The Legacy of Compassion: From Ming Dynasty Philanthropist to Underworld Guardian

This is a record of an interview with Zhang Zimin, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life during the late Ming Dynasty, approximately four centuries ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa-xi, on January 9, 2022.

Zhang Zimin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. My name is Zhang Zimin. I am profoundly grateful for this precious opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I cherish this chance deeply, and I am fully aware of the importance of continuing my practice to achieve true accomplishment. I will work hard. On behalf of all the prison guards in the underworld, as well as all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the grace of the Buddha and to Practitioner Su."

A Time of Chaos and Despair

"I was born during the final years of the Ming Dynasty. It was a time of endless warfare. The imperial court was so consumed by constant conflict that it had no time or inclination to care for the common people. The suffering brought about by the war was immense—it was truly beyond words, a state of misery that felt bottomless.

My family was quite wealthy, and for generations, we had served as high-ranking officials in the imperial court. However, as the dynasty neared its collapse, the state of the nation was dire. Even among the high ministers, everyone was preoccupied with self-preservation. Many abandoned their posts, fleeing to avoid being caught in the inevitable downfall of the dynasty. It was a cold, harsh reality. Most people were driven by selfishness; they were concerned only with their own lives and the safety of their families, unwilling to offer selfless service to the nation or to the suffering civilians."

The Secret Sanctuary of Hope and Service

"My grandfather, who was an official at the time, once petitioned the Emperor, pleading for him to save the innocent civilians. But in those days, such pleas fell on deaf ears. Realising that his efforts within the court were futile, my grandfather took matters into his own hands. He united several relatives who were also serving as officials, and together, they implemented a secret policy to help the innocent victims of the war. My grandfather deliberately avoided the attention of the court and established a relief centre among the common people. This sanctuary provided a lifeline for the homeless and those whose families had been torn apart by the conflict, offering them a glimmer of hope and a chance to rebuild their lives.

This relief centre was established in great secrecy. At the time, it provided vital support to countless people. The civilians who were helped, along with others who later joined our cause, formed a powerful sense of unity. This collective strength helped to mitigate many of the hardships caused by the war. During those turbulent years, when everyone else was acting selfishly—struggling only for their own survival—we chose a different path. My grandfather led us in living a life of solidarity, where we helped and loved one another. We were not working for individual gain, but to create a common good for everyone.

The direction of our relief centre was profoundly positive. Beyond providing material aid to alleviate the suffering caused by the war, we also educated people to maintain a positive and proactive mindset, preventing them from falling into the despair or radicalism that often accompanies such devastation. This work was deeply meaningful. My grandfather invested all his energy and wealth into this, hoping to fulfil his responsibilities as a minister by doing everything in his power to help the people."

A Legacy of Selfless Service

"I still remember my grandfather telling me: 'As the dynasty crumbles, most people are either fleeing or dying. While you still have the choice, why would you choose to be a coward? We have accepted the court's salary for so many years, enjoying fame, power, and status. Now is the time to give back to society and help the people.' My grandfather never regretted his choice, and he used this philosophy to educate his descendants.

When my grandfather was nearing the end of his life, his heart was still heavy with concern for these people. I made a solemn promise to him that I would carry on his mission. I vowed to protect everyone with my own life, ensuring they could live in peace. After he passed away, I took over the responsibility of the relief centre. By then, our family fortune had been largely exhausted, so I had to find new ways to sustain our operations. Many of those we had helped in the past returned to assist us. Together, we worked in harmony to transform the relief centre, allowing it to reach and support even more people."

Expanding the Mission

"I divided the relief centre into various branches, each hidden in different locations. The primary work in these branches was to enhance people's resilience and help them cultivate practical life skills. We taught them how to be independent and encouraged them to pass on what they had learned to others.

The relief centre's expansion developed remarkably well. We trained many capable young people, and as they grew, they went out into the community to continue helping others. The network of branches grew wider, and this spirit of kindness continued to spread far and wide. The development of our relief centre became a beacon of purity in a dark time, helping to alleviate the suffering brought about by the war."

The True Value of Life

"In one's life, if you can use your own strength to help change society and bring support to others, that is a truly worthwhile endeavour. It is the very meaning of life; such a life has genuine value. I am so grateful that I grew up in such an environment. From a young age, I participated in the affairs of the relief centre alongside my grandfather. I learned so much from him and witnessed many different situations. These experiences enabled me to stand on my own two feet as I grew older, allowing me to continue expanding the relief centre and helping more people.

To have the aspiration to help others in one's life is truly beautiful. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to do so; it brought me far more joy than any wealth or luxury ever could. Every day spent helping others was filled with strength, and seeing the growth of others brought me immense satisfaction."

Service in the Underworld

"Around the age of seventy, I passed away. When I left this world, I saw that all the people we had helped had come to see me off. I was filled with joy; I felt that my life had been fulfilled. After I passed, I arrived in the underworld. I continued to do good deeds there, and I lived quite comfortably. One day, I was brought before the King of Hell, who offered me an opportunity to serve. I have been working as a prison guard ever since. I am responsible for guiding those who have undergone their sentences, using my past experience to help them regain their own capabilities. I am very happy to have this opportunity to serve, and I am delighted to be able to help these beings.

In recent years, I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks in the underworld. Hearing the principles explained by Practitioner Su moved me deeply. I realised that once the nature of life is unravelled, it is so simple. I realised that life can indeed be liberated. Upon hearing the true Truth of life, I also sought liberation. I began to practise diligently, hoping to break through the limitations of my existence, and I made a vow to help sentient beings just as Practitioner Su does."

A Heartfelt Conclusion

"I am so grateful that I was able to hear Practitioner Su's Dharma talks; it has been a great inspiration to me. Through this, I came to know the great Dharma of the Pure Land. Today, having the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I cherish it deeply and feel endless gratitude. On behalf of all the prison guards and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the grace of the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Zhang Zimin, with palms joined.