Light Within the Darkness: The Path of the Righteous Jailer

This is a record of an interview with Gao Mingzheng, 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 long tenure in the underworld. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 28, 2023.

Gao Mingzheng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Life is truly filled with endless transformations. To be able to encounter Practitioner Su and his heart to save the world at this very moment is the greatest blessing for all sentient beings. Within the various realms of existence, there are countless beings suffering immensely. Everyone is waiting for salvation, and it is only because Practitioner Su has appeared that we are all able to be saved. I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su. We will all cherish this opportunity and seize this magnificent moment. I am grateful to Practitioner Su for guiding us to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. On behalf of all the jailers, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha's grace and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

A Legacy of Martial Excellence

In the ancient eras, the world I inhabited was one of shifting winds and clouds, a golden age of martial arts. As the forty-eighth generation successor of a martial arts lineage, the expectations placed upon me were immense. From childhood, my family made extensive arrangements for my future. The elders of the clan hoped to cultivate me into a supreme martial arts master, and they prepared rigorous training for me, teaching me day and night without rest.

My name is Gao Mingzheng, the heir to the Gao family lineage. Beyond honing my martial skills, the elders also taught me the principles of conduct and how to navigate the world. I still remember an elder telling me: 'A person should practise Goodness and follow righteousness. Do not pursue fame, wealth, or status. Every action should stem from a sincere heart, not from a desire for merit or profit. One should not carry a heart of calculation or attachment to gain and loss.'

The Hidden Master of the Dye House

As I grew, I learned a great deal. I am deeply grateful to all the elders who taught me, for it is because of their meticulous guidance that I became the person I am today. Although their demands were high, I knew they truly wanted to help me.

In my youth, I began strict martial practice, studying under the elders of my family to master various profound techniques. My passion for martial arts was beyond words; I would wake up before dawn every day to focus my mind and practise in solitude. However, to everyone's surprise, when I reached adulthood, I chose a profession completely unrelated to martial arts: I opened a dye house.

My skill in dyeing fabric was exceptionally high. The fabrics I produced were vibrant and brilliant, as beautiful and moving as a painting. Yet, I did not sell these fabrics for profit; I sold them only at cost, purely out of my own interest and hobby. Even while working in the dye house, almost no one remembered that I was a master of martial arts. However, I never abandoned my heart of chivalry and justice, often demonstrating my righteous deeds in daily life. I saved many people in distress. Whenever I encountered someone being robbed on the road, I would always step forward to help. Yet, no one ever knew that the person with such formidable martial skills was me.

The Legend of the 'Mingxin' Hero

On one occasion, I saved a young woman in a village. She was the daughter of the village head, driven to a dead end by a bullying suitor. I stepped in, repelled the thugs, and safely escorted her home. From that day on, the villagers began to spread stories of a mysterious hero. No one knew his true identity. People called him the 'Mingxin Hero,' describing him as a man of chivalry and a kind heart.

Gradually, the deeds of the Mingxin Hero spread throughout the martial world, becoming a legend that would last for ages. But only I knew that the master of martial arts was none other than Gao Mingzheng, the owner of a simple dye house. Aside from dyeing fabric, I devoted most of my time to the joy of helping others. Although the fabrics I dyed were not exclusively for the poor—sometimes I sold them to the wealthy—every cent I earned was used to help those in poverty live a better life.

Various gangs and evil forces in the martial world soon learned of the existence of the Mingxin Hero and began trying to unveil his mysterious identity. However, I knew the consequences of revealing myself; it would bring more trouble and strife. Therefore, I decided to remain low-key.

A Life of Silent Protection

During an accidental adventure, I met a young man named Bai Yu. He was a master from a martial arts family, talented and skilled with the sword. Bai Yu was also a man of deep emotion and righteousness. He admired my chivalrous acts and praised my dyeing techniques. We walked through many dangerous moments in the martial world together. Facing evil forces and injustice, we always stepped forward without hesitation. Although my martial arts were formidable, I did not wish to take pride in them; I preferred to use my strength to protect those who were helpless.

As time passed, my name and deeds became widely known in the martial world. Although some speculated about the identity of the Mingxin Hero, no one could ever lift my veil. I chose to guard in the darkness silently, because I knew that there would always be people in the darkness who needed me. I only wanted to help people; I did not want praise for my actions.

I spent my whole life practising Goodness, doing everything within my power to help as many as I could. When I was about to leave this world, I felt death approaching. My body grew weak, and my internal energy was nearly exhausted. I understood that my life was coming to an end. Just as I was preparing to welcome death, a brilliant, intense light suddenly enveloped me. I knew this light had come to welcome me to the other side of life. But even though a bright path lay before me, I did not move toward the light. Instead, I chose to walk into the darkness behind the light, because I chose not to seek my own benefit, but to continue thinking of others.

The Choice of the Underworld

In this life, I had become accustomed to walking into the darkness, accustomed to silently guarding those who needed help. Only in the darkness can one see those who are truly in need. Therefore, at the moment of my passing, I still chose to walk toward the other side of the darkness, entering that unknown world to continue my mission of protection and to help those in need.

I am Mingzheng, a martial arts master unknown to the world, a dye house owner, and the chivalrous Mingxin Hero. All I left in the world were legends and tales, but no trace of my personal name. No one truly knew my identity. Until I left this world, I never stopped my steps of helping others. I chose to continue using my strength to assist others, and I used my whole life to interpret the true spirit of chivalry: helping others without seeking reward.

After I died and walked into the darkness, I soon arrived in the underworld. I walked on a dark, cold road, and before long, I was brought before the King of Hell. I saw the King of Hell, and he smiled and asked me, 'Why did you not go to the Heavenly Realm?' I only replied, 'Because I knew that I might be needed here.' The King of Hell laughed heartily and arranged for me to stay in the Yama Hall to serve.

A Path to Liberation

I served in the Yama Hall for many, many years. I saw countless life stories. Life is truly very bitter, and everyone is trapped, unable to find a way out. My heart was filled with many reflections. It was only in recent years that I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks, and my heart suddenly opened up, for I finally realized that there is a path to liberation in life. I began to introduce the Buddha’s teachings to many beings, hoping to help more of them wake up, and I myself knew that I needed to seek liberation.

I am grateful for this magnificent opportunity today, which has helped us to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. On behalf of all the jailers and sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha's grace and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

Gao Mingzheng, with palms joined."