The Gratitude of Ma Xiping: A Journey to Deliverance

Ma Xiping, who served as a prison guard in the underworld after his passing, sought deliverance from the cycle of suffering. Through the compassionate teachings of Practitioner Su, he was able to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This interview, recorded on July 2, 2023, captures his reflections on his past life as a loyal servant, his experiences in the underworld, and his profound gratitude for the Dharma.

Ma Xiping speaks:

"I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su. Today, all of us have been able to achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is wonderful news for everyone, and we shall cherish it dearly. On behalf of all the prison guards, I kowtow to express my gratitude for the Buddha’s grace and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Life of Service in the Ma Household

"I was a child living in the grand residence of the Ma family. My parents lived there as well, but we were not the masters of the house; we were servants. I was the son of the Ma family’s steward. The master of the house, Master Ma, was a man of great compassion. He allowed me to take the Ma family name and nurtured me, helping me become a capable individual. Deep within my heart, I have always held the utmost respect and gratitude for the grace and cultivation Master Ma bestowed upon me.

To be a human being is to understand the importance of knowing kindness and repaying it. Both my parents and I were loyal servants to the Ma household. My parents had served the family for the better part of their lives. They understood clearly what could be said and what could not, what could be done and what must be avoided. Because my parents were both intelligent and highly capable, they were deeply trusted by Master Ma, and naturally, I also received his care and affection as I grew up."

Nurtured by Compassion

"Although my origins were not equal to those of the Ma family’s descendants, the cultivation I received was in no way inferior to theirs. From a young age, I was proactive and diligent. I learned everything quickly, and I understood how to observe the nuances of situations. I was a clever child, and wherever I went, I was cherished by the elders. Master Ma was truly a benevolent person who valued talent.

However, time flies like an arrow. The Ma household encountered a period of decline due to the schemes of malicious people, and the family business faced severe difficulties. This was a devastating blow to Master Ma, and his health deteriorated alongside the family’s fortunes. Master Ma became bedridden and required meticulous care. With a heart full of gratitude, I took the initiative to shoulder this responsibility."

The Final Lessons of a Mentor

"As the days passed, I exhausted all my strength to care for Master Ma, providing him with the most attentive and delicate support. I knew this was my opportunity to repay the kindness he had shown me, and it was the time for me to put my own abilities to the test. I worked tirelessly to keep the household affairs in perfect order while carefully tending to Master Ma’s daily needs, hoping to help the entire Ma household navigate through these difficult times.

Master Ma spent many long days on his sickbed. His body gradually weakened, but his spirit remained firm. During this time, we spoke at great length. Master Ma was truly a wise and capable man. He taught me many profound truths about life and the essential keys to success in business. I listened to his teachings, understood them in my heart, and benefited immensely from them.

Eventually, the day came when Master Ma departed from this world. I was filled with immense grief, but at the same time, I felt a sense of comfort, knowing that I had provided him with warmth and love during the final moments of his life. At his funeral, everyone in the Ma household was overcome with sorrow. I stood in the very last row, looking at the remains of the person I so deeply respected, my heart filled with gratitude and reverence."

A Mission of Kindness

"The passing of Master Ma was a massive blow to the family, but I was determined to ensure that his spirit would continue to live on within the household. I inherited my parents’ wishes and worked hard to support the family. Not long after, I started a flour business, which achieved success in a short period of time.

However, I understood the hardships of life because I had once experienced poverty myself. I understood the importance of helping others, especially those who were struggling. Therefore, I would often poke small holes in the flour bags so that families who could not afford to buy flour could receive some help. I hoped that by doing this, I could help them improve their lives and allow them to feel the warmth and care of humanity.

My business flourished, and I continued to help more people in my own way. I used a portion of my income to support the education of impoverished students and organized a small charitable team to assist vulnerable groups. I believed that doing this was a sincere way to repay the kindness of Master Ma, and it became my life’s mission."

The Value of Repaying Kindness

"Year after year, I helped many people and built deep friendships with them. I created a bridge between the loyal servants and the nobility of the Ma household, fostering mutual support and understanding. I gained respect and appreciation, but I never forgot my roots, always maintaining a humble and grateful heart.

Throughout my life, I realised the value and significance of repaying kindness and helping others. Regardless of one’s status or position, we can all contribute to society in our own way. The joy and satisfaction brought by these good deeds far exceed any vanity or enjoyment that wealth and status can provide.

I believe that in this world, every person has the ability and opportunity to help others. Whether the act is large or small, as long as we do it with our hearts and prove it with our actions, we can become a force that changes the world."

A Vow to Serve

"Therefore, I vowed to dedicate my life to helping others. This was the best way to repay Master Ma for nurturing me, and it was my sincere contribution to this world. No matter what storms may come, I will persist in this belief, using my love and actions to illuminate the lives of those in need and passing this spirit down through the generations, forever.

This is my story—a story filled with gratitude and the repayment of kindness. I hope this story can inspire more people, allowing everyone to recognise their own strength and value, and to use their own power to create a more beautiful world. Let us believe together that everyone can become a capable person who changes the world."

From the Underworld to the Pure Land

"After I left the human world, I walked the path of the underworld. I saw many states of birth, aging, sickness, and death, which were quite heartbreaking. Eventually, I arrived at the Hall of the Yama King. The King of Hell told me my judgment, and I was assigned to serve in a place in the underworld; I became a prison guard.

During my service in the underworld, I encountered many different stories. I knew that these were the sufferings of the cycle of rebirth, and I, too, longed for liberation.

It was only recently that I heard the sutras taught by Practitioner Su while in the underworld. I was truly moved, because I knew that every word Practitioner Su spoke was the Truth, and I knew that this was the method for all beings to achieve liberation and escape the cycle of rebirth.

I am very grateful that I have had the opportunity today to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is truly a rare and precious opportunity, and we shall all cherish it dearly.

On behalf of all the prison guards, I kowtow to express my gratitude for the Buddha’s grace and the grace of Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo.

Ma Xiping, with palms joined."