The Teacher Who Became a Jailer: A Journey to Wisdom

This is a record of an interview with Kong Mingzhi, 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 a teacher and his subsequent service in the underworld. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 8, 2022.

Kong Mingzhi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Change, truly, is one of the most elusive and challenging endeavours a human being can undertake. Many people yearn for change—whether it is to transform their own character or to alter the course of their destiny. They search tirelessly for methods, yet despite the abundance of paths available, those who truly succeed are few and far between. Why is change so incredibly difficult? I have come to realise that the root of the problem lies within ourselves.

I am Kong Mingzhi. Before I begin, I wish to represent all those who have walked this path and offer my deepest, most sincere gratitude to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. Thank you for granting us this precious opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land. This chance is rare beyond measure, and we cherish it with every fibre of our being.

The Wisdom of a Grandfather

Let me share my story with you. I grew up in a small, quiet village. I lost my father at a very young age, but my grandfather stepped in to fill that void, teaching me lessons that would shape my entire existence. He chose my name, Kong Mingzhi, with a specific hope: that I would live a life of clarity and wisdom, that I would see the truth of life clearly and never be led astray by the illusions of the world.

I never forgot the principles my grandfather instilled in me. He taught me that a person must never forget their roots. He insisted that we must always remember the lessons learned through experience, ensuring that we do not repeat the same mistakes. He taught me how to observe people. He told me that every individual possesses unique strengths and weaknesses. Regardless of how good or bad a person may seem, there is always something to learn from them. If one possesses enough awareness, every encounter becomes an opportunity for growth.

The Canvas of the Mind

Every single day, we encounter a multitude of people and face a variety of circumstances. Regardless of our current situation or the state of mind we bring to it, we must continue to learn. We must learn to view people and events from different perspectives, to cultivate a broader mind-capacity, and to adjust our own hearts. This is how we grow.

As I grew older, I became a teacher in a private school. I taught many students and helped them grow. Each child is like a pristine, white sheet of paper. Our role as educators is to teach them how to paint upon that canvas. Whatever they choose to create, it is a reflection of their pure heart. I always supported my students' choices in life, helping them to realise the unique meaning within their own existence.

Every person has a different life journey. The various choices and decisions we make keep our lives in motion and allow our spirits to shine. I saw the simple, innocent minds of these children. With proper education, we can guide each child to develop fully, helping them find their own direction so that their lives are not wasted in emptiness.

The Meaning of Existence

Throughout my life, I encountered children of many different aptitudes. Yet, regardless of their natural talents, every single one of them possessed their own inherent abilities—their own instinct for existence. I believe that life is inherently meaningful. If one knows how to manage their life rather than letting it pass by in ignorance, it is a great tragedy. To live without purpose is to waste the precious gift of existence.

Every life that comes into this world, no matter the destiny they face, can break through their limitations if they are willing to put in the effort. I am so happy that I was able to be a teacher. I appreciated the unique qualities of every student. I believed that if I taught them with sincerity, their futures would be bright. Whether a child's ability was high or low, as long as they found the path suitable for them, their potential would be limitless.

The Trap of Comparison

In the course of life, many things happen. We must learn to face them, learn from them, and then change ourselves. I have seen many transformations in the human world. If one knows how to face challenges with the correct mindset, even the most difficult situations can be overcome. Life is never a smooth, straight line; it is filled with highs and lows. But if your mindset is positive, no challenge is truly insurmountable. These are all valuable life experiences.

A positive mindset is essential. We must also learn not to compare ourselves to others. Believe that every person is unique. You have your own abilities, and you should appreciate the strengths of others. See the good in them, learn from their virtues, and do not fall into the trap of comparison—or worse, envy and jealousy. These are negative mindsets that cause great harm to one's life. I always taught my students that learning is not about competing; it is about continuous self-improvement. Only learning allows you to grow. Looking at the faults of others only makes you bitter and stagnant. Do not focus on the problems of others; focus on how you can overcome your own. Growth is not about standing on someone else's back. Everyone has their own direction. What works for someone else will not necessarily work for you.

From the Underworld to the Western Pure Land

I am so happy that I was able to teach those students during my life. When death finally arrived, my heart was calm. Even though I knew I was leaving the human world, my heart was full and satisfied.

After I passed away, I arrived in the underworld. I spent a long time listening to the teachings of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and later, I helped the King of Hell by teaching the beings in the underworld. In the blink of an eye, hundreds of years passed. During that time, I devoted myself to the Buddha’s teachings. I am so grateful for the Buddha’s compassion, and I always believed that one day my practice would bear fruit.

When I heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks in the underworld, I knew that my practice could finally reach its ultimate conclusion. I am deeply grateful for the dedication, the great courage, and the immense power of Practitioner Su. The voice of Practitioner Su, spreading the Dharma throughout the underworld, has helped countless beings. Many have awakened because of this and have finally found the opportunity for liberation. I have followed Practitioner Su to learn many principles, which have been incredibly beneficial. I knew then that I must seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Today, I am so grateful for the great power of Practitioner Su, which has given us the chance to be reborn in the Pure Land. Countless beings are deeply thankful for the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This place is truly a Pure Land that saves the world; it is the Pure Land of liberation for all beings. On behalf of all the jailers and all the beings in the underworld, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Kong Mingzhi, with palms joined in reverence.