The Guardian of the City Gates

This is a record of an interview with Zuo Kangnong, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. This account reflects upon his life approximately 800 years ago, during the late Southern Song Dynasty. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on February 25, 2026.

Zuo Kangnong speaks:

"The crescent moon bends to illuminate the nine provinces, where some find joy and others find only sorrow. How many couples share the same silken canopy, and how many are scattered to distant lands?"

"This is a famous folk song from China, a melody that people in the Jiangnan region would recall amidst the chaos of war. For a long time, no one knew who had written it. But today, as the author of this folk song, I must reveal the truth to the world. I wish to share the genuine state of mind, the thoughts, and the deep reflections that I and the people of the Southern Song Dynasty held within our hearts during those turbulent times."

A Dynasty in Decline

"The Southern Song court had been teetering on the brink of collapse for over a century. We endured the relentless invasions and southern campaigns of the Jin and Yuan armies. It was an era of constant warfare where the people could barely survive. Just as we would enjoy a few days of peace, the thunderous sound of warhorses and clashing steel would return to shatter our lives. While the emperors and ministers in the court indulged in song and dance, the common people suffered under the weight of natural disasters and man-made catastrophes. It was a time when many spoke of the reign of incompetent rulers, yet it was also an era that birthed many heroes. Countless righteous individuals dedicated their entire lives to their country and people, disregarding their own survival. From the humiliation of Jingkang during Yue Fei’s resistance against the Jin, to the Battle of Yamen where Zhang Shijie fought the Yuan, these hundred years were truly an age of great heroes."

"I, Zuo Kangnong, was born into this era of war. I was incredibly fortunate to enjoy a few years of stability in my childhood. At that time, the Jin army was being decimated or driven away by the Mongol forces. The Southern Song court lost this century-old rival without much effort, which allowed the court to breathe a sigh of relief. However, very few noticed that the Mongol army’s actions were not intended to help the Southern Song court, but rather to unify the world under their own rule. When I was born, the Jin army had been mostly driven out, and the Mongol forces had not yet fully unleashed their power to move south. Thus, the political situation was slightly relaxed, and people were living relatively decent lives."

The Gentle Warrior

"I came from a family of martial arts practitioners. Although my father was a military officer, his rank was not high, and he was often sent home to enjoy periods of quiet life. Despite his modest salary, our family was small—just my parents, my sister, and me—so we lived quite comfortably. From a young age, I harboured a great vow: I wished for the world to be at peace, free from the ravages of war. This might sound like the naive wish of a child, but in that era, war had become an ordinary, everyday occurrence. I wanted to serve my country, but I did not know how to begin. I would constantly pester my father with questions. He would suggest that I grow up first and then join the army to kill the enemy, but he would always tease me, saying that I could never kill anyone. He was right; my nature was gentle and kind. I knew from a very young age that I could never bring myself to harm another living being."

"As I grew older, I transformed from a small child into a tall, strong man, much to the surprise of my parents. I decided to join the army. Regardless of whether I could kill the enemy, I wanted to defend our land and serve every brick, every tile, and every life of our Great Song Dynasty. I first joined the local militia in our county. I started by guarding our own city gates, patrolling from dawn until dusk, and searching for ambushes. These were my regular duties. Although it was exhausting and I rarely got enough sleep, my heart felt solid and at peace. We were honestly protecting the people of our city."

The Weight of National Crisis

"Later, as our ranks grew, I joined the temporary army recruited by the court to resist the Mongol forces that were gradually invading the south. By then, the capital had shifted to Lin'an, and the court was completely ignorant of the hardships faced by the people in the north. The people of the north lived in constant fear of the next day, yet they possessed great hearts and broad minds. They understood the importance of defending the country, and they never forgot to comfort one another, telling themselves that the nation would surely recover. Many families had been scattered and broken, but those who remained insisted on relying on each other, using the strength of the community to support one another through repeated national crises. It was on one of those nights in the army that I wrote that poem. Watching the people come and go, witnessing their misery and their resilience, I could not help but sing praises for the people of the north. For centuries, their homes had belonged to the Song Dynasty for half the time, and to foreign invaders for the other half. Yet, they still held a childlike longing for a stable and peaceful country."

"I participated in the northern campaigns and witnessed the terrifying speed of the Mongol army. They killed without blinking. Many cities were washed in blood, and many were subjected to total slaughter—it was truly too horrific to behold. Our army would often arrive too late, only to find that the city had already fallen into enemy hands. We would hold back our tears and pray to the Mongol army to let us collect and bury the bodies of our elders and fellow countrymen so they could rest in peace. Then, we would summon the courage to defend the next city and the next group of people. Many of my comrades died along the way, while new brothers joined to strengthen our ranks. Such events were commonplace, yet I still lacked the courage to kill the enemy. So, what was I doing? I could carry grain for everyone, I could deliver messages, I could cook meals and boil water, and I could help bury the fallen brothers and civilians. I could do anything, except kill."

A Spirit’s Eternal Vigil

"Despite my efforts, I lost my life in one of the battles. Our army was preparing an ambush at the edge of the city, intending to use the terrain to wipe out the incoming Mongol forces. I was terrified of such violence, so I chose to go and warn the Song soldiers inside the city. This was something I was good at, but this time I miscalculated the timing. I thought it was still early, but I was spotted by the Mongol army as they launched their massive assault. I lost my life in a hail of arrows."

"Not long after, my spirit was left hanging high above the city gate. Watching my own remains below and the swarming enemy forces, I could do nothing. I could not resist, so I could only try to use my spirit to protect the people in the army from harm. I did not know if I had such an ability, but naturally, I would try to influence the movements and directions of some people. My spirit was much like my personality in life; wherever I was needed, I would fly there. But I was just a spirit; I could not do much of what a physical body could. My soul remained exceptionally calm, standing guard at the city gate until the Mongol army entered in wave after wave. It was clear that the Song army had lost; the entire city had become territory of the Mongol Empire. I then naturally drifted to the next Southern Song city that was about to be attacked, continuing to stand guard at its gates. I suppose I became a guardian spirit of various city gates!"

"I spent several years at various city gates, watching as one city after another was conquered by the Mongol army. I moved from one city to the next, eventually reaching the southern cities, as the Mongol army had arrived near Lin'an and the young emperor had fled with his entourage. Soon, Lin'an fell, and the southern regions were occupied. When there were no more Southern Song cities for me to go to, I became a spirit without a fixed abode. I drifted through space, free to do many things, but I remained accustomed to guarding cities. So, I returned to various cities to watch over the people, continuing this through the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, and throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasties. I was a 'gate-guarding ghost,' or as some might call it, a guardian deity. Such days were solid and fulfilling. I saw much and was able to help many people. I witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, the way human hearts became less kind and simple with each generation, and I saw all kinds of people enter the Great China region. I saw that every story has its cause and effect; I saw clearly how people’s good and bad deeds led to their respective outcomes."

The Golden Light of Deliverance

"A few decades ago, I learned that many city gates across China were being demolished on a large scale. The city gates I had guarded one by one became history. Among the few remaining cities, I chose to settle in one of the city gates in the capital, Beijing, and stopped wandering. During my time there, I gained many insights. I saw people experience generations of cultural shifts and era-defining innovations. I could only tell myself to hold fast to my original intention: to help people resolve their difficulties and to help settle their hearts. Every good thought I held, every virtuous intention, could create a positive change in the magnetic field of the environment. This was something I was happy to see."

"Not long ago, I saw the land of Beijing shrouded in golden light. In fact, I had seen such golden light many times before, but this time it was exceptionally bright. It seemed as if the entire city where I resided was within that light. At the same time, many spirits like me who were within the city walls began to leave, entering the light, along with some who appeared to be demon crowds. I, too, naturally followed the light and arrived at the Western Land of Dharma Nature where I am now. I did not feel like a stranger to this world; such a beautiful place must be the world of the Buddha!"

Gratitude in the Western Land

"Yes, the Western Land of Dharma Nature is the Buddha-land established by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. Practitioner Su has already saved far too many spirits like me and brought us here. This place is filled with so many Chinese people, as well as people from all over the world—Australians, Vietnamese, and others. I am very happy sitting on this lotus seat that belongs to me, listening to the Buddha-name 'Namo Amituofo' in the air. My heart is settled and joyful. From the moment I began listening to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks, I knew he must be my virtuous teacher. I listened to every word and every sentence with great sincerity, taking it into my ears and into my heart. My entire being was filled with Dharma joy, and I finally understood which path I should take: to learn from Practitioner Su’s spirit of helping others, to keep helping others, and to walk the path of becoming a Buddha. That is the right way."

"I have always called myself a dignified Chinese person, and now I can also be a disciple of the Buddha. Watching Practitioner Su conduct these great Chao Du ceremonies in China, many of us spirits are deeply moved. Watching all of this from the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I know that Practitioner Su is no ordinary person. He can endure so much physical suffering and still go straight ahead to save us beings who have been trapped in space for hundreds, thousands, or even ten thousand years. Such things are not common; they are events occurring for the first time in human history. Zuo Kangnong’s heart is filled with gratitude. I am grateful to have encountered the Buddha in the world at this very moment, and to have encountered such events."

"I am grateful for the compassion of Namo Amituofo, and I am grateful for the compassion of Practitioner Su."

"Namo Amituofo."

"Zuo Kangnong"