The Transformation of Zheng Tianyun: From Outcast to Venerable

This is a record of an interview with the 772nd Venerable, Zheng Tianyun, who lived approximately 1,800 years ago. Having attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, he sought to perform Chao Du for sentient beings and shared his testimony at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Jing, on January 27, 2019.

Venerable Zheng Tianyun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zheng Tianyun. My mother gave birth to sixteen children, bringing much joy and liveliness to our home. I was the youngest, and all my older brothers and sisters were far more intelligent and handsome than I was. My mother would often lament, 'How did such a stupid and ugly child come out at the very end?' My relatives would try to comfort her, saying, 'Out of sixteen, only one is bad; that is quite good! At least you still have fifteen others to show you filial piety!'"

A Childhood of Rejection

"Indeed, ever since I was born, my mother suffered from constant physical discomfort—headaches, chest tightness, and heart pain. She lived in a state of chronic illness and firmly believed that I was the source of her torment. She did not want to see me, so from a very young age, she entrusted me to a wet nurse. She arranged for the nurse to live in the most remote house in the village, far away from my parents and siblings, hoping that we would never have to see each other again for the rest of our lives.

I did not know that my parents did not want me. Whenever I asked my nurse, she would always make up excuses; she dared not let me know the truth—that my parents wanted nothing to do with me. Whenever the nurse took me out, she had to take long detours to ensure we never passed by my parents' home. If they were to see me, not only would the nurse lose her job, but her entire family would suffer the consequences. My mother paid her a very high wage, so she cherished the position and strictly followed every instruction, never daring to offend my mother."

The Burden of Misfortune

"When I was ten, my nurse took me out to purchase supplies, but she tragically tripped and passed away. The villagers, seeing me standing beside her, immediately blamed me for her death, cursing me as a harbinger of misfortune. They declared that I could not be allowed to live in the village, lest I bring further harm to everyone. Upon hearing the news, my parents gave a large sum of money to the nurse's family for her funeral, but as for me, my mother decided that at ten years old, I was capable of fending for myself. She left me to survive alone.

As I wandered, hungry and thirsty, I reached a river. When I leaned down to cup the water to drink, I saw my reflection and screamed in terror! I had never seen my own face before, as my nurse had protected me from such pain. In that moment, I finally understood why everyone despised me and why my parents had abandoned me: half of my face was black and disfigured. My mother had once tried to give me away, but no one would take me, fearing that my appearance was an omen of bad luck."

The Turning Point at the Temple

"I was shunned everywhere I went. Parents warned their children never to play with me, fearing for their lives. Seeing how people hid from me, I decided to end my life so I would no longer be a source of suffering. I walked toward the river, intending to jump in, but I passed a temple along the way. I entered to repent before the Buddha: 'I have no chance to show filial piety to my parents in this life, and my time is up. If there is a next life, I will fulfil my duty as a son.' After bowing three times, I prepared to leave, but a monk called out, 'Little Bodhisattva.' I turned and bowed to him. He said, 'I heard your words. Why do you say your time is up? Your lifespan is still long; why can you not show filial piety?' I told him my story, and the other devotees in the temple fled in fear, but the monk listened intently and took me to the back of the temple."

Finding Purpose in the Dharma

"Behind the temple, I saw people working—some missing limbs, some with one eye, some severely hunched. They were all afflicted, yet they worked happily. The monk told me, 'Destiny is created by oneself. Even with physical defects, one can live a brilliant life. Those who practise the Buddha’s teachings do not judge your appearance; they care about the heart. Whether the heart is good or evil depends on your own practice.' I was moved by his guidance. I realised how ignorant I had been to consider suicide over a physical shell, forgetting my parents' grace. I stayed in the mountains for three years, diligently practising the Buddha’s teachings. I let go of all attachments, worries, and the belief that I was a curse. I forgot my appearance and lived entirely within the Dharma.

Three years later, I returned to the temple. No one looked at me with strange eyes anymore. When I passed my home, I knelt at the gate to thank my parents. They came out, and when I identified myself, they could not believe it. My black face had vanished, and I had become the most handsome of all their children. I told them, 'I may not have the blessings to serve you in this life, but I will use the Dharma to save you and help you seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.' My transformation proved the inconceivable power of the Buddha’s teachings to my entire family."

Serving the Dharma Realm

"I became a monk and returned to the village, where my parents proudly introduced me to everyone. I spent my life spreading the Dharma, and my disciples continued this work. Now, having returned from the Western Land to assist Practitioner Su, I see how quickly the world changes and how difficult it is for people to maintain their hearts. In this age of the Dharma’s decline, sentient beings suffer greatly, and I have vowed to save them. I am grateful to Practitioner Su for this difficult-to-encounter opportunity to perform Chao Du for sentient beings.

Practitioner Su’s compassion is profound; he acts entirely for the sake of all sentient beings. I see golden light radiating from every cell in his body, each one a lotus flower emitting the fragrance of virtue. This is the true state of no-self, where one lets go of the 'self' to save the world. Practitioner Su is like the Universal Buddha, performing Chao Du for countless spirits throughout the entire Dharma Realm. These souls, who have suffered for billions of eons, finally have a chance to be saved. I am deeply grateful for Practitioner Su’s compassionate vows. Namo Amituofo."