The Lessons of a Lifetime: A Prison Official's Reflection

This is a record of an interview with Qiu Haoran, 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 and his subsequent service in the underworld. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on November 29, 2020.

Qiu Haoran speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have spent a very long time in the underworld. Recently, because of the Chao Du performed by Practitioner Su and the profound Dharma talks delivered here, the once lifeless and gloomy underworld has gained a glimmer of hope. Countless beings feel an infinite sense of gratitude toward Practitioner Su. It is Practitioner Su who has helped us all; without him, we would have found it nearly impossible to be liberated or to escape our suffering.

A Life of Records and Retribution

In the underworld, I was once a civil official, later assigned to the Yama Palace to manage administrative records. Every day, the hells must process a vast number of grievances. These are the bitter complaints between beings who have harmed one another. When the laws of karma and cause and effect are judged, those with serious offenses are sent to unfavorable places of birth or reincarnated as various creatures to repay their karmic debts. These records are detailed and precise; there is no escaping the consequences of one's actions. At every moment, countless beings are reborn into the human world. Some are born into families of great Goodness, while others are born into families of extreme evil. These environments are all the result of karmic fruit. Beings are ignorant; they do not fear the laws of karma, which is why their karmic retribution never ceases and the cycle of rebirth continues endlessly.

There are so many beings trapped in the cycle of rebirth in this world, just as there are countless beings in the underworld. How can the suffering of beings in samsara ever end? Only when one's own heart becomes clear and awakened—when one realizes the truth within the cycle of rebirth—can one depart and achieve liberation. If not, this cycle is endless and difficult to stop. The number of beings suffering in rebirth every day is immeasurable. One must wake up; one must save oneself.

The Wandering Education

I am Qiu Haoran. I grew up in an ordinary family. My mother was very strict with me from a young age, often teaching me that 'to be a human, one must strive.' To provide me with a better learning environment, my mother spared no effort, moving us to different places every year for my education. To ensure I could survive in any environment, she would take me out onto the streets before dawn, sometimes assigning me different tasks to learn how to execute and complete them.

We had no fixed abode and spent a long time travelling. My mother used every method possible to cultivate me into a useful person. The Qiu family was quite prominent; since my great-grandfather's generation, many had been officials or merchants, and every generation had achieved success. My father did not want to be an official or a merchant; he was simply a pragmatic scholar. Shortly after my parents married, my mother became pregnant with me. After conceiving, she began to strive to ensure I would receive a good education from birth. She once said, 'Being born as a human is truly not an easy thing; how can one allow it to be wasted?' Thus, before I was even born, my mother had already planned all the education I would receive. She exhausted her heart and energy for my growth.

A Mother's Wisdom and a Father's Protection

On the day I was born, seeing that I was a son, my mother told my father, 'I am taking this child away. This family life is too comfortable; I will return with him only after some years. Do not miss me.' After the month of confinement, the next morning, while the Qiu family was still asleep, she secretly took me and left, beginning our many years of wandering education.

The moment my mother stepped out of the house, my father woke up. He shook his head helplessly; he knew there was no way to stop her. Fortunately, he had been prepared for her departure. After she left, he set off, quietly following behind her to protect my mother and me, who was just a month old. My mother was a woman of great Wisdom. She could solve any problem we encountered on the road. She taught me, 'The length of life cannot be sought, but the breadth of life is walked by oneself.' She used her own actions to educate me, guiding me to witness everything in this world and leading me to experience various ways of life.

She once told me the story of 'Mencius's mother moving three times.' She also told me that the success of education lies in knowing whether a child can reflect and awaken, rather than hiding the child between Good and evil. Every child is born with both good and bad tendencies; education is meant to turn the child toward 'Good' and make them understand that 'bad' must not be done. My mother always valued the cultivation of my heart. She watched every subtle thought and action closely. Whenever I made a mistake, she would use different methods to make me aware of it, helping me realize that my behavior was wrong and then teaching me to correct it. Her dedication helped me develop a pure character and the habit of constant self-reflection, ensuring I did not repeat the same mistakes.

Experiencing the World

My mother had a great influence on me, carefully training me throughout my growth. I remember once she took me to the riverbank, where many women were washing clothes, some with children strapped to their backs. The weather was extremely hot, and large beads of sweat dripped from their foreheads. Everyone was working hard for their families. My mother made me see the grace of parents in raising their children, teaching me the principle of filial piety. Another time, she took me to the street, where we saw a woman pulling a child while carrying a newborn on her back, weaving bamboo baskets to sell in the scorching sun. My mother made me see that everyone works hard for a living; not everyone can live a comfortable life, and everyone has their own destiny. She told me, 'Regardless of your destiny, you must know how to cherish it and strive for your own life.'

She also showed me the wives of wealthy families, walking with children dressed in luxurious clothes. She made me see these things to teach me that life in different environments produces different appearances, but what is important is the heart, not the environment. She told me, 'If children in poverty are not educated with a positive and proactive heart, they will not know how to strive, and their lives will be as difficult as their parents'. If children in wealthy families are not educated to cherish and maintain a positive mindset, they may easily fail to learn how to strive for life because of their wealth, and they will not be able to understand the hardships of different destinies.' Therefore, she took me away from the Qiu family, away from their protection, hoping that I would not be limited by my original family and that I would become someone who could master their own destiny, rather than being trapped by it.

The Father's Silent Guidance

As we left the Qiu family, my father followed us like a shadow. He only wanted to follow quietly, but my mother had long discovered his presence. She originally did not intend to pay attention to him, but on a rainy night, she could not bear to see him suffering outside. She cleared her throat and called out, 'Come out!' My father walked out, scratching his head and smiling foolishly at her. My mother shook her head helplessly and silently allowed him to stay. Seeing her reaction, my father knew she would no longer drive him away. He was overjoyed, picking me up and spinning me around until my mother finally called out, 'That's enough, put the child down and get some rest.' Only then did he put me down, extinguish the lamp, and lie down to sleep, dreaming of nothing.

Years passed, and our family of three lived in many different places. My father taught me many principles. Although he acted foolishly around my mother, he was actually a man of great Wisdom. He taught me the basic attitudes one should have toward others. While my mother focused on the cultivation of my heart, my father focused on my attitude toward handling affairs. He told me, 'If a person does not know how to have a good attitude, then no matter how successful they appear on the surface, such a dishonest attitude is destined to lead to failure.' He also said, 'Pursuing success is something one should strive for in life, but one must not be attached to the definition of success. Successful people should not have an arrogant or complacent attitude, and those who have not yet succeeded should not be depressed or discouraged. They should have a positive and proactive attitude, as well as a humble and modest spirit, and a willingness to learn. One should not easily give up on oneself, nor should one be complacent and lose more opportunities to learn.' My parents used all their time to educate me, telling me, 'To be born as a human, if one cannot become a useful person in this world—and by "useful," I mean being able to help society, benefit the masses, and become a force for good—then one becomes a burden to the world. Since we decided to give birth to you, we must be responsible for your education. If a child is not well-educated, it is adding a burden to the world.' From the day I was born, their education of me never stopped.

Correcting Habits and Cultivating Character

My parents were incredibly meticulous in correcting even the smallest details. Everyone has their own habits and personality, but these can be educated and readjusted. If one never changes, one will grow according to their own personality, and if influenced by the wrong environment, many people's lives will encounter problems. My parents were very strict with me in this regard. When I made a mistake for the first time, they would not scold me but would use various ways to teach me to correct the behavior. If I still had the same personality or temperament the second time without knowing how to adjust, they would let me know the severity of the error and let me taste the consequences. That is how carefully they trained me.

Although I grew up under such education, my innate personality and habits would still manifest. If it were not for my parents' education, my life would surely have encountered obstacles, because these personalities exist in the subtle details. Without their adjustments, I would have found it difficult to know that I needed to change. I am very grateful for their education; it was their protection that allowed me to truly grow in this life. Their protection was not spoiling; it was true responsibility for a child's growth, ensuring that my life could be correct during the growing process. In this world, many children have problems with their education because subtle concepts and behaviors are not adjusted in time, leaving hidden dangers in their lives. If these dangers encounter evil conditions, they will lead to evil outcomes; one must be cautious.

The Power of Non-Coercion

My parents' education of me was never forceful. They once said, 'In this world, no thinking person or animal likes to be treated forcefully. Even if it is helpful assistance, as long as it is forced, no one can accept it.' Therefore, although the education they gave me was strict, it was mostly based on following my nature. They followed my growth and development, observing and caring for me carefully from the side. As soon as they discovered a mistake, they would use the appropriate method at that moment to help me get rid of the wrong habits and personality.

Once, during my studies, I developed a habit of laziness. My father took me out for three days and three nights, leaving me hungry and tired without a drop of water or a grain of rice. When I was starving, I realized he had brought me to a slum. The people there were living harder lives than I was; some were barely clothed, and many children my age were skin and bones. My father used this education to let me know that one should be content with life and not develop a sense of slackness because of abundance. He gave me this experience to cut off the habit of laziness that easily arises in a comfortable life.

Learning Humility and Responsibility

Later, when I developed arrogance in my studies, thinking I had already learned enough and having no heart to repeat my studies, my father used his own way to teach me. He took me to a place where famous wealthy children would appear. He had made arrangements in advance and took me into a restaurant where many wealthy young masters were drinking and entertaining themselves. Seeing us, they couldn't help but frown, each showing a look of disdain. My father took me for a walk around and then left. The next morning, he took me to the largest academy in the capital, where many famous young masters studied. That day happened to be a large-scale examination. My father said nothing and just found a place for us to sit. I saw the exam in progress and soon discovered that many of the candidates were the same wealthy young masters who had been drinking the night before. At this moment, each of them wore a look of pride and complacency, unlike the other candidates who were actively writing their papers. After a morning of observation, the exam finally ended. All candidates handed in their papers and gradually left. Only then did my father stand up. He walked into the academy, and someone immediately took out all the papers from that day and handed them to him with both hands. I saw my father sit at the desk and quickly finish grading all the papers.

He asked me to look at the differences between these papers. I looked carefully at each one. I had to admit that every candidate was quite capable, but in the subtle details, one could clearly see the candidate's character. From the choice of words in answering the questions and the attitude, one could see the candidate's personality and character. My father showed me the papers of the wealthy young masters from the restaurant the night before, as well as those of a poor scholar who was actively learning. The two were clearly different in their answers. Although both could answer correctly, in the way they solved the problems, the wealthy young masters were clearly arrogant and complacent, while the poor scholar had more humility and sincerity in his answers. My father told me, 'This is the attitude of learning.' He also told me, 'Today is a large-scale written exam for a county official. The successful candidates have the opportunity to become the next county official. Given the same answers, who is more suitable for the position?' I replied directly, 'The county does not need an arrogant, complacent official who does not understand the people.' After saying this, my father directly marked these wealthy young masters' papers for elimination. He told me, 'Many people can achieve success in learning, but the difference in attitude is what determines a person's life.' He let me understand the principle that 'pride brings loss, humility brings benefit.' From then on, I understood the attitude of humble learning.

My father also taught me 'responsibility.' He told me, 'Everyone has their own responsibilities to bear.' He gave the example of a king in the past who was addicted to wealth and women, failing in his duty to protect the country, which eventually led to the country being conquered by enemies and destroyed. This king had not fulfilled his responsibilities. My father told me that this 'responsibility' is not pressure, but something one should do. Everyone has different roles in life. When in these roles, one must know what one should do and what one should not do; this is responsibility. Like my parents' education of me, it is the responsibility of parents to educate their children so they do not become a burden to society; and the responsibility of a child is to grow into a useful person, benefit the masses in the future, and fulfill the grace of being raised by parents. This is the responsibility I should fulfill. My father also told me, 'As people grow, they will gradually have more and more responsibilities, but there is no need to fear them. As long as you have the right attitude, face them positively, and have the courage to take them on, this is what a person should do in life.' He taught me to learn to be responsible, not to choose to escape when encountering problems, and to learn to face them positively and take the initiative to learn and take responsibility for the matter when encountering things I do not know.

The Importance of Non-Discrimination

In the process of my parents' education, I also learned 'non-discrimination.' This is a common problem in human nature; if it is not adjusted, it will be a hidden danger. Because of discrimination, it is easy to have calculation, comparison, jealousy, and a discriminating mind. These are the deep-rooted evils of human nature that must be changed. Because of this habit, my father once beat me with a bamboo whip until my skin was torn and flesh was exposed, and it took nearly a month to recover, just because I looked at a poor family's environment with disdain. My father knew I had developed a discriminating mind, so after punishing me, he gave a sum of silver to this poor family and entrusted me to their care until my wounds were completely healed. He wanted me to take this lesson and experience life in the family I had treated unequally. I knew I was wrong. During that month, this family treated me very well, giving me almost the best things they had and even asking their own children to treat me well. This made my eyes red with tears. How could I judge a family based on appearances? I finally understood the intention of the lesson my father gave me. I am truly grateful that he let me get rid of such discriminating temperament; this has been of great benefit to my future.

Do not discriminate against people; this is a very important thing! My father also told me not to be jealous of others. One's own life is something one should strive for oneself. There is no need to look at what others have that you do not; this is the most foolish person, because looking at others will never make it your own. I am very grateful that my father told me these things. He said, 'Everyone has their own choices and their own life. These are things you must be responsible for yourself. When you look at what others have and compare it with yourself, that is being irresponsible to yourself, because responsibility is about what ability you can exert, not about caring about what you do not have.' My father's education benefited me greatly. I am very grateful that he let me grow into a useful person who can be of benefit to society.

Service and Final Reflections

After I grew up, I became an imperial envoy. Only then did I realize that my father's status in the capital was quite prestigious, but he had never told me this, as if these external glories were just a piece of clothing, not worth mentioning at all. What he talked to me about most was the attitude of humility and learning. He said, 'A person's life is about being responsible until one no longer has the strength and begins to become a burden to society. At that time, the final responsibility is not to linger in this society. The most important responsibility in a person's life is to use one's own body to help this world, to become beneficial to society, rather than becoming a burden to society. This is responsibility.' During my time as an envoy, I actively did my best to benefit the people. To ensure the country and the people lived in peace and contentment, I did my best to complete every task, always with the interests of the people as the primary consideration.

My parents returned to the Qiu family to live, while I remained in the capital to continue serving the people. Every year, I would return to the Qiu family to celebrate the New Year, doing my best to fulfill my filial duties. Later, my parents decided to open a school near their home to educate children. I fully supported this, and all the expenses of the school were supported by my salary as an official. My parents passed away one after another at the age of eighty-five, and the school ended briefly because of their departure. After they left, although I was reluctant to let go, I was grateful for their education, which allowed me to have many achievements in this world. At the age of thirty-seven, due to a political coup, all the government policies were unfavorable to the people. Even though I made many efforts, I could not change the Emperor's decision. Eventually, I decided to resign and return home, no longer making futile efforts.

After returning home, I reopened the school and did my best to educate the children. This time, I never returned to the officialdom. I educated children in the school, helping them adjust their character, just as my parents had educated me. I taught for over sixty years and left this world at the age of ninety-seven.

After leaving this world, I was invited to the underworld to serve as a civil official, and later entered the hells to manage administrative records. For hundreds of years, I have seen the suffering of the cycle of rebirth, all caused by creating causes, and creating causes is because of ignorance—not receiving the correct education. Education is truly important. These beings who have not received education eventually suffer the retribution of karmic fruit, and the suffering is unbearable, and the cycle of rebirth is difficult to stop. This makes me even more grateful to my parents.

Recently, I heard the Dharma sound of Practitioner Su in the hells. This is the first time I have heard such a good Great Dharma. I am infinitely grateful to Practitioner Su for his great compassion in spreading the Dharma. Only then did I know that life can be liberated. My gratitude is endless, and I am able to seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today. Thank you to the Buddha for his compassionate grace, thank you to Practitioner Su. Qiu Haoran is infinitely grateful. I am grateful to this world for letting me grow, and I am grateful to the Buddha for his compassion. I am willing to follow the Buddha to save beings in the future.

Namo Amituofo."

The interview message was written by the Buddhist disciple Shi Fa.