The Scholar of the Underworld: A Journey of Transformation

This is a record of an interview with Gu Haomin, 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 as an abandoned child, a scholar, a government official, and later a teacher in the underworld. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on August 7, 2022.

Gu Haomin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am filled with such profound gratitude for the life I have lived. Even though my journey was marked by constant change, in every single shift—every trial and every blessing—I knew deep within my heart that it was a grace from the heavens. I cherish it all. Whether it was the bitterness of hardship or the sweetness of fortune, I remain eternally grateful.

Today is a truly special day. I am so deeply thankful to Practitioner Su for helping us attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Such immense kindness is something we could never hope to repay. We will practise diligently, and in the future, we vow to save all sentient beings, to repay the kindness of the Buddha and the kindness of Practitioner Su. On behalf of all the prison guards and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

A Life Defined by Gratitude

"I was an abandoned child. When I was just a tiny infant, I was left by the side of a river. Later, my adoptive parents found me and took me into their home, naming me Gu Haomin. From a very young age, I was a quiet child. I did not care for idle chatter; instead, I preferred to be alone, studying poetry, literature, and the ancient sutras. I would help with the household chores, and I am so grateful to my adoptive parents for taking me in. Without them, I would never have grown up. Even though I was never particularly close to them, I always did my absolute best to be a filial son and to show them my deepest appreciation.

During my upbringing, I did not receive much formal education. My adoptive parents did not know how to guide me in my studies, and our family situation was quite dire. Life was already a struggle for survival, and there was simply no opportunity for me to attend school. But I had such a hunger for learning! Even without the means to pursue an education, I was determined to find a way to grow and improve myself. I would scavenge for books that others had discarded, or I would stand outside the gates of an academy, straining to hear the lessons being taught inside.

The Power of Self-Education

"I would take a sturdy tree branch and use it to write characters in the sand. I tried every method imaginable to learn, because I knew that my growth was my own responsibility. How I chose to grow was my own choice, and I chose to be diligent and proactive. I was determined to change my life. Think about it—if you do not take charge of your own path, who will?

After I grew up, I encountered a noble person who saw potential in me. He gave me the opportunity to travel to the capital to take the imperial examinations. I did not let him down; I passed successfully, and from that moment on, my life was truly transformed. I brought my adoptive parents to the city to live with me, so that I could care for them and repay the kindness they showed me during my childhood. This was the second great turning point in my life—I had finally broken free from the shackles of poverty.

A Fateful Encounter in the Rain

"I secured a government position in the city, and I worked incredibly hard to fulfil my duties. At the same time, I never forgot to keep learning and to keep elevating my own capabilities. Because I had suffered so much during my own education, I understood the hardships that poor families face. I would secretly give money to help children from impoverished backgrounds study, hoping that more people could change their own destinies.

I had been an official in the city for about nine years when I encountered another major change in my life. I found my biological family—or rather, they found me. I was in a village on official business when a group of high-ranking dignitaries arrived. Everyone rushed to clear the road so they could pass. It was pouring with rain that day, and the road conditions were terrible. The lead carriage was forced to stop. I saw a beautiful woman step out, and her servants rushed to help her into an inn to escape the downpour. I glanced at her, and she happened to look at me. I quickly looked away, but she froze. As I turned to leave, she called out to me. I did not understand why, but I turned back, only to see her walking toward me with tears streaming down her face.

I could not hear the name she was calling, but she hugged me tightly. I wanted to push her away, but I could not bring myself to do it. She held me for a long time, and finally, she said clearly, 'You are the son I lost so many years ago! I have finally found you!' Later, she told me that years ago, when I was just born, my biological parents were on their way to the capital when they were attacked by bandits. In the chaos of the fight, I was taken away. They had searched for me for years, but never found me. She had never forgotten me, and after losing me, they never had another child. They had just been waiting for the day I would return. That one look was all it took for her to know I was her long-lost son.

The Burden of Wealth and the Call of Education

"I was overwhelmed by this news. Later, she brought her husband, and for the first time, I felt a deeper sense of family warmth. My biological father was also deeply moved, and they were overjoyed. I eventually acknowledged them as my parents. They wanted me to go home with them, but I told them I still had my adoptive parents to care for. My biological father nodded in agreement, saying that was exactly what I should do! They even visited my adoptive parents and gave them many gifts of gratitude. Although my adoptive parents were not people who cared for wealth, they did not refuse this gesture of thanks.

From that point on, my life became one of great prosperity, and my career was smooth sailing. My biological father held a high position in the imperial court, and after I was reunited with my family, I received much support. My life had changed completely. Although my life was no longer a struggle, I never stopped learning and growing. With more resources at my disposal, I was able to do more to help poor children study. This became the most important work of my life.

Years later, my adoptive parents and my biological parents passed away one after another, and I inherited all their property. I built many academies for poor children to study in. I wanted every child to have the power to change their own life, to not be bound by fate. I poured all my energy into education. I wanted to help these children grow their own capabilities, rather than just helping them improve their material lives. A person's life must be changed by themselves, because it is their own choice, their own path to walk.

Returning to Emptiness

"I passed away peacefully at the age of seventy-eight. Before I died, I had already arranged my affairs. I left all my wealth to the academies for children, hoping that more children could grow and continue to help the next generation, and the generation after that. My funeral was very simple. I did not want anyone to go to great lengths for it. I told those around me, 'After I die, please wrap my body in a straw mat, find a place to cremate it, and scatter my ashes over the earth. Do not do anything else.' Because once I am gone, all of this has nothing to do with me anymore.

I believe that life is empty. We come into this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing. We cannot take a single thing with us, so there is no need to be attached to the dust and vanities of this world.

Teaching in the Underworld

"After I died, I arrived in the underworld. The first thing I saw was the majestic Yama. He looked at me, opened his ledger, and after reviewing my life, he arranged for me to teach in the underworld, to educate the beings there. I was so grateful for this opportunity, and I served to the best of my ability. Many years passed, and I gained many different insights from this work. Every day, seeing so many beings coming and going, I realised that life is truly temporary. What is everyone in samsara so attached to?

In recent years, I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks in the underworld. The sutras that Practitioner Su explained helped me gain a deeper understanding of life. I finally understood the importance of liberation and the many truths of existence. I am so grateful for the vow of Practitioner Su, and for the way Practitioner Su helps so many beings leave suffering behind. Today, being able to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is all due to the great vow of Practitioner Su. On behalf of all the prison guards and all sentient beings, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. We will all practise diligently and use our strengths to help other beings. Namo Amituofo."

Gu Haomin, with palms pressed together.