The Heroic Legacy of a Prison Guard

This is a record of an interview with Xu Zhongxiong, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in a past era. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on June 20, 2021.

Xu Zhongxiong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity today. Practitioner Su, with great compassion, has guided me to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. On behalf of the sixty prison guards, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su."

A Legacy of Sacrifice

"In that past life, I saved many people, but unfortunately, I lost my own life in a sea of flames. I became a hero in the eyes of everyone. Although I sacrificed my own life, being able to exchange it for the survival of so many others—it was worth it!"

"On the very day I was born, my father was out saving lives. He was gone all day and all night, unable to return home. Not only was he absent when my mother went into labour, but in the end, he never returned at all. News of his sacrifice reached home quickly. When my mother, enduring the agony of childbirth, finally brought me into this world, she heard the news of my father's death. The shock was too much; she collapsed and passed away from a broken heart."

An Orphaned Beginning

"On the day I was born, I simultaneously became an orphan without a father or a mother. None of my father's relatives were willing to acknowledge me. In the end, it was my maternal grandfather who stepped forward to take me home and raise me. That is why I carry my mother's surname, Xu."

"My grandparents' home was near the site of my father's accident. Once I moved in, everyone knew I was the child of that hero. After hearing my story, they treated me with special care. Although I lost the companionship of my parents from birth, I was blessed with the love and care of so many others. I cherished this deeply and felt truly content."

Following in a Hero's Footsteps

"A man who lived nearby—a nephew of my grandfather and a close friend of my father—was at the scene when the tragedy occurred. He told me so much about my father. He said, 'Your father was a hero who acted with righteousness. To save the children trapped in that sea of fire, the situation was dire. To buy time for those children to escape, your father used his own body to block the flames. Only then could they get out safely. But when he turned back, he was already consumed by the fire. We were all heartbroken. Later, when we heard about your mother, we knew you would be your father's final, lingering concern. So, his friends and I decided we would look after you. If you ever have any difficulties, don't hesitate—tell Uncle Xu. I will do my best to help you, just as your father helped us so many times.'"

"From a young age, Uncle Xu would often take me out to learn things—though, in truth, it was mostly to play. He taught me so much. He was an optimistic and cheerful man, and through him, I could piece together an image of my father. I believed my father must have been a truly upright hero. I took pride in him, and from childhood, I resolved to become someone who helps others, just like him. Uncle Xu would laugh and say, 'I support your wish to be a hero like your father, but you must never let your grandfather know, for he would certainly oppose it.'"

The Hidden Truth of the Past

"In truth, I had noticed my grandfather's attitude. Whenever Uncle Xu came to visit, my grandfather was always cold and distant, sometimes even showing open displeasure. It wasn't until I asked Uncle Xu that I understood it had to do with my parents. Uncle Xu smiled and explained, 'When your parents were in love, everyone opposed it. Your father's family looked down on your mother and often sent people to your grandfather's house to humiliate them. Your grandfather was furious and forbade your mother from seeing them. But your parents' love was so deep they couldn't bear to be apart. Eventually, your mother became pregnant with you, which forced the marriage, but it happened without the blessing of either family.'"

"Uncle Xu continued, 'Later, when your father died saving those people and your mother passed away from the shock, the news reached your grandfather. He rushed over to take you away immediately. He knew all too well what kind of treatment you would face in that house if he didn't intervene—you might not have even survived your first year. Your grandfather is a man with a stern face but a kind heart. His harshness comes from his immense love for your mother. He couldn't stop his daughter from suffering, and in the end, he lost her. To see his child die before him—the pain was unbearable! You are the most precious bloodline your mother left behind. Your grandfather set aside his pride to bring you home, because you are the last connection he has to his daughter, and he wanted her to rest in peace.'"

"My grandfather provided me with such immense support that my heart was deeply moved, and I could not help but shed tears. Seeing this, my grandfather laughed and said, 'You silly child, what are you crying for? It is not such a big deal that you need to weep. When you were acting so heroically to save those people, why didn't you know how to be afraid? If I hadn't come looking for you this time, how were you planning to keep this a secret? If you had truly lost your life, what were you expecting your grandmother and me to do when we received the news?' I lowered my head and whispered, 'I am sorry.' My grandfather paused for a moment, then added, 'I will let you off this time, you rascal, but if there is a next time, I will absolutely not be so lenient!' I smiled and thanked him. From that day forward, I understood that in everything I do, I must consider those who worry for me, and I learned to be much more cautious and prudent in my actions."

A Life Dedicated to the Suffering

"My grandfather continued to support me silently, often giving me money to take with me so that I could save even more people. For many years, I followed Uncle Xu to numerous disaster areas to rescue those in need. Sometimes, we would travel to regions devastated by war. These people were all suffering under the cruel hand of fate, and I could only offer my own humble strength to bring them a glimmer of hope, providing them with the courage they needed to continue living.

After my grandparents passed away one after the other, I settled the estate they left behind and then followed Uncle Xu, making the whole world our home. Later, after a severe illness, Uncle Xu passed away as well. Although I was left alone, I did not feel lonely. I knew that the people in these disaster areas still needed me, and I had to continue to use my strength to help them."

The Final Sacrifice in the Flames

"Later, during a massive fire, I rushed in to save a mother and her child who were trapped. I was unable to escape in time and lost my life in the sea of flames. In the final moments of my life, I felt the same sensation my father must have felt when he gave his life to save others. I felt a profound sense of satisfaction. Even though it meant sacrificing my own life, I was overjoyed to know that I had been able to save those people.

I left this world without any regrets. After my death, I stood before King Yama. Because I had lost my life in an accident, I underwent a trial before the court of the underworld. King Yama looked at the record of my life and asked me with a smile, 'If you were given another chance to save people, would you be willing to do it?' I smiled and promised, 'As long as it is within my power, I am certainly willing.' Consequently, King Yama assigned me a duty in the underworld, specifically to assist those who had been sent there to undergo punishment, guiding them to see their own mistakes and learn the importance of repentance while they served their time."

A New Mission in the Underworld

"I am deeply grateful to King Yama for the duty he entrusted to me, as it gave me the opportunity to hear the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. I am so thankful that Practitioner Su's Dharma talks helped me understand so many profound truths. I am very clear that I seek liberation. I thank Practitioner Su for giving me this opportunity for rebirth today; we all cherish it deeply. I also hope that in the future, I can be like Practitioner Su and save the world. I am truly happy that I have been able to learn this great Dharma.

Today, having been granted this opportunity for rebirth, I, Xu Zhongxiong, on behalf of sixty prison guards and all beings connected by karmic affinity, bow in gratitude for the Buddha's grace and bow in gratitude to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Xu Zhongxiong