The Physician of the Underworld

This is a record of an interview with Tong Wenhao, who served as a jailer in the underworld and 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 as a physician and his subsequent service in the underworld. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on July 24, 2022.

Tong Wenhao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to everyone, to all sentient beings, and most especially to Practitioner Su. It is through his compassionate guidance that we spirits have been uplifted and granted the precious opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. On behalf of all the jailers in the underworld, I offer my endless thanks to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su for this profound grace.

My name is Tong Wenhao. My original surname was Zhong, but due to a catastrophic change in my family's circumstances during my youth, I was forced to change my name and identity just to survive and continue living.

A Childhood Forged in Tragedy

From a very young age, I lived with my grandmother; we were all each other had. My parents both passed away early in my life, and that was a truly harrowing experience. My father died a brutal death in the political arena. He was a man of integrity, upright and incorruptible, but it was precisely these virtues that led to his downfall at the hands of wicked men. The day my father was executed, our entire family was present. We watched with our own eyes as he was beheaded, and a vast pool of blood covered the ground. I had just turned ten that year. I watched my father die before me, yet I did not cry. Instead, I turned and embraced my mother. I knew then that I had become her pillar of support. I had to protect my mother and preserve what remained of our home.

After my father’s execution, the Zhong family effectively ceased to exist. We fled our home and lived a life of anonymity. My mother soon passed away from depression. Although my heart was heavy with grief, I knew that for her, it was a form of liberation. Ever since my father was taken from us, she had never smiled again. Seeing her suffer so deeply, I felt that her departure might have been a mercy.

The Wisdom of a Grandmother

Only my grandmother and I remained. Despite the immense tragedy that had befallen our family, she remained cheerful and never failed to encourage me to look at the bright side of life. She was incredibly optimistic and taught me many principles and much wisdom. I am deeply grateful for the positive strength she instilled in me, which allowed me to move forward in life without being hindered by the past.

In my youth, I never imagined I would have the ability to help others. However, when I first encountered the physician at the local herbal medicine shop, a thought took root in my heart: I wanted to become someone who could help people. I told my grandmother, 'I want to become a doctor.' She smiled and replied, 'If that is what you wish, then go and do it!' With her support, I felt a surge of courage. The very next day, I walked to the entrance of the herbal shop and stepped inside. I sincerely asked the physician, 'Please, sir, take me on as your apprentice.' The doctor laughed and said, 'Child, go away! I am not taking any apprentices here.' I felt a sudden, intense persistence. I refused to leave. Eventually, the doctor had no choice but to agree to let me stay and help with chores, warning me that if I did not perform well, I would have to leave immediately. I smiled and agreed wholeheartedly, deeply grateful for the chance.

Ten Years of Dedication

Time passed quickly. Ten years went by, and I remained at the herbal shop. Although the doctor never formally accepted me as his apprentice, he taught me medical theory every single day and even created opportunities for me to identify all the herbs and their properties. In my heart, he was already my master. I followed him diligently, learning with great focus and sincerity, hoping that one day I would have the ability to help others.

During those ten years, I worked hard at the shop, managing all the daily tasks. I also took the leftover medicinal dregs, sorted them according to their properties, and combined them to create different types of medicinal packets. Whenever I had free time, I would distribute these to the poor. They could not afford medical care, and these leftover herbs were exactly what they needed to help them through their illnesses.

I was so happy to have the ability to help these people. I had always longed for the feeling of being of service, because my father had been such a good man. Even though he was ultimately killed by wicked people, I remained willing to believe that doing good is the most precious meaning of life.

The Master’s Silent Approval

I worked at the shop for many years, and eventually, I was able to treat patients myself. I happily went out to provide free medical consultations. I prepared many packets made from the medicinal dregs and brought them to those in need. It was the only ability I had, but I gave it my all, hoping to help as many people as possible overcome their difficulties.

One day, as I was about to head out, the doctor called me back. He handed me a large bag of medicinal packets. I looked closely and saw that they were all the same high-quality herbs I usually used. The doctor pretended to be indifferent and said in a low voice, 'If you need them, take more. How will just those few dregs be enough? Don't go out there and ruin the reputation of my shop.' He turned and walked away. I smiled and shouted, 'Thank you, Master!' This was the first time in all those years I had called him 'Master.' Although I had never formally performed the apprenticeship ceremony, having followed him for so long, I had learned so much; he was truly my master. When I called out those words, I saw him pause for a moment, and then I saw a faint smile appear on his face.

I happily took those packets and went out to help more people. From then on, my master and I often went out together to provide free medical care. Over the years, we helped many people regain their health and changed their lives for the better.

A Legacy of Compassion

My relationship with my master was excellent. Although he was not a man of many words, I knew we both cared for each other deeply. In his final days, he said to me, 'Child, thank you for coming into my life and allowing me to see the beauty of life once again. I have been so happy to travel with you, practising medicine and saving lives! Now my life is coming to an end, and I hope you will continue this beautiful work. I want to entrust this herbal shop to you so that you can do even more.' I held his hands tightly as he passed away, seeing him through the final moments of his life.

I am also deeply grateful that he appeared in my life, as he brought about a great transformation in me, allowing me to help others. In the years that followed, I carried his love forward. I taught several students at the shop, hoping to pass on this legacy and continue helping those in need.

My life was very fulfilling. Although I experienced family tragedy from a young age, it did not affect my heart. I found my purpose and exerted my abilities to the fullest.

Service in the Underworld

When I passed away, I handed the shop over to my students and left peacefully, without any attachments. After death, I arrived in the underworld. I originally thought I would continue to practise medicine there, but to my surprise, I was brought before the King of Hell, who assigned me a position to help sentient beings recover from their physical suffering. I was delighted to serve in this role, as it allowed me to continue using my strength to assist those in need.

During my time serving there, I learned so much every day. Because of my own life experiences, I understood the suffering of the human world, and I felt a special empathy for the pain of sentient beings. I hoped to help them leave suffering behind and gain happiness.

When I first heard the voice of Practitioner Su giving a Dharma talk, which reached even into the depths of the underworld, I was astonished. I wondered how there could be such an extraordinary person. The principles Practitioner Su spoke of caused me to awaken instantly; I realised that I should seek liberation. I am so grateful that Practitioner Su has the heart to bring the Great Dharma to every sentient being, allowing us to break through delusion and attain enlightenment. I am also grateful for his Ultimate Vow and great power, which have given us the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss today. We cherish this deeply and will practise diligently.

On behalf of all the jailers and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I offer my deepest gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

Tong Wenhao, with palms joined."