understand that life turns like a wheel of samsara, and every turning point is an opportunity for growth. By helping others without calculating gain or loss, and by doing my best, I found the true meaning of life.

After that life ended, I arrived before the King of Hell. My heart was filled with awe. The King of Hell carefully flipped through my Book of Life and Death, seemingly contemplating something. Suddenly, he looked at me, and his expression softened. He saw the efforts and changes in my heart. The King of Hell smiled and said, 'You have experienced many twists and turns in your past lives, but it is truly not easy that you learned to help others while in adversity. This has allowed you to understand the true meaning of life.'

The King of Hell continued, 'Because of your past good deeds, I can now arrange an opportunity for you to serve.' I was filled with gratitude for the King of Hell's decree. During my time serving here, I learned many truths about life. Originally, I did not have much wisdom of the Dharma, but Practitioner Su’s compassionate vow opened the door to my heart. Every time I listened to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks, my spirit received great inspiration. His teachings made me understand the importance of liberation and ignited my desire for practice. During this time, I practised diligently, constantly breaking through my spiritual obstacles, and learned to integrate compassion and wisdom.

We are all very grateful to have encountered this opportunity today to attain liberation and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. On behalf of all the prison guards and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha’s grace and to the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Shi Guanzhong, with palms joined.