The Doctor’s Journey: From Orphanage to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Gu Yuxi, 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 subsequent journey through the realms of existence. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on March 7, 2025.

Gu Yuxi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I see such magnificent Buddha-light before me, illuminating not only myself but immeasurable and boundless beings. I am filled with gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su for leading us to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Ever since I first heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks, I had been looking forward to this day with my whole heart. I longed for the purity of the Western Pure Land, knowing it would be the place where I could finally awaken to my true nature. Now that I have arrived and seen the Buddha, I vow to learn diligently before Him.

A Childhood of Uncertainty

During my time serving as a prison guard in the hells, I saw the laws of karma and cause and effect with absolute clarity. I realised that I still carried many debts that remained unpaid. I made a vow before the Buddha that after I had learned from Him, I would return to repay these debts to all beings. I am deeply grateful to the Buddha for establishing the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, providing a true home for us all, and I am eternally thankful for the guidance of Practitioner Su.

My name is Gu Yuxi. From the time I was an infant, I was abandoned at the gates of an orphanage. As I grew older and began to understand the world, I realised that every child in that orphanage had been sent there under different, often tragic, circumstances. Some were abandoned by their parents, while others suffered from rare diseases, physical disabilities, or intellectual impairments. We grew up together in that same orphanage, each of us facing our own unique life lessons.

The Bonds of Brotherhood

I had three closest companions: Datong, Dawei, and Dayue. They nicknamed me 'Iron' because my head was incredibly hard; they would often tease me, saying my skull was as tough as an iron plate. We all used these nicknames for one another. Datong had a very simple, honest nature and was often the target of our pranks. We would gang up on him, but because he was so guileless, he would just laugh in that sweet, innocent way of his, even when we were being mean.

Dawei was sturdy and possessed great strength. Whenever there was heavy lifting to be done, he was always the first to volunteer. Everyone in the orphanage loved him because he was always there to help when someone was in need. To us, he was like a cheerful, reliable older brother—the eldest among us. Then there was Dayue. Despite his name, he was born missing a leg, which made him feel deeply inferior. Yet, whenever we went out to play, we never left him behind. When we wanted to run, we would support him, ensuring he could keep pace with us.

Finding a Home and a Purpose

Perhaps because we were all of a similar age, we shared every little detail of our lives. We comforted one another, telling each other that even without the love of parents, we could still live well. When I was about seven years old, a kind-looking couple visited the orphanage. They saw Dawei and decided to adopt him. Every child in that orphanage secretly longed for a warm home, so when an opportunity arose, even if we felt fearful, hesitant, or anxious, we were all determined to try.

When Dawei’s adoptive parents left, we were all heartbroken. We felt as though we had lost a vital pillar of support. The following year, Datong was also adopted. As one child after another was taken away, I felt a deep, aching sadness. I wondered where my own future lay. I often sat on a long bench, lost in thought, wondering what would become of all these children once they found the warmth of a family. Then, one day, a couple walked up to me, smiled, and told me they wanted to adopt me. In that moment, my heart was deeply moved; I felt a profound sense of belonging.

The Path of a Healer

My adoptive father’s surname was Gu, so he gave me the name Gu Yuxi. My father was a doctor, and my mother was a teacher. They both possessed a grace and temperament that set them apart from others. They had been unable to have children for many years, which is why they sought to adopt. I was ten years old when I joined the Gu family. By then, I already had my own thoughts and a very keen sense of observation. I could see how their eyes lit up with joy because of me. They would share stories of their past, hoping to help me integrate into their lives. Their sincerity gave me such warmth, and it brought light into the dark corners of my heart.

Beyond his regular practice, my father would take me to mountain regions or areas in need during his holidays to provide free medical care. He was incredibly patient with every patient he treated, and he taught me to care for everyone with genuine sincerity. Influenced by his example, I decided that I, too, would become a doctor. As medical science advanced, I remembered my time in the orphanage. I saw how many parents of children with rare diseases chose to abandon them out of fear. I decided to dedicate my life to researching rare diseases, helping many of these children recover and lead more normal lives.

A Fateful Reunion

Fifteen years into my medical career, I encountered a familiar figure. It was Dawei. He had started a family and was doing quite well, but his child had been born with a congenital illness. He had heard that I was a renowned doctor and came to seek my help. It was only when we met that we realised we were the childhood friends from the orphanage. We caught up on our lives, discussing the paths we had taken since leaving the orphanage. He had followed his adoptive parents into business, while I had pursued medicine. We were like two diverging lines that had finally crossed again.

Life is neither inherently good nor bad; it is mostly a matter of karmic arrangement. In my years as a doctor, I witnessed many different stories, filled with bitterness and sorrow. After seeing so much, I finally decided to let go of the deep-seated resentment and confusion I had held toward my biological parents for abandoning me. At the age of forty-one, during a major infectious disease outbreak, I volunteered to work on the front lines. I knew the situation was critical and prepared for the worst. Before I left, I told my parents, and they were proud of my decision.

Judgment and the Path to Deliverance

I never expected that I would not return. I became infected while on duty, and after struggling with shortness of breath, I passed away. As my consciousness faded, I saw myself still wearing my doctor’s coat, desperately trying to save patients. I did not realise that my spirit had become attached to that very coat. I do not know how much time passed before I arrived at the gates of the Yama Court to report. It was only then that I understood I had become a spirit bound to my medical attire.

During the trial, King Yama showed me the many forms I had taken throughout my many lives. I was shocked to see how many karmic debts I still owed. My life as an orphan was the karmic retribution for having abandoned my own family in a past life. I felt deep shame and repented sincerely. Seeing my sincerity, King Yama allowed me to serve as a prison guard in the hells. During my service, I saw the cycle of rebirth and the laws of karma clearly, and I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks. Every word of the scriptures told me that I must seek liberation. I made a vow to follow the Buddha. I am so grateful that today, my dream has truly come true. Gratitude to the Buddha, gratitude to Practitioner Su.

Gu Yuxi, kneeling in reverence.

Namo Amituofo."