The Transformative Power of Education

This is a record of an interview with Zhuang Fusheng, 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 and his subsequent service as a teacher in the underworld. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on February 21, 2021.

Zhuang Fusheng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. After so many years have passed, to still be granted this opportunity for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is a profound blessing. I am deeply grateful to the great and compassionate Practitioner Su. It was Practitioner Su who helped me awaken, guiding me to transform my heart—which was once trapped in the cycle of reincarnated life—into a heart dedicated to the practice of the Buddha’s teachings. I cherish this opportunity for practice immensely. There was a time when I truly believed I would be trapped in the cycle of reincarnated life forever. I never imagined I would have such wonderful Causal Conditions to encounter Practitioner Su and the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

Right now, all the beings in the underworld are listening to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks. The Buddha’s teachings are being proclaimed, allowing many beings to break through delusion and attain enlightenment. Everyone has begun to repent for their past ignorance and is following the teachings of Practitioner Su with sincerity. The hearts of those who were once lost in the cycle of reincarnated life have finally found renewed strength. We owe all of this to the compassionate Ultimate Vow of Practitioner Su, which has allowed so many beings to wake up. Today, as I stand on the threshold of liberation from the cycle of reincarnated life, I offer my deepest gratitude for Practitioner Su’s compassionate guidance. On behalf of all the prison guards and beings who are attaining rebirth today, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha’s grace."

A Foundation Built on Moral Education

"I would like to share my story. In truth, I was an ordinary person. Any achievements I have attained are entirely due to the education my parents provided me throughout my life. It is because of them that I had the opportunity to serve beings in the underworld.

I was born into a poor family. From a young age, my parents insisted that I learn the principles of how to be a good human being. My father often taught me, 'A person must never lose the most basic moral foundations of humanity.' He would say, 'If you do not know how to be a person, even if you achieve great success in life, or are incredibly capable and talented, your life is destined to be a failure.' My father constantly reminded me of the importance of character. He educated me with great care, focusing on every minute detail, fearing that I might stray from the right path.

As an only child, my parents poured their hearts into raising me. They used every method imaginable to help me understand a principle or to cultivate a good habit. Consequently, I was raised to be a polite child. I was taught to be respectful to my elders, to revere my teachers, and to hold a heart of respect for everyone I encountered, never causing offense. My parents also taught me that one must know the source of their blessings and possess a heart of gratitude. If someone gives us a single drop of water, we must repay them with a spring. This is the essence of knowing how to repay a kindness and remembering the source of our well-being. They also taught me to know my place and to be content. I was told not to be overly ambitious or to covet things that were not meant for me. In life, one must be grounded, fulfill one's duties, and work hard. One must never fight for what does not belong to them, nor should one cling to external conditions or be driven by greed."

The Consequences of Neglect

"My parents taught me through every subtle aspect of life. They understood that every person is an independent individual with a unique personality, emotions, and habits. Even children have these. When they educated me, they showed me what constituted a good personality, healthy emotions, and positive habits. They taught me by example, adjusting my every thought and action to ensure I was on the right path.

In our village, there was a family that did not know how to educate their children. As a result, the children grew up without knowing how to conduct themselves properly. They frequently created enmity with others, and eventually, their home was burned down by their enemies. Now, the whole family is homeless, living on the streets. There was another family who moved into a temple to live. One might have assumed it was an environment for quiet retreats, but because they had not severed their Five Desires and Six Dusts, and because they neglected the education of their children, the family members began to suffer from strange illnesses. Not only could they no longer stay in the temple, but they also became mentally unstable. Some said they owed a debt to the Buddha for failing to do anything to benefit the public.

My parents showed me these stories—not to encourage me to judge their mistakes, but to make me understand how vital a person's mental note and growth are. If a child is not raised well, it affects the entire family and even society. This is a matter of great importance that must be taken seriously! By observing these different families, I saw the stark contrast in outcomes. Some families relied on hitting or scolding, yet their children remained unruly because they had not learned the underlying principles, or because they saw their parents failing to model the behavior themselves. A good education requires a positive influence from the family."

The Mission of Le Xue Ju

"After witnessing the impact of different educational styles, I resolved to learn how to help these families. I wanted to guide them toward correct methods of raising children and changing the future of their households. My parents fully supported my determination. I enrolled in the city academy and spent over a decade studying diligently, hoping to gain the Wisdom (Prajna) to help these families change.

At fifteen, I was accepted into a prestigious academy. I studied hard for many years before returning to my hometown. During that time, I visited my parents often. As they aged, they were pleased to see my academic success, though they constantly urged me to return to my studies. Seeing them grow older while I could not be by their side was a heavy burden. To finish my studies and return home, I studied day and night. During this process, I read many sutras and books, and I discovered a method for educating families and children: 'Buddhist education.' I realised that by following the principles of the Buddha’s teachings, both adults and children could change together. Parents could reflect on their past errors and teach their children correct principles, using their own experiences as a mirror to help their children establish a proper attitude toward life. I learned to be patient, to educate with heart, and to use the Buddha’s teachings to adjust the entire family and save lives.

After completing my studies, I returned home and began to actively promote Buddhist education. I did not go to a temple to seek the Dharma, nor did I have a master; I simply relied on the life perspectives and positive behavioral changes taught in the classics to educate the families and children in my village. Some families welcomed my help, while others ignored it. For those who did not listen, I simply let things follow their natural course, hoping my efforts would eventually inspire change.

I established 'Le Xue Ju' (The Joyful Learning Residence) in the village, volunteering to serve families and children. I encouraged parents and the children who had grown up to return and serve at Le Xue Ju, continuing to pass on this Buddhist education and the power of Goodness. My parents were very happy with this work and provided much assistance. They passed away in their eighties, and I am deeply grateful for the effort they put into my education. To commemorate them, I built a 'Hall of Service' after they passed, dedicated to teaching children how to 'filially support parents, serve teachers, and know how to repay a kindness.' These were the very lessons my parents taught me, and now I use them to educate the public."

Teaching in the Underworld

"I lived a peaceful life and passed away at the age of sixty-five. I dedicated everything I had to teaching, and even after I left, I ensured these lessons were passed on to future generations. Education is truly vital! We are not all in our best state, but we must strive to learn correct behaviours and concepts. Only then does our life have a chance to turn toward the right path and toward Goodness. After I passed away, I continued to work for education, eventually arriving in the underworld to teach, and was later assigned to Yama’s Hall to educate beings.

Yama’s Hall is much like the world of the living. Many families who failed in life are brought there. Parents and children, due to different sins, come there to receive retribution. They suffer because they did not learn how to be good people while they were alive, leading them to commit karmic offences. It is a great pity that they lacked proper education. Upon arriving in the hells, I took on the role of an educator. Every day, I counsel beings who are receiving retribution for different laws of karma and cause and effect, re-educating them with correct concepts and guiding them to reflect, repent, and change, so they may have a chance at rebirth."

A Debt of Gratitude to Practitioner Su

"I have been teaching in the hells for several hundred years. Recently, I heard Practitioner Su’s teachings, and I was deeply shocked. I realised that the Buddha’s teachings contain such profound mysteries. After listening, I felt immense joy and began to look forward to my own time of liberation. I have also begun to teach others about the importance of liberation. I am so thankful to Practitioner Su for bringing such a great Dharma to us, helping us find an exit from the cycle of reincarnated life and a path to liberation. I am infinitely grateful.

Thank you, my Buddha, for your compassion. Namo Amituofo. Thank you, Practitioner Su. This compassionate grace is something I, Zhuang Fusheng, can never repay. I only hope that in the future, I too can serve beings and join the ranks of saviors. Thank you, Practitioner Su, and thank you to all those at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre who work so hard to spread the Dharma. Because of all of you, beings can be saved. On behalf of all the prison guards and beings, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha’s grace, I bow to Practitioner Su, and I bow to all the great beings.

With infinite gratitude, Namo Amituofo."

This interview was recorded by the disciple Shi Fa.