The Righteous Path of a Martial Artist

This is a record of an interview with Xu Shixiong, who sought deliverance 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 as a martial artist and his subsequent service in the underworld, approximately one thousand years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on July 17, 2022.

Xu Shixiong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. In the course of a human life, there are so many unpredictable events that can unfold. When people live together, it is almost inevitable that conflicts will arise. My name is Xu Shixiong. Throughout my life, I was a man of martial arts. I travelled through the world of the jianghu, witnessing all kinds of people, and through this, I came to understand the complexities of human nature and the deeper truths of existence.

I am profoundly grateful that I have been granted this opportunity for liberation today. I know very clearly that, relying solely on my own strength, I would never have been able to achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Therefore, I am deeply thankful for the compassionate heart of Practitioner Su. It is Practitioner Su who has helped us to find this path to liberation. On behalf of all the prison officials and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Life Forged in Martial Discipline

"I was born during the Song Dynasty. In that era, society was stable, and people’s hearts were generally at peace. However, there were still those who acted as villains—those who bullied the weak and feared the strong. Such people were truly detestable. Whenever I encountered someone who harmed the innocent civilians, I could not help but step in to teach them a lesson. I simply could not stand to watch people who had completely abandoned their conscience.

I began practising martial arts from a very young age. My father was so poor that he could not afford to raise me, and eventually, he sold me to a martial arts school. After he left, we never saw each other again. The master of the school took great care of me, teaching me his entire repertoire of martial skills. The person I am most grateful to in my entire life is my master, Yang Yiqing.

From the time I was a child, my master taught me the principles of how to be a proper human being. He made it crystal clear what was acceptable and what was not. Whenever I made a mistake, my master would punish me, forcing me to stand in a horse stance during the heat of high noon. Each time, I would have to hold it for two or three hours. Although the process was agonising, I knew it was out of my master’s deep concern for my character. I worked hard to take those lessons to heart, ensuring I would never repeat the same mistakes."

The Strength of the Poor

"I know that the world is filled with suffering. Although the imperial court worked hard to ensure that most people could live in peace and prosperity, in the areas where the impoverished lived, they endured lives of great hardship. They had no way to live in comfort or luxury. They struggled with every ounce of their being just to manage their lives, working tirelessly simply to survive. I could see everything these people poured into their existence, and their mindset was entirely different from that of the wealthy. These poor people possessed a unique, resilient strength of heart.

I came to know many such people. Even though they were born into poverty, they were not 'poor' in spirit. Their outlook was incredibly positive, and they understood how to find peace regardless of their circumstances. This is why I enjoyed their company so much. I did my utmost to protect them, ensuring they could live stable lives, free from the harassment of local bullies.

Everyone knew that wherever I, Shixiong, was present, no one dared to cause trouble. Because I had practised martial arts since childhood, once I made a move, very few could withstand it. I knew these villains feared me, but it was only fear. As soon as I was not around, they would return to their old ways, causing trouble and bullying the innocent. I could not allow such things to happen. I told myself that I must do everything in my power to help those who were living such difficult lives, so that their existence would not be burdened with further hardship."

The Path of Compassion

"Often, people create problems in their relationships because of these harmful behaviours. Those who hurt others do so because of their own personalities, desires, and biased thoughts. The victims, in turn, undergo changes in their own character due to the trauma they have suffered, sometimes even developing problems of their own. All of this causes society to deteriorate. I hoped that I could have more ability to help these people. Beyond just preventing violent harm, I wanted to encourage the victims to stand up again, to learn how to improve their own capabilities, and to break through their own limitations.

Therefore, I decided to teach at the martial arts school, instructing those from impoverished families. I taught them martial arts for free. Beyond just the physical skills, I taught them positive life perspectives and moral principles, hoping to help them change their lives. I realised that rather than constantly protecting them, it was better to teach them to improve their own abilities so they could protect themselves.

For many years, I continued to help those in need, and I kept teaching at the school. My life was filled with a sense of justice and a desire to help others. I hoped that I could continue this way forever, as it was the most meaningful thing I could do."

The Burden of the Martial Arts School

"Regarding the management of the martial arts school, I never really cared for it. I only wanted to do what I was passionate about: helping those who needed me. However, within the school, there had been internal strife and power struggles for years. Several of my fellow disciples were vying for the position of the next master. I was indifferent to this; I had no desire to manage the school. I only wanted to teach more students and help more people.

My master had three sons, and they were all involved in this power struggle, along with the other disciples. Everyone wanted to gain the master’s favour and seize the position of the new master. Some assumed the master would pass the position to his own biological sons, while others believed he would choose his most capable disciple. Rumours and speculation were constant, and people began taking sides. The school was in chaos, and I could feel that my master was deeply troubled by it.

One night, my master called me into his room privately. He took out the seal that symbolised the authority of the school and handed it to me. I was astonished and asked, 'Master, what is this?' My master smiled and replied, 'Child, I have seen all the good deeds you have done over these years. You do not fight for power or status with your fellow disciples. I believe that entrusting the school to you is the most correct choice. I hope to give you more support so you can do what you wish to do and help even more people.' I had originally had no intention of accepting this position, but upon hearing that my master wanted me to have it so I could help more people, I accepted the responsibility."

Service in the Underworld

"After I took charge of the school, some of the disciples who were dissatisfied chose to leave. For those who remained but were unwilling to follow, I used the school’s funds to provide them with a generous severance, hoping they would move on. I spent several years reorganising the school. Afterward, I invited the students I had taught in the past to join, and the school took on a completely new face.

After many years, the school had helped countless people. Eventually, I passed the school on to my own students. The school upheld the tradition of passing leadership to the most capable rather than to one's own children, ensuring that under the guidance of someone truly qualified, the school could continue to develop and help those in need.

I am so happy that I was able to do such meaningful things in my life. I lived with purpose, and when my life finally came to an end, I had no regrets. After leaving the human world, I arrived in the underworld. The King of Hell granted me the position of a martial official. I am grateful to the King of Hell for giving me the opportunity to serve in the underworld. I might be considered a rough man, and I do not know many characters, but I have understood many truths about life. When I first heard Practitioner Su giving a Dharma talk in the underworld, I knew immediately that everything Practitioner Su said was true. I have listened to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks many times, and my heart is filled with immense gratitude. I have come to understand the importance of practice and the necessity of liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

I am so happy that I have this opportunity for liberation today. This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity, and I will cherish it deeply. On behalf of all the prison officials and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."