The Compassionate Guardian: From Nomad to Prison Warden

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Labilawa, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her various lifetimes and her service in the underworld. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on January 14, 2024.

Labilawa speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity today, which allows us to attain liberation and rebirth in the Western Pure Land. We have waited such a long time for these Causal Conditions to manifest. I am profoundly thankful for the compassionate heart of Practitioner Su.

On behalf of all the prison wardens and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the grace of the Buddha and to the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Life of Wandering and Protection

"Once, I was a free-spirited nomadic girl. My original name has long been forgotten, leaving behind only the memory of that era, which now drifts like scattered dust. I used to linger on the edges of the vast grasslands, dancing with the wind and playing in the sunlight. Deep within my heart, I was always filled with a profound love for the earth, and I was willing to struggle and fight for its sake.

I used my own hands to protect the land. I learned to follow the footsteps of the elephant herds, living in harmony with nature, using my wisdom to observe and find water sources to help my people survive. Across the wilderness of the grasslands, I became a guardian of the earth, calling upon others to cherish this land and protect the beautiful home of all living creatures."

The Persistence of Attachment

"Throughout that entire lifetime, I remained immersed in the mental note of protecting the earth. Even when my life came to an end, I never let go of my attachment to that land. Consequently, when my life departed from those grasslands, I was reincarnated as a groundhog, living deep beneath the soil. Although my form was small, my heart remained steadfast. I silently guarded the foundations of the earth, sharing the vitality of the flowers and grasses beneath the ground.

I spent many, many years as a groundhog. I never once remembered that I was no longer human; I remained entirely focused on the mission of guarding the earth."

A Chance Encounter with a Practitioner

"Then, one day, a practitioner passed through that land. His body was filled with the aura of ascetic practice, and his life was nearing its end. Prolonged hunger had left him in a critical state, unable to continue his journey.

I felt his suffering, so I took a fallen fruit and offered it to him. It was a rare fruit that only grows underground, filled with the energy of life. The practitioner took the fruit and looked at me with gratitude. He used the language of the heart to convey his thanks to me. The energy of the fruit restored his strength, allowing him to safely pass through his life-and-death trial. With a heart full of gratitude, the practitioner turned and left.

As the practitioner departed, I felt an inexplicable sense of lightness in my groundhog body. It turned out that this was a moment of transcendence beyond life and death; I had received deliverance. After the practitioner survived his ordeal, he became even more diligent in his practice, eventually achieving spiritual accomplishment and helping countless beings attain salvation in that lifetime."

A Noble Life and the Call of Duty

"Because I had helped the practitioner with an unselfish heart, I soon welcomed the opportunity for a brand-new reincarnation. My groundhog body died naturally, and I was reborn into a new womb, entering the world as a wealthy little girl.

In the palace of a border kingdom, I was born as a princess named Labilawa. From a young age, I displayed a sharp and intelligent talent, which made my father, the King, cherish me dearly. From the time I was small, he bestowed vast lands upon me. This land witnessed my growth and nurtured my deep love for the earth.

Deep within my heart, I retained a profound love for the land. This was not only because of my father's grace, but also because of my feelings for that land and the civilians who lived upon it. I understood the responsibilities of a ruler, and I viewed this responsibility as my mission, striving to help the impoverished civilians escape their plight."

Governance and the Wisdom of Compassion

"I established a school in the border kingdom. This was not only to cultivate future talents but also to give impoverished youth the opportunity to receive an education and change their destinies. The school was filled with an atmosphere of knowledge, and I participated personally, learning and growing alongside the students.

Under my rule, the civilians of the border kingdom benefited greatly from my policies. I did not only care for basic needs like food and medical care; I was also committed to promoting agricultural development and technological progress. All of this was done so that the people of the border kingdom could live better lives.

However, my heart for helping others was not limited to my own country. I actively participated in international affairs, promoting friendly cooperation with neighbouring countries. This not only strengthened the status of the border kingdom but also brought more opportunities and well-being to all the people.

I firmly believe that benevolence and wisdom are the most important qualities of a ruler. The subjects around me all knew that I was a ruler filled with benevolence and wisdom. My entire life was dedicated to the prosperity and harmony of the border kingdom."

The Underworld and the Truth of Dharma

"When I was about to leave the human world, the feeling that welled up in my heart was still a deep reluctance to part with the people. I left the human world with my attachment to the land and my concern for the people, arriving in the underworld.

Because I had done so many good deeds in that life, the King of Hell saw me and granted me a good position where I could continue to serve sentient beings and accumulate merit and virtue. During my time serving as a prison warden, I witnessed many stories of the laws of karma and cause and effect, which caused me to have a great change in my perspective on life. I could not help but begin to explore questions about life: what is it that life truly seeks?

I am very grateful that I had the good fortune to hear Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks in the underworld. The meanings explained by Practitioner Su were every word the Truth, capturing the hearts of people. I understood that this was truly the sound of the Great Dharma.

After listening to Practitioner Su's Dharma talks, I finally understood the truth of life and the importance of liberation. It turns out that saving people is not just indiscriminate compassion; one must use the correct methods.

After understanding the Great Dharma, I began to actively pursue the opportunity for liberation, because I clearly understood that only liberation is the truly real matter. If life cannot be liberated, then everything is still an illusory appearance; nothing is real. I made a vow in my heart, hoping that in the future I would truly possess the ability to help all sentient beings attain liberation and leave suffering behind.

I am very grateful that I have had this opportunity today to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. My heart is filled with emotion and gratitude. On behalf of all the prison wardens and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the grace of the Buddha and to the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Labilawa, with palms pressed together.