The Virtuous Legacy of the Zhang Ancestors
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
From the Thrice Yearning Ceremony in Hong Kong
The Foundation of Goodness
A family that accumulates goodness is sure to have abundant . This ancient truth reminds us that our actions today ripple through time, shaping the destiny of our descendants and the spiritual trajectory of our own souls. On the tenth of April, 2018, during the held in Hong Kong, Namo Amituofo offered profound teachings on the nature of virtue and the karmic threads that bind our lives together.
When we look back through the vast expanse of time, we can see clearly where a heart has embraced goodness. It is through the cultivation of a kind heart and virtuous thoughts that one eventually finds the path to . Today, we shall reflect upon the history of the Zhang family, a lineage whose roots are intertwined with a story of profound transformation and selfless love.
A Princess in the Shadow of Greed
Many lifetimes ago, there lived a princess of royal blood. In her youth, she was betrothed to a prince from a neighbouring kingdom by the command of her father, the Emperor. However, her heart had already been given to another. Bound by filial duty, she could not defy the Emperor’s decree, yet she maintained a secret, silent connection with her true love. After her marriage, she bore two sons and a daughter. Yet, her husband, the prince, was a man consumed by the fires of greed. After several years in her kingdom, his desire for power grew unchecked. He seized the throne through force, committing a series of unforgivable sins that stained his soul and brought suffering to the people.
The princess watched in agony as her husband descended into darkness. She spent her days and nights in tears, powerless to turn him from his wicked path. Her former lover, who had remained nearby, watching over her in the shadows, witnessed her suffering. Seeing her weeping and questioning the heavens, he finally revealed himself. He urged her to let go of the past and leave the palace behind. With great courage, the princess took her two sons and her infant daughter and fled the royal court, leaving behind the life of luxury that had become a prison of sorrow.
The Path of Seclusion and Virtue
Upon leaving the palace, the princess assumed a new identity and married the warrior who had protected her. This man, whose surname was Zhang, was a person of integrity, strength, and kindness. He became the ancestor of the Zhang family. Together, they retreated into the seclusion of the mountains, far removed from the turmoil of the world. Under their guidance, the children grew up with pure hearts, shielded from the corruption of the palace. They came to regard the warrior as their true father, and the couple was blessed with another son the following year.
Though they lived in seclusion, they were not in need. The princess had brought with her several priceless national treasures from the palace, which they sold to provide a comfortable life for their family. The children were raised to be capable and strong, learning the martial arts of their father. For many years, the family lived in peace, hearing nothing of the outside world. One day, however, the silence of the forest was broken by the sounds of chaos. When the noise finally faded, they ventured out to investigate and discovered that the old kingdom had fallen, the new dynasty had been established, and the former Emperor had met a tragic end.
A Legacy of
Upon hearing the news, the princess wept with deep sorrow. She took her children to the site of the battle to recover the remains of her family, giving them a proper and respectful burial within the Zhang family ancestral shrine. This act of profound compassion became a turning point for the family. The princess admonished her children, teaching them that they must dedicate their lives to the practice of goodness. As the family moved to a larger plot of land outside the mountains, the children grew, married, and established their own lives. The family grew in number and prosperity, yet they never forgot their mother’s teachings.
Each year, the Zhang family would gather their resources to perform great acts of charity:
- Building bridges and repairing roads to ease the travel of others.Distributing food and supplies to the hungry and destitute.Providing medical aid to those suffering from illness.
They did not live for themselves, but constantly expanded their hearts to embrace all beings with love. This was the fruit of the princess’s guidance—a legacy of kindness that she had been unable to fully realise within the palace, but which she successfully planted in the hearts of her descendants. This is the untold history of the Zhang family, a testament to the power of virtue.
Understanding the Laws of
When we truly understand the laws of karma and cause and effect, we begin to see why our lives unfold with both and adversity. Everything we experience in this life is the result of seeds sown in the past. If you are a person of goodness, you will encounter the Buddha’s teachings. When the time comes for the family to honour their ancestors, the spirit of the ancestors is present, and the ceremony provides a great opportunity for connection and liberation.
Those who do good will find the blessings of goodness. The actions we take in this world are fleeting, but the merit we accumulate is eternal. Therefore, you must build your life upon the sincere path of Namo Amituofo, adhering to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This is the only way to truly leave suffering behind and find happiness, continuing until you reach the of Ultimate Bliss. Do not let yourself be caught in the cycle of rebirth in the six realms. Your physical body is merely a vessel that carries the weight of past karma, but through the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo, you can find liberation within His embrace.
If you wish to save your children and guide them toward rebirth in the Pure Land, you must first lead by example, showing them the way through your own practice. If you feel the truth of these words in your heart, you must delve deeper into the Dharma to seek the ultimate reality. Do not let your physical existence become an obstacle; instead, focus your energy on the true work of salvation. Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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