In every era, acts of devotion and compassion leave a lasting mark, not only on individuals, but on entire communities. This is a story of Wang, an elderly lay Buddhist whose faith, skill, and selflessness intertwined to save a life and rebuild a sacred temple. Through his determination and moral courage, we see how dedication to others and to a higher purpose can create miracles both spiritual and tangible.
Raising funds for Guanyin Hall
In Chang Le County lived a lay Buddhist named Wang, an elderly man with white hair but still full of vigor. Year-round, he held prayer beads and chanted Buddhist mantras, devoted to his faith and to helping others. His family of more than ten lived comfortably — not wealthy, but far from poor. Whenever he had savings, Wang distributed medicine to villagers and assisted the needy, earning the respect of all around him.
One day, Wang traveled to Lingyingtai on Zhongnan Mountain, where he discovered the old foundation of Guanyin Hall (Avalokiteśvara Hall) of the Southern Shaolin Monastery. He asked the monks about it, and they explained: “Our temple is preparing to rebuild the Guanyin Hall. The beams, rafters, bricks, and tiles are ready, but the mountain paths are treacherous, and transporting materials would require many workers to carry them on their shoulders. Moreover, completing the project would require 300 strings of cash for wages. Without the funds, construction cannot proceed.” Wang paused, then said: “Keep the materials safe. I will go find benefactors to raise the funds needed for the construction.” Before leaving, he told the monks: “I will bring the money over in about ten days.”
Wang returned home to make preparations, then traveled to the capital to seek donations. On his journey, he learned of a wealthy family whose daughter was gravely ill. Wang saw an opportunity to both help the girl and secure support for the temple. He sent word to the father, offering to heal his daughter — but noting that a donation of 300 strings of cash would be needed to rebuild Guanyin Hall.
The message reached the wealthy man, and he readily agreed. His 15-year-old daughter was gravely ill with a mysterious and dangerous disease. Many doctors had been consulted, but all had given up hope. Desperate, the father offered a generous fee to anyone who could save her.
When Wang arrived, he calmly assured the man that his daughter would recover. “Guanyin Temple in Nanshan has been under construction for some time,” he said. “I left some elixirs here. Give them to her regularly, and there is no need to worry. Pay me now, and I will return later to continue her treatment.”
The wealthy man, a devout Buddhist, trusted Wang’s words and complied. Wang left the elixirs and returned to Nanshan, arriving exactly 10 days later to deliver the funds. Then he hurried back to the capital to continue the treatment. But when he arrived, he found that the daughter had already passed away.
Healing the wealthy man’s daughter
As the family prepared for the funeral, Wang entered the house with only his cane. The wealthy man, grief-stricken and furious, berated him, threatening to report him to the authorities. Wang remained composed. He examined the girl’s body and said: “If I had intended to deceive you, would I have dared return?” By that time, the girl’s body was already stiff, having been dead for several days. He requested that a private room be prepared and insisted that no one enter except the father.
First, he burned willow branches to fill the room with thick smoke. The girl was laid on a couch, medicinal powders placed at either side of her head and nose, and a small cup of warm water set upon her chest. Finally, he closed the door tightly and worked in silence.
The next morning, Wang told the wealthy man: “Rest assured, your daughter is saved.” He then mixed some breast milk with the medicinal powder to create a paste, which he carefully applied to the girl’s lips and inside her mouth. After doing so, he breathed a sigh of relief and said: “Benefactor, you need not worry anymore. You may rejoice.”
Suddenly, the wealthy man noticed the girl’s breathing quicken. Wang signaled for him to sit and remain silent. Then, he dripped the medicinal liquid into her nose. Instantly, the girl sneezed and opened her eyes, fully revived from her unconscious state. Overjoyed, the man carried his daughter from the private room, and the entire family celebrated, repeatedly expressing their gratitude to Wang.
A legacy of virtue
Wang, a devoted cultivator, had fulfilled his task, but could not linger; he needed to return to Nanshan to continue work on the temple. Before departing, he promised the wealthy man that he would revisit his daughter.
Years later, the girl grew up, married, and had children of her own. Reflecting on Wang’s extraordinary skill and character, the family said: “Cultivators are truly trustworthy — rare and virtuous men in the world.” Through his devotion to faith, healing, and the greater good, Wang’s actions became a story of compassion, skill, and moral courage — an example that transcends time.
Translated by Patty Zhang and edited by Tatiana Denning
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