The Guardian of the Mountain: A Three-Millennium Journey

This is a record of an interview with Ge Muyuan, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his life approximately 3,000 years ago during the Zhou Dynasty. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on March 6, 2026.

Ge Muyuan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Ge Muyuan. After three thousand years of wandering through the vast cycles of time, I have finally returned home. I am filled with profound gratitude towards Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su for their great compassion; it is only through their intervention that this spirit has finally attained liberation. Three thousand years ago, during the Zhou Dynasty, I lived as a hunter. Even then, I possessed a deep and natural affinity for the wild world around me.

From my earliest childhood, I could communicate with the flowers, the trees, and the living spirits of the forest. I did not view the act of hunting as a way of life defined by wanton killing. Instead, I only took the life of a creature when it was absolutely necessary for survival. This was the sacred balance I maintained with nature—a pact I believed would protect both the hunter and the hunted from unnecessary suffering and harm.

The Sacred Tiger of the Mountain

In the state of Ge, where I resided, there was a particular mountain forest I frequented. Deep within its verdant embrace lived a tiger of extraordinary nature. It was far larger than any ordinary tiger, and its eyes held a depth of wisdom that felt almost human. When word of this magnificent creature spread, people began to flock to the forest, driven by greed. They sought its pelt, its flesh, and its bones, for they knew that such a creature was no ordinary beast. To those who understood the ancient arts, the body of such a tiger was a treasure, capable of being crafted into potent medicines. Because of this, the tiger became a symbol of both awe and immense value. As news of its existence travelled, the once-peaceful mountain forest became a place of chaos, scarred by the constant intrusion of human footprints.

Although I was a hunter by trade, I considered this forest my true home. My primary concern was the preservation of this sanctuary and the long-term health of the ecosystem. Seeing so many strangers trampling through the undergrowth filled me with a deep sense of unease. I did not want them to harm this tiger without cause, nor did I want them to shatter the delicate natural balance, which I knew would only invite a violent backlash from the forces of nature itself.

The Price of Compassion

Eventually, the tiger was cornered and wounded by those greedy men. When I discovered the creature, bleeding and broken, I did not hesitate. Using my intimate knowledge of the mountain’s hidden paths, I helped the tiger vanish into the deep shadows, shielding it from its pursuers. The tiger was a creature of immense spiritual sensitivity; it clearly understood my words and could perceive my intentions. I felt a profound connection to it, as if it were not merely a beast, but a kindred spirit. In truth, I viewed every living being in that forest as a member of my own family, which is why I risked everything to help the tiger escape its fate.

Later, when the hunters discovered that I had been the one to facilitate the escape of their prize, their fury turned toward me. They sought revenge, surrounding me with fire and raining arrows upon me until I fell. Yet, I felt no resentment. I firmly believed in the natural laws that govern all existence. Since I had chosen to protect the tiger, I had long sensed that such a day might come. After my death, I became the guardian spirit of that mountain. I was relieved to find that the hunters, perhaps shaken by the events, did not return to further desecrate the forest. As its guardian, I dedicated myself entirely to protecting every living thing within those borders.

Awakening to the Truth of Samsara

More than three thousand years passed, and finally, through the compassionate act of Practitioner Su’s Chao Du for the spirits of China’s five-thousand-year history, I was reborn amidst infinite golden light. I was guided to the Western Dharma-Nature Land at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Looking back, I now realise that the tiger I protected was a creature that had attained a level of spiritual refinement, which explains its profound wisdom and human-like nature. I have also come to see that during the Zhou Dynasty, many animals in the mountains had attained such states; they were simply waiting to be discovered.

The people of the Zhou Dynasty placed great importance on sacrificial rituals, and they were far more familiar with the concepts of heaven, earth, and spirits than people are today. However, they lacked the benefit of the true Buddha’s teachings, such as those provided here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. They had no clear understanding of the conditions of the spiritual realms. From the perspective of the Buddha’s teachings, I have realised that my ancient understanding of nature’s laws was only the beginning. The teachings here go much further, revealing the universal principle, the Truth, and the righteous path. By uncovering the laws of karma and cause and effect, and by explaining the destination and experiences of the soul after death through these spiritual interviews, the Centre provides something truly precious to the world.

A Future in the Western Land

In the past, I did not know that harming the lives of animals would require such a heavy price. I only knew that one should respect life and hunt with the utmost sincerity. Now, I understand that the prey I captured and I shared deep karmic connections from the past, and that in the cycle of samsara, we were merely caught in a cycle where It continues to grow and consume beings without pause. The Buddha’s teachings on not killing are of vital importance. A spiritual life never truly ends; once an evil karmic connection is forged, it persists regardless of how much time passes. It is a terrifying truth to behold. I am incredibly fortunate to have encountered Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, for now, I no longer need to be reincarnated.

I am filled with joy here in the Dharma-Nature Land. Every day, I chant Namo Amituofo and listen to the sutras. Of course, the most important goal for me now is to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I hold the deepest respect for Practitioner Su, who is willing to sacrifice everything to save the demon crowds. I am now learning to cultivate that same compassion, hoping that one day I, too, may be so selfless and willing to dedicate my entire being to the service of all sentient beings.

I offer my deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo.

Ge Muyuan"