In a world where every action can ripple through time and touch lives in ways we may never fully comprehend, there lies a tale of kindness, fate, and the belief in cosmic justice. This is the story of Li Zhen Guo, a man of integrity and honesty, who shared with me an extraordinary account of how a life-saving deed can lead to an unexpected extension of one’s life.
A harsh winter in Anhui Province
During the 1920s, a devastating natural disaster struck the northern part of Anhui Province in China. The harsh winter left many people without food or clothing, leading to a mass exodus to the central parts of the province in search of relief. Among the refugees were a mother-in-law and her pregnant daughter-in-law, who found themselves begging for sustenance in Chao County. Wearing tattered clothes that offered no protection against the biting cold, they were on the brink of succumbing to the relentless winter.
The compassionate deed of Zhang
On a particularly stormy morning, the desperate pair stood outside the door of a family home belonging to a man named Zhang. The Zhang family, consisting of a mother, her son, and his wife, heard the knocking at their door. Upon opening it, they found the two women collapsed in the snow, trembling and barely clinging to life. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Zhang immediately called for his family’s help to bring the women inside.
A warm shelter and a new life
Zhang and his family quickly provided the women with cotton clothes and food, saving them from certain death. Realizing the pregnant daughter-in-law was close to giving birth, Zhang offered them shelter until the baby was born and the spring warmth returned. Zhang cared for their basic needs and arranged for a midwife to assist with the delivery.
As the seasons changed and the flowers began to bloom, Zhang generously gave the women travel expenses to return to their home in the north, now with a new member in their family.
A brush with death and a miraculous recovery
Two years later, around 1930, a cholera epidemic swept through Chao County, claiming many lives. Tragically, Zhang fell ill with the disease. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and as he lay unconscious for several days, his family prepared for the worst, arranging funeral matters by the customs for those who died from infectious diseases.
The turning point
Suddenly, Zhang awoke with a deep breath and sat up, recounting an otherworldly experience. He claimed that after his death, he was brought before the King of Hell, where a red-robed official presented a scroll with golden characters stating: “Zhang XX has saved three lives; his lifespan shall be extended by three decades (Note: one decade is 10 years).” He was then ordered to be returned to the living.
As if to confirm his story, a cousin from a village 40 miles away sent word of his passing, exactly as Zhang had described seeing in the afterlife. This astonishing coincidence convinced the family of the truth in Zhang’s words.
Reflection and gratitude
Upon recovering from his illness, Zhang reflected on the past and realized that the act of saving the mother and daughter-in-law, who would have otherwise frozen to death and ensuring the safe delivery of the child, indeed accounted for saving three lives. This realization reaffirmed his belief in the principle of cause and effect.
Zhang and his family began to worship the Buddha, embracing the concept of karma. Their story spread throughout the community, earning Zhang respect and admiration for his selfless actions.
Lessons from Zhang’s tale
Zhang’s story is a powerful testament to the idea that acts of kindness and compassion can have profound and sometimes unexpected results. It serves as a reminder that:
- Every good deed has the potential to return to us in ways we may not anticipate.
- Compassion and empathy toward those in need can define the character of a community.
- Belief in the power of karma can inspire positive actions and a sense of responsibility toward others.
In sharing this story, we are reminded of the enduring human spirit and the timeless virtue of helping others. May we all carry forward the legacy of Zhang’s compassion in our lives, nurturing a world where kindness is the currency of our humanity.
