The Loyalty of Zhao Zilong: From the Three Kingdoms to the Western Pure Land

The Foundation of Benevolence and Righteousness

I am Zhao Yun, also known as Zhao Zilong. I was born during the final years of the Eastern Han Dynasty, an era defined by the fragmentation of power among competing warlords. From my earliest years, the two concepts of Benevolence and Righteousness held immense weight in my heart. They became the guiding principles upon which I anchored my entire life. I understood deeply that one cannot wield a blade or take a life without profound cause. Every action I took in battle was intended to protect the innocent and preserve the lives of the many, rather than to serve any personal ambition.

My connection with my lord, Liu Bei, was profound and enduring. I recognised clearly that he was a man of true Benevolence and Righteousness. During the most desperate times of retreat, I relied on my courage and my solitary horse to protect his young heir, successfully breaking through the enemy encirclement. Throughout my life, I have remained true to my lord and the people. My commitment to Benevolence and Righteousness, and my devotion to those I protected, never wavered from beginning to end. Even after my physical passing, my spirit did not fade. For over a thousand years, I have wandered across the vast landscapes of China, silently performing deeds that benefit the people and guarding the seeds of goodness and kindness.

A Reunion Beyond Time and Space

The most astonishing revelation, however, is that the lord I served so long ago is the very same person who has now rescued me—along with countless other comrades from those ancient battlefields. He is known today as Practitioner Su. To be able to reconnect with Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su within the Western Dharma-Nature Land is a source of immense comfort and strength for me. All the aspirations I once held to serve my country and its people have suddenly become clear and illuminated in my heart.

The Principles of a Warrior

People often refer to me as Zhao Zilong of Changshan, a common way to identify one's origin during that era of abundant talent. Growing up in a family with strong moral foundations, I developed my own understanding of martial arts and yearned for the day I could serve a leader who truly cared for the welfare of the people. I realised then that only when the nation is stable and the people are at peace can one's parents live in security. Thus, I vowed to join the military to serve the country. My choice of which leader to follow was always determined by the presence of Benevolence and Righteousness.

• Benevolence: The capacity to love and care for the people as one's own family.
• Righteousness: The integrity to act according to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, regardless of personal cost.

My life was defined by these values. I knew that every life I spared or protected was a victory for the greater good. I participated in numerous battles, primarily after I pledged my loyalty to Liu Bei. I followed him through the long campaigns from Jingzhou to Yizhou. My bond with Liu Bei was forged long before, when I served under Gongsun Zan. We were like brothers, often discussing the fate of the nation. Even when Liu Bei was at his lowest point, before his rise to power, I knew he was a leader of true virtue who could serve the people. It was natural for me to join him. Together with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, we four brothers began the great task of restoring the Han Dynasty and rebuilding the nation's governance and livelihood.

The Stillness of the Heart in Battle

Although I spent my life following Liu Bei through endless campaigns, my heart remained remarkably calm, free from fear or affliction. Looking back, I do not take pride in the feats that others found extraordinary; they were simply the duties required of me. For instance, during our retreat from Cao Cao's forces, our army and the civilians were scattered. My lord had lost his family and his young son, Liu Shan. I knew that a nation cannot exist without a successor, and as the son of my lord, Liu Shan was someone I had to protect. This led to the battle at Changban Slope. My thoughts were simple: life is uncertain in the midst of war, so I focused entirely on protecting the young heir, completing the task while avoiding unnecessary slaughter of the enemy.

Even in that perilous situation, I succeeded in protecting the young heir and finding a path to safety. I knew that if Cao Cao had truly intended to take my life, it would not have been difficult. However, Cao Cao admired talent and, recognising my potential, he could not bring himself to end my life. I felt gratitude for this, yet my loyalty to my lord and the people remained unshaken. This was the principle of my life: to be loyal to Benevolence and to act with Righteousness. The people I protected and the values I held never changed from the beginning to the end.

A Guardian Spirit in the Vastness of Time

After my passing, my spirit did not fade away. Instead, I entered the space where people offered their prayers and sacrifices to me. Because of this deep-seated attachment, I did not ascend to the heavens. Yet, I became a deity within this world. For over a thousand years, I have wandered across the vast physical world—wishing to be as free as the wind, mountains & rivers—always striving to do what is beneficial for the people. My spirit is light and sensitive; I can perceive the needs of various places with great clarity. Especially in the seventeen hundred years since my death, China has seen countless wars. I have never enjoyed witnessing the slaughter of the innocent. I have always felt that war is a desperate, inferior strategy, never a natural or righteous course of action. Out of a profound love and care for life, I have done my utmost as a deity to protect the civilians, as well as the generals and soldiers. I have hoped, through the power of my mental note, to help minimise the suffering caused by these conflicts.

The Silent Watchers of the Land

I do not know how much time has passed in this way. Time flows swiftly, and dynasties have risen and fallen in rapid succession. How many Chinese people have slaughtered one another for the sake of their own territories, their own status, and their own positions? All of this was done for the sake of individual gain. Of course, amidst this, there were many noble and righteous people who rose up to help alleviate the suffering of the people and to assist them in living stable, healthy, and peaceful lives. I, Zilong, have watched all of this with my own eyes, and I have always done my best to protect such loyal and righteous individuals. Many others, like myself, have existed in this same space after death. Although we do not necessarily interact, there is a silent, mutual understanding between us. We know our respective duties, and we have all quietly guarded the Goodness and benevolence of this vast land of China.

A Golden Path to the Western Dharma-Nature Land

Finally, the day arrived. Our group of righteous spirits, residing within this space, was suddenly enveloped in a brilliant, radiant golden light. We were brought to the Western Land of Dharma Nature that I mentioned earlier. This is a different kind of spiritual space. Its founder is known as Practitioner Su, a devoted student of Namo Amituofo. As I have noted before, I was astonished to discover that Practitioner Su is the reincarnation of my former lord, Liu Bei. At the same time, I felt a profound sense of joy and gratitude for this opportunity to enter the Buddha’s gate, to begin my practice, and to elevate my spirits. My lord from those long-ago days is now Practitioner Su. Over one or two thousand years have passed in the blink of an eye. I never imagined that Practitioner Su’s spiritual level would have ascended so rapidly. Perhaps it was always this way, and I, Zilong, simply failed to perceive it back then. Regardless, there is no need to dwell on such thoughts now.

Awakening to the Universal Truth

Today, being able to reconnect with Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su is a source of immense comfort and strength for me. Everything I once wished to accomplish for the sake of the nation and its people has now become clear in my heart. Everything in this world is formed by the combination of multiple karmic conditions; it arises when conditions are met and dissipates when they fade. I, too, was once just one of the beings lost in the vast sea of humanity, caught in the cycle of karma. I did not know where I would go after death, I did not know the purpose of my future lives, and I certainly did not understand the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Throughout my life, I walked the righteous path, acting with loyalty, righteousness, and Goodness. Yet, even in my old age, I felt lost, for I remained a part of the vortex of karma.

A New Life in the Buddha’s Light

Upon arriving at the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I listened to the teachings of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. I came to know the Buddha, I came to know Namo Amituofo and the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I realised that this is my true home. My heart is now calm, steady, and filled with Dharma joy. Every day, I listen to the Buddha’s teachings. Under the purification of the Buddha-light, I have changed significantly in just a few short days. I now possess a more dignified appearance, befitting a great man. I am still eight feet tall, but the thoughts and intentions within my heart have been elevated. I now have the heart of a Buddha, the vows of a Buddha, and in the future, I will surely have the actions of a Buddha. I am deeply grateful for the kindness of my lord who recognised my worth all those years ago, and I am even more grateful for the education and guidance provided by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su at this very moment. From this point forward, this spirit is a member of the Buddha’s gate, and it is my duty to work diligently for the Dharma.

I, Zilong, am grateful for the compassion of Namo Amituofo and the compassion of Practitioner Su. I bow three times to the Buddha.

Namo Amituofo

Zhao Yun