The Blind King's Vision of Compassion

This is a record of an interview with King Hedan, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 2,000 years ago. Recorded by the disciple Shi Fajing on January 12, 2019.

King Hedan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Hedan. I was once the prince of a kingdom, the only child of my father, the King. From the moment I was born, my father had grand ambitions for me. He envisioned me inheriting the throne, sitting upon the seat of power, and leading our entire kingdom into a new era of prosperity. But destiny had a different plan for me. I was born with a severe affliction—I was completely blind. My father, terrified of what this would mean for his legacy, forbade anyone from speaking of it. He issued a decree that anyone who dared to reveal my blindness would face the penalty of death. Everyone was silenced; no one dared to whisper the truth about the prince who could not see the world around him.

To restore my sight, my father spared no expense. He invited countless physicians from across the land and even from foreign countries, hoping for a miracle. Year after year, he poured vast fortunes into these treatments, yet my eyes remained shrouded in darkness. I saw nothing. As the years passed, both my father and I grew increasingly despondent. He aged, and the time for me to ascend the throne drew near, yet my eyes remained as sightless as the day I was born. My father, desperate, conceived a clever plan: he would have me rule from behind a curtain. I would not need to show my face; I would only need to speak. But I refused immediately. I told him, 'I cannot see the suffering of the people, so I am not fit to be a King. Please, Father, pass the throne to a virtuous person instead.' He pleaded with me, again and again, but I stood firm. He had no choice but to continue ruling, his aging body growing ever more weary under the weight of the kingdom."

The Burden of the Crown and the Search for Truth

"My heart was always with the people, even if my eyes could not see them. I did not want them to suffer on my account, nor did I want them to live in a lie. One day, I took an attendant and slipped out of the palace, venturing into the city. I did not go to play; I went to understand the reality of my people. Upon entering the city, I heard them whispering, 'They say the prince is blind, and the King is trying to cover it up so he can take the throne...' I knew these were the people who loved to gossip, so I approached them and said, 'If there is a virtuous person in our kingdom, the King will surely appoint him as our leader. If you do not wish for a blind prince to sit on the throne, then help the King find a wise and virtuous successor!' The people were stunned to see me, and the news spread like wildfire: 'The King is going to pass the throne to a virtuous person!' My attendant asked me in confusion, 'The King never announced this, why would you say such a thing?' I simply replied, 'It must be done.'

When I returned to the palace, I told my father, 'Please, pass the throne to a virtuous minister.' He looked at me in shock, 'My child, you are finally willing to take your place!' The next day, I ascended the throne. The palace was in an uproar. Officials came to me, asking, 'Is it true that you are searching for a virtuous person to take the throne?' I, the new King, told them, 'It is true. Announce it to the entire nation! We shall hold a selection in one week.' The officials were bewildered. I had just ascended the throne, and already I was preparing to pass it on? It seemed absurd to them."

The Monk’s Wisdom and the Path of Compassion

"Then, a monk came to see me. He said, 'I believe the most capable person in this kingdom is you, Your Majesty. I can heal your eyes, provided you believe in the Buddha and make a vow to save the entire nation. Your blindness will no longer be an obstacle.' I truly desired to save my people, and hearing his words, I began to find faith in myself. I decided to remain on the throne for a time. We continued the search for a virtuous successor, and those selected were brought into the palace for training. During this time, the monk stayed by my side, teaching me the Dharma. I learned to govern not just through politics, but through the Buddha’s teachings. This was the most peaceful period our people had ever known. Initially, they doubted how a blind King could rule, but I proved them wrong. I learned that the essence of governance is 'compassion.' When the King understands compassion, the officials follow, and the administration becomes a reflection of that care. When the state cares for its people, weapons are set aside, and the nation flourishes in peace.

I did not intend to rule forever. After a few years, I abdicated, having already selected a successor who was truly compassionate and devoted to the people. I entered the forest with the monk to practise. I told them, 'Though my eyes cannot see, my heart is filled with light. The Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is truly before me. The suffering of beings is connected to my own heart; I can feel their pain. My practice is solely to save them. Whether it takes ten, twenty, or thirty years, I will never abandon this vow.' I walked with my staff, tapping the ground as I was travelling, teaching the Dharma everywhere I went. The people knew I was their former King, and they cherished the compassion I had shown them. Whenever they heard I was coming, families would gather to listen. I used the Buddha’s teachings to guide them, teaching them to chant the Buddha-name and seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."

A Vow to Save the Universe

"My sincerity moved the Buddha, and my vision gradually returned. When I finally opened my eyes, I did not just see the world before me; I saw the immeasurable and boundless suffering of all beings. I knelt before the Buddha and wept, 'Thank you, Buddha, for opening my eyes. Now I understand the depth of their suffering even more. I vow to use every ounce of my strength to save them.' I spent over seventy years working to liberate the world. At the end of my life, I stood tall, chanting the Buddha-name, and was reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Now, with the help of Practitioner Su, who has compassionately opened the dimensions of the universe, I continue my work. I once thought the universe was as it was a thousand years ago, but I have discovered it is infinitely more complex. There are so many more beings, so many more layers of existence. It is overwhelming, but I do not waste a single second. I am grateful to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su for their boundless compassion. When the conditions are ripe, the Great Temple will be established, and the True Teachings will flourish once more. Namo Amituofo."