The Benevolent Jailer of the Underworld

This interview was recorded on March 12, 2023, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The subject is Wang Tianfu, a former wealthy landowner who, after a life of dedicated charity, served as a jailer in the underworld. Seeking liberation from his long tenure of service, he encountered the Dharma talks of Practitioner Su, which ultimately led to his successful rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Wang Tianfu speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, I must express my deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su. It is only through his guidance that we have been granted this precious opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I cherish this chance with all my heart. I will continue to practise diligently, hoping that in the future, I too may be able to assist many more sentient beings. On behalf of all the jailers and the sentient beings with karmic affinity here, I prostrate in gratitude to the Buddha's grace and to the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Legacy of Kindness

"My name is Wang Tianfu. In my life, I was a major landowner, blessed with vast estates and a substantial ancestral inheritance. In the eyes of many, I was not merely a wealthy man, but a person who was genuinely warm-hearted and eager to help others. The lands my ancestors acquired were largely obtained during times of war—places where many had perished. Consequently, the energy, or the 'magnetic field' of these lands, was quite poor. Many people were afraid to approach them, fearing they were inauspicious or filled with lingering resentment. However, my ancestors were truly kind-hearted. They chose to offer the best portions of their land to others, while settling themselves on the plots that no one else wanted. Gradually, through their industry and virtue, my ancestors consolidated these lands and became a prominent family, ensuring that future generations lived in comfort. From my earliest childhood, my parents taught me that our family's prosperity was a direct result of our ancestors' benevolence and kindness. They insisted that I must inherit these virtues and use my capabilities to help as many people as possible."

"My parents placed immense importance on my moral foundations. They would teach me, 'To be a good person, you must respect others, listen with an open mind, perceive the needs of those around you, and respect the uniqueness of every individual. You must be kind and patient; only then can you truly be of service.' When I was young, I often accompanied my parents to help those in need. We frequently travelled to impoverished regions to assist the local people, and we often provided money and grain to orphans and the elderly. My parents helped countless individuals and performed many good deeds. They did not indulge in the luxuries of their wealth; instead, they shared everything they possessed with those who were struggling."

The Joy of Giving

"After I grew up, I persisted in performing good deeds. The influence of my ancestors and my parents was profound; I knew that my purpose was to be someone who could offer support to others. In the process of helping people, I found a sense of joy and satisfaction that no amount of wealth could ever purchase. Truly, helping others is a magnificent thing. When I heard that a group of children were trapped in poverty and unable to receive an education, I made a firm decision to donate my own land to build a place of learning, ensuring every child had the opportunity to study. Because of this, I received the praise and respect of many, but I never allowed such recognition to alter my original intention. I did not do it for any reward; I did it out of a pure desire to help."

"In my daily life, I always maintained a heart of compassion, ready to extend a helping hand to those in need. Once, I encountered an elderly farmer on the street. He was frail and aged, and his young grandson was still small and in need of care. Upon learning of his situation, I gave him money and grain so he could provide for his grandson and no longer worry about their survival. The farmer was overcome with gratitude and said to me, 'Young man, you are truly a good person. I am just an old man with nothing to repay you with, but I can only pray that you and your family will always maintain this kindness and generosity.'"

A Turning Point for Wang Daming

"I felt very happy hearing this. I told the old man, 'Please, do not be so formal. My Wang family ancestors achieved what they did because of their kindness and generosity. We only hope to inherit their virtues and help more people. We should all do our best to make this society a more beautiful place.' One day, while walking, I met a homeless man. He looked dirty and starving. I thought to myself, 'Perhaps he needs some help.' I approached him and asked if he needed food or shelter. The man was moved to tears by my kindness. I provided him with much support, and through our interactions, I learned his story."

"The man's name was Wang Daming. He had once been a successful businessman with a beautiful wife and a large house. However, after his business failed and he was betrayed by a close friend, he lost everything overnight. His wife and son left him. Daming fell into despair and loneliness, unable to recover, spending his days in a drunken stupor until he eventually became a homeless wanderer. After hearing his story, I felt deep sympathy and pity. I decided to help Daming get back on his feet."

"I took Daming with me to look for work. People showed me respect, and soon Daming found suitable employment. He was finally able to return to a normal life. He gradually broke his addiction to alcohol and slowly rebuilt his confidence and courage. Since then, Daming and I formed a deep friendship. He was incredibly grateful to me. Later, Daming worked hard and stood up again, accumulating significant savings. I encouraged him to join me in doing good deeds and helping those in need. He began to follow my guidance, learning how to become a person of compassion and wisdom. He also started visiting the Buddha hall frequently to receive the teachings of the Buddha."

Reflections on Life and Karma

"Years later, Daming became a successful businessman and established an organisation to help those in difficult circumstances. He persisted in chanting the Buddha's name and performing good deeds, while teaching those around him how to be compassionate and tolerant. My own life was quite calm and smooth. My heart was very content and satisfied; I was grateful for everything I had in that life, and grateful that I still had the ability to help sentient beings. Through my life experiences, I learned that even when people encounter setbacks and failures, they should not lose hope or confidence, because even in adversity, there is a turning point. If we can persist in kindness and compassion, and find joy in helping others, we may receive endless blessings. At the same time, we must learn to be tolerant and inclusive, and not easily pass judgment on others, because everyone has their own story and encounters, all of which stem from the laws of karma and cause and effect. If we can view others with a compassionate heart, our own hearts will be calm, and we can maintain our goodness without giving rise to evil thoughts. We must learn to see the needs of others and learn to help them at the right time."

Service in the Underworld

"I passed away in my seventies. When I left, many people came to see me off. I had no regrets in that life. I had no descendants, but I had arranged my affairs perfectly, and I departed with great peace. I am very grateful for everything I experienced in that life, and grateful that I had the opportunity to help others. After arriving in the underworld, I saw King Yama sitting at his desk, with piles of petitions stacked one after another. His work is truly exhausting, and I am grateful for his dedication to all sentient beings. King Yama looked at me with a smile and asked if I wished to ascend to the heavens. I smiled and replied, 'I hope to stay here and do my best to help.' I am very grateful that King Yama fulfilled my wish and gave me the opportunity to serve. I remained in the Yama Hall to serve, and I stayed there for many years."

"It was only in recent years that I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks in the Yama Hall. The principles Practitioner Su taught were all correct. I am very grateful that I was able to meet Practitioner Su, which allowed me to know this path of liberation. I cherished this deeply and constantly worked on my own practice. Today, I have finally been able to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am infinitely grateful. I will continue to practise diligently, hoping that one day I, too, can be like Practitioner Su and help all sentient beings. Wang Tianfu, on behalf of all sentient beings, prostrates in gratitude to the Buddha's grace and to the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Wang Tianfu, with palms joined.