The Copper Coins of Compassion

This is a record of an interview with Tong Guangming, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He represents sixty prison guards who now reside in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his eventual transition through the ten courts of hell. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on November 20, 2019.

Venerable HaiZe: "I invite the representative of the sixty prison guards who were delivered to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss via the Thrice Yearning Ceremony: Tong Guangming."

Prison Guard Tong Guangming speaks: "Namo Amituofo. We, the sixty prison guards, have chosen me, Tong Guangming, to represent us in expressing our deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to Namo Amituofo, to Practitioner Su, and to all the virtuous ones at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre for their boundless grace."

A Life of Simple Beginnings

"As we speak, all sixty of us are kneeling in unison, offering our three bows of profound thanks. My name is Tong Guangming. I was an orphan, having lost both my parents at a very young age. I was incredibly fortunate to be taken in by a kind old man. From my earliest memories, it was just the two of us, living a life of quiet simplicity. We relied on the meagre income the old man received from the government’s poverty relief programme to purchase a small plot of land, and we made our living by growing and selling vegetables. I always called him 'Old Dad'.

"Old Dad loved me with a depth that is hard to put into words. Because of his care, I never truly knew what suffering was. He taught me from the time I could walk that to live a good life in this world is the greatest blessing one can possess. He told me, 'Tong, you must be a person who can stand on your own two feet. Do not fall ill, do not rely on others, and you will be a good person.' He instilled in me the belief that we should always strive to help others, and never, ever be a burden to anyone. Think about it—that simple philosophy shaped my entire existence. I became independent at a very young age. By the time I was four, I was already helping Old Dad carry the harvest from our garden—fresh green leaves, crisp vegetables, radishes, and sweet potatoes—to the town market to sell."

The Lesson of the Copper Coins

"Even though the sweat would soak through our clothes until we were drenched, we never complained. We didn't have a permanent stall, so we would walk along the edges of the market, calling out our wares. Eventually, the townspeople learned of my background. Regardless of whether it was scorching hot or pouring with rain, the two of us would make our rounds through the market. We would look for customers, and many of the regulars would even place orders with us in advance. Seeing how young I was, yet how sensible and well-behaved, people were often moved to give me a few extra copper coins.

"Old Dad would always instruct me: 'We have enough to eat and wear with what we earn. You must save the rest. If you ever encounter someone in need, you can use those savings to help them.' And so, I kept a small piggy bank. Day after day, year after year, I filled it with the copper coins I earned. Growing and selling vegetables became my true craft. I grew up tall and strong, blessed with good health and stamina, which meant I could sell more produce than most. The aunties and sisters in the market who watched me grow up were always so generous, never hesitating to press a few extra coins into my hand for my savings."

From the Courts of Hell to the Western Land

"Old Dad passed away when I was fifteen. I used the savings I had accumulated over the years to provide him with a simple, respectful funeral. Whatever remained, I took to the local government office and donated it, asking the officials to use it to help those who were suffering more than I was. I never married, living a solitary life until I reached the age of fifty, when I passed away peacefully, without illness.

"After my death, I was judged through the ten courts of hell. Eventually, I was sent to the Second Court of the Yama King, where I was assigned the role of a prison guard. I served there for a long time, but I was also granted the opportunity to join the ranks of those being delivered by Practitioner Su to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I waited for four long years until this very day. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the mercy of Practitioner Su. It is only through this deliverance that I have finally found peace."

"On behalf of myself and the sixty prison guards, I offer my deepest gratitude. Namo Amituofo."