The Path of the Righteous: A Life of Hidden Virtue

This is a record of an interview with Wu Jieli, a spirit who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having spent centuries in the underworld following a life of hidden heroism seven hundred years ago, he now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This testimony was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on March 19, 2023.

Wu Jieli speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am eternally grateful to the compassionate Practitioner Su for rescuing those of us who have been drifting in the cycle of reincarnated beings. We all know that without Practitioner Su, we would not be where we are today. We are filled with profound gratitude. On behalf of all the prison guards, I bow in thanks to the grace of the Buddha and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

A Childhood Forged in the Mountains

I was born over seven hundred years ago. From a very young age, I lived deep within the mountains. Both of my parents passed away early, and I was raised by my grandfather, who had lost one of his arms. Despite having only one arm, he was a formidable martial arts master. He poured all of his skills and knowledge into his grandson—into me—who remained by his side throughout my youth.

From the time I was a small child, I followed my grandfather as we were travelling, performing acts of righteousness and helping those in need. We never sought fame, nor did we care for wealth or status. We saved many people and provided assistance in countless places. Many knew of our deeds, but no one knew where to find us. For many years, my grandfather and I made the world our home, yet in our hearts, we never forgot our roots—our true home in the deep mountains.

The Lesson of the Bottomless Pit

Even as a boy, I knew my grandfather carried a heavy burden in his heart. It was only later that I learned the truth: my grandmother had fallen in love with another man and left him. My grandfather suffered a tremendous wound from this, and through his pain, I came to understand the suffering that emotion brings. My grandfather told me, 'Child, emotion is a bottomless pit. If you fall into it, you will suffer endlessly.' From that moment on, I knew that I would never allow myself to become emotional.

I understood this principle deeply, and from then on, I became very indifferent toward romantic feelings. I never pursued a relationship in my life, and I never even considered the prospect of marriage. I only wished to continue walking the path of the wandering hero with my grandfather, to be a person without desires or cravings, travelling everywhere to help others.

Reflections on a Transient Life

Time passed swiftly. When I reached old age, I decided to return to the deep mountains alone to walk the final stretch of my life. On the journey back, I reflected upon my existence. I thought of my parents, my grandfather, my grandmother, and every person I had encountered along the way. I sighed, 'Life is truly fleeting. We cannot take anything with us when we go. The only things that remain are our hearts and the deeds we have performed.'

At that moment, I saw a small monkey trapped on a branch, unable to free itself. Without a second thought, I immediately climbed the tree to rescue it. Once the monkey was safe, it looked at me with great gratitude and said, 'You are truly a good person. Everything you have done will be rewarded.' I smiled and replied, 'I do not need a reward. I simply wish to do things that are useful to others.'

The Echoes of Righteousness

Just then, I heard someone calling my name from a distance. When I turned, I discovered it was a man I had saved years ago, who had since become an official. The official walked to my side and said with deep emotion, 'I have always remembered your kindness. It taught me what true righteousness and a benevolent heart are. I have been trying everything in my power to repay you.'

I smiled and said, 'I am just an ordinary person. Everything I did was because I believed that doing good is the right thing to do. I do not require any repayment.' The official was silent for a moment, then said, 'You are a true hero. You taught me the meaning of justice and fairness. I will certainly carry on your spirit and do my best to be a person who benefits society.'

I looked at him deeply and said, 'I believe you will succeed.' To be able to help someone become a better person, and to see them willing to continue helping others—this, to me, was the greatest reward of all. I was very happy to see their transformation.

Returning to the Silence

I continued my journey back to the mountains. Along the way, I met many people, and I reflected, 'Our lives are but a short journey. We should do as much good for others as possible, to make this world a better place.' Eventually, I returned to the deep mountains. Recalling my life, I sighed, 'Our lives are like a lamp—short and small, yet they can illuminate those around us. I hope my life has brought a little warmth to others, helping them understand what a truly righteous heart is.'

From that day on, no one ever saw my shadow in the mountains again, but the spirit and teachings I left behind continued to be passed down. People used my story to educate their children, teaching them what true moral foundations and benevolence are, and what constitutes the true happiness of life.

The Highest Realm of Existence

I chose to return to the mountains at the end of my life. Even though I had received much applause and reputation, I knew my life did not need these things. I only wanted to return to a life of peace and tranquility. In the modern world, this is difficult for people to achieve because society places such great importance on personal material gain and the desire for fame. Few are willing to choose a path like mine. But in truth, pursuing inner peace and liberation is the highest realm of life. Only in this way can we truly understand the essence of existence.

I am very grateful for everything I experienced in my life, and I walked the final steps of my journey in peace. I am thankful for it all. After I passed away, I descended into the underworld, where the King of Hell assigned me various tasks. I do not know how many years have passed since then. It was only recently that I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks. The principles Practitioner Su speaks of are excellent. Combining them with everything I have seen and heard over these many years, I know that Practitioner Su has truly unlocked all the Universal Principles. This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity for the propagation of the great Dharma. I am deeply moved, and I am very grateful for the dedication and compassion of Practitioner Su. This is the spirit I wish to emulate.

I am so grateful to be sent to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today. I will cherish this opportunity immensely, and I know that I must practise diligently to continue helping sentient beings in the future. On behalf of all the prison guards and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in thanks to the grace of the Buddha and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Wu Jieli, with palms joined.