The Scholar's Reflection: From Imperial Service to Eternal Deliverance

This is a record of an interview with Li Qin, a civil official from the Ming Dynasty who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having spent centuries wandering as a spirit, he now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on March 7, 2026.

Li Qin speaks:

"'Success is due to Xiao He, and failure is also due to Xiao He.' This ancient saying is perfectly applicable to the era in which I lived. We civil officials were appreciated by the founding Emperor Taizu for our literary talent and scholarship, yet it was precisely that same talent and scholarship that led to our suppression by him. It was a bitter irony that the very tools we used to serve the state became the instruments of our potential downfall."

The Chaos of a Changing Dynasty

"During the transition from the late Yuan Dynasty to the early Ming, the country was plagued by corrupt officials and the perennial bursting of the Yellow River, which finally drove the suffering populace to revolt. Among the rebel leaders, one man rose from obscurity to become the hegemon of China: Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. At that time, the Emperor abolished the imperial examination system and adopted a 'local recommendation' system, where local figures would nominate scholars of genuine talent and virtue to serve as officials. It was a temporary measure for a chaotic time, born of necessity rather than tradition.

I, Li Qin, was born in the Jiangnan region. Many high-ranking officials of the court hailed from there—it was often said that 'Jiangnan produces officials.' More than half of the court officials came from this area. I was one of those scholars, possessing a decent level of talent. However, the primary reason I was recommended for office was not merely my literary skill, but my experience in local governance. I had served as a minor local official in the late Yuan Dynasty, and I possessed a very seasoned and mature hand in managing local administrative affairs, which was highly valued during such turbulent times."

The Art of Survival

"My style of conduct was extremely cautious. I would never say what should not be said or do what should not be done. For the tasks that needed to be accomplished, I was clear, decisive, and firm. My character possessed both a resolute side and a certain softness, tact, and harmony. While this was partly my natural disposition, it was also a survival method I learned in the treacherous and chaotic environment of the late Yuan. I constantly pondered how to best preserve myself, walk a longer path, and allow my talents to be utilised so that I could provide the greatest benefit to the country and the people. This became my guiding principle, which eventually became internalised as my character.

Thus, when Emperor Taizu successfully established the Ming Dynasty, I was already an experienced, albeit low-profile, local official who was well-loved by the people. After the fall of the Yuan, I was fortunate enough to be recommended for office. Initially, my literary talent and practical experience were appreciated by the Emperor. Knowing that the late Yuan was rife with corruption and lawlessness, the Emperor adopted a policy of 'using heavy codes in troubled times' to govern the nation."

The Shadow of the Literary Inquisition

"Civil officials were extremely scarce, so the Emperor was 'thirsty for talent' regarding those recommended by the localities. He treated every virtuous person with great courtesy and kindness. After I began my service in the Ming, I maintained my cautious nature. I knew the boundaries between what should and should not be done with absolute clarity. Because of this, I was gradually entrusted with more responsibility, and thanks to my literary ability, I even earned a small reputation in the history books.

However, I knew deep down that these empty titles were not worth mentioning. Under a single imperial decree, one could fall from heaven to hell in an instant—from a trusted minister to a prisoner or a commoner suspected of treason. This was not a rare occurrence. The Emperor's suspicious nature made him both love and hate us civil officials. Many scholars who harboured the ambition to serve the country were implicated in the literary inquisitions of the time, which brought great shock and vigilance to all officials. We were powerless to resist; many chose to protect themselves, and only a very few dared to speak out against the Emperor, usually meeting a tragic end."

A Quiet Life and a Final Departure

"Amidst these waves, I maintained my cautious style and managed to survive the storms, eventually earning the reputation of an incorruptible and upright official. I believe I lived up to that name, and during my tenure, I truly did my best for the country and the people. Yet, I must admit that when the Emperor launched the massive literary inquisitions, my heart grew cold. Although I was not directly implicated and continued to develop in my career, many of my friends and officials I admired suffered, which dealt a heavy blow to my patriotism.

In the last ten years of my service, I adopted a very conservative approach, losing much of my past vigour and sharpness. People say that being too sharp easily offends others, but for me, losing that sharpness felt like growing old. I do not deny this, but at least because of my choices, I was able to preserve myself and continue to contribute to the people, which gave me some comfort.

At the end of my life, I was with my favourite books, reading in my study, when I naturally took my last breath. My soul entered the very book I loved most, the Zizhi Tongjian. I stayed in that book for a very long time—about two hundred years—until one day, my soul drifted out. I had no place to rest, and I wandered across the land of China for four hundred years. I witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, the decline of the Ming, the rise of the Qing, and all the events that followed."

The Illusion of History

"China's five thousand years of history are indeed rich, but beneath that richness lies an interweaving of blood and tears. During those four hundred years as a wandering spirit, I truly saw the ruthlessness of history. Despite periods of peace, there was so much war. Human life seemed worthless, and unimaginable cruelties occurred in every corner of China. These experiences made my soul feel the impermanence of life and the illusory nature of history. What is real? What is an illusion? Where is the destination for my soul? These questions often arose in my heart.

Just recently, my spiritual life reached a massive turning point. One day, while I was wandering in my hometown of Jiangnan, a vast golden light descended from the sky. The entire horizon was filled with golden radiance. That warm light shone upon my spirit, and I felt so warm and comfortable. I intuitively knew this was my chance. After entering the light, I arrived at the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia."

Finding the True Path

"Now, sitting on a lotus seat, I know I have found my true home. In this peaceful and pure land—the Western Dharma-Nature Land—I listen to the Dharma day and night, receiving the teachings of Namo Amituofo. Through the words of Practitioner Su, who uses the simplest language to dissect these universal principles and the righteous path of Truth, I have come to understand that our Chinese ancestors were indeed very wise. They taught that 'at the beginning of life, human nature is good,' and this is indeed the truth. However, the difference in Buddhist education lies in its concrete and subtle understanding of the spiritual realms, the human world, and the six realms of rebirth, allowing people to be clear and vigilant about the laws of karma.

Buddhism explores the destination of the soul and the so-called self-nature. All of this can be seen through Practitioner Su, who has realised his true nature and attained Buddhahood in a human body, and who has opened up the space of five thousand years of history to save immeasurable sentient beings. The vastness of the Buddha's teachings is truly beyond the reach of any other philosophy."

The Compassion of Practitioner Su

"In the Dharma-Nature Land, I see Practitioner Su working day and night to save beings, especially the spirits of China's five thousand years of history, and even the countless demonic beings. Even when the demon crowds attack out of panic, Practitioner Su remains fearless, continuing to deliver them. Such compassionate conduct makes me feel deep admiration. Observing Practitioner Su's daily life, he truly sleeps little and does much; there is never a moment of rest.

Seeing Practitioner Su's smile and the significance of his work, every action represents an opportunity for countless beings to be saved. A ghost suffering in a space might be delivered; a spirit trapped in the myriad things of the world might be released. If human beings can hear the Buddhist education of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and gain a true understanding of Namo Amituofo residing here, they will have the opportunity, like Practitioner Su, to attain the magnificent benefit of being 'free from aging, free from illness, and your spirit never dies.'"

A Call to Seek the Dharma

"Witnessing such a heart, vow, and conduct, I am moved. Compared to this, the things we civil officials and even Emperor Taizu did—the Ming Dynasty we struggled so hard to manage—seem so small, illusory, and valueless. It is almost laughable. Now, seeing Practitioner Su, I also vow to be like him, to make the most valuable use of this human body. This is what a human life should truly look like—fully realised to the extreme, capable of providing real help to all sentient beings.

Now, in the Dharma-Nature Land, I can clearly read the thoughts and intentions of the fourfold assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I have also learned through the recent Thrice Yearning Ceremonies about the history and spiritual journeys of many historical figures saved by Practitioner Su. However, I also see that not everyone has such magnificent causal conditions as Practitioner Su, nor does everyone have the rare Dharma affinity and blessings of the fourfold assembly here, who can receive the teachings of Namo Amituofo, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su.

This is something the fourfold assembly should truly be grateful for. Practitioner Su is actively working to bring Buddhist education to the forefront, especially to save China. This is because the Buddhist education at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a ray of light in this world, clearly explaining life's difficulties and their solutions. As long as one can truly enter the Buddha-heart and chant 'Namo Amituofo,' everyone has a chance to be saved. This is simple to say, but it requires everyone to listen to Practitioner Su's Dharma talks or come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in person to verify it for themselves, in order to gain the most direct and clear understanding.

I am glad I could accept this interview and speak the truth; it is my small contribution to helping sentient beings. I hope more people, whoever they may be, will come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, to seek the Dharma. It will bring a completely different transformation to your life.

Alright, now I must continue to chant 'Namo Amituofo' diligently, vowing to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, so that one day I may return to save sentient beings with karmic affinity. Gratitude to Namo Amituofo, gratitude to Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo.

Li Qin"