The Prison Guard's Redemption: From Samsara to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Zhong Shixiong, 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 early years of the Republic of China. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on October 3, 2021.

Zhong Shixiong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am eternally grateful to the compassionate Practitioner Su for helping us attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. We all understand how incredibly rare and precious this opportunity is. Today, we cherish it deeply. I must express my gratitude to the Buddha for His compassion in helping sentient beings achieve liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, allowing us to leave suffering behind and gain happiness. On behalf of sixty fellow prison guards, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha's grace and for the kindness of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Childhood Forged in Shadows

"I was born during the early years of the Republic of China, a time of great social upheaval. The society and economy were undergoing massive, turbulent transformations. In those days, the smoke of war was constant; it was a sensitive and deeply unstable era.

My father was assassinated in an explosion. When my mother received the news, although she appeared calm on the surface, her heart was already shattered by unbearable grief. Even though my parents had anticipated such a possibility and had prepared contingency plans, the reality of the event was more than my mother could endure. That very night, the shock triggered premature labour. She gave birth to me under the most difficult circumstances. Immediately after, she wasted no time in taking me away from that place to a residence my father had arranged in advance. From that day on, my mother and I lived under new identities, hiding our names and living a quiet, unassuming life."

The Strength of a Mother's Love

"My mother endured her sorrow and raised me to adulthood on her own. She was a remarkably strong woman, yet I knew that deep within, she was incredibly fragile. She chose to be strong solely for my sake; she wanted to protect me and ensure I grew up safely.

My father had prepared everything well in advance. He left behind a significant sum of money, a house to sustain us, and a network of acquaintances who would look after us. Throughout his life, my father fought against the government to secure rights for the people. He was absolutely selfless; he did not fear death, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. His only fear was that the people would continue to suffer without the strength to resist.

Before he passed, my father established a centre to house the families of those involved in the revolutionary movement. Because the lives of these revolutionaries were constantly at risk, their families needed a sanctuary. This centre provided them with the care they deserved."

A Vow to Protect

"After my mother and I moved to our new home, she took over the management of the centre. She pulled herself together, worked tirelessly to raise me, and managed the centre's affairs with great care. My mother was always the warmest place in my heart. Because of her courage, I never felt the hardships of growing up in a single-parent household. She gave me double the love, and I knew how hard she struggled to hold our home together.

When I was seventeen, my mother could no longer suppress her longing for my father, nor could she maintain the facade of strength she had built for so long. She finally let go of that heavy burden, and her emotions collapsed. She suffered a mental breakdown. On the day she lost her grip on reality, I was at school. When I returned home, I found her sitting in her room, smiling blankly at my father's photograph. I called out to her, 'Mother!' but she did not respond. I knew she could no longer carry the weight of her life alone. I walked over, wrapped my arms around her, and whispered in her ear, 'My dearest mother, from now on, let me take care of you. Let me take over the responsibility of this home and the centre.'"

The Final Farewell

"From childhood, I had watched how my mother survived. Her iron will raised me and ensured the people at the centre were well cared for. She always gave the best to others while being incredibly strict with herself. I knew she kept all her emotions locked away, unwilling and afraid to reveal them.

For seventeen years, I often saw her weeping in the middle of the night while looking at my father's picture, yet she never spoke a word of sadness to me. She was always strong and positive. She told me many stories about my father. I knew she didn't want me to follow in his footsteps, but she never let her own selfishness stop me. I promised her, 'I will not choose the path of sacrifice like Father did to make the government hear the people's voice. I will live well, and I will use all my efforts to ensure the people are cared for. I will use my strength to protect everyone.' When she heard this, she smiled with such relief—it was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen on her face.

After her breakdown, my mother required constant care. I left school to look after her while managing the centre. In that era, I understood my role and my capabilities; I simply wanted to protect and care for those I could. I treated every family at the centre as my own. I did everything in my power to ensure they had a good life.

My mother passed away at the age of sixty. In her final moments, she regained her clarity. She told me, 'Thank you, Shixiong, for taking care of me all these years. I have finally waited for your father to come and pick me up. I have waited for him my whole life, and now I can see him again. You must take care of yourself. I know you have grown up; you are so filial, and I am at peace. I am so happy we were mother and son in this life, but I have made your life so difficult by caring for me. Do not meet me in the next life; I do not want to be a burden to you anymore. Thank you, my dearest child.' She closed her eyes with a smile. I knew she had left me forever, and finally, she could rest.

My heart was breaking, but I had to smile. I could not let her see my sorrow; I could not let her have any attachments. I had to let her go in peace. I watched her pass with a smile, but the moment she stopped breathing, I could no longer hold back my tears. I did not sob aloud; I wanted her last memory to be of our happy moments."

From the Underworld to the Western Pure Land

"After sending my mother off, I did not allow myself to dwell in grief for long. I quickly regained my composure and continued to serve the elderly parents at the centre, treating them as my own family. Decades later, the elders passed away one by one, and the centre eventually closed. By then, I was over seventy years old.

I had fulfilled my life's mission, and I felt a sense of completion. Looking at the bright smiles of my parents in their photograph, I wondered if they were doing well. That very night, I passed away.

After death, I entered the underworld and was brought before the King of Hell, who appointed me as a prison guard. I served there for several years. Recently, I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks. I was deeply moved; every word of wisdom awakened me. I longed for liberation. I wished to be like Practitioner Su, to have the ability to help sentient beings so they would no longer suffer in the cycle of reincarnation. I thought of my mother and how much she had suffered. I made a vow to help all sentient beings escape the suffering of samsara and the pain of emotional attachment.

I am so grateful for the great heart and the Ultimate Vow of Practitioner Su, which has helped us all find liberation. To be able to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss today is a blessing beyond words. I will practice diligently, hoping that I, too, can help other sentient beings. Thank you, Practitioner Su, for your compassion. On behalf of sixty prison guards, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha's grace and for the kindness of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

"Zhong Shixiong"