A Cat's Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Shupi, a cat who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his past lives and his transformation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on June 9, 2023.

Shupi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Shupi. Whenever I think of my owner, I cannot help but smile with pure joy. I am so deeply grateful to my owner for helping me, for giving me the opportunity to be transformed into a human body by Practitioner Su, and for allowing me to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today. I have learned how to chant Buddha's name and how to perform prostrations. Right now, I am chanting Namo Amituofo, and my heart is filled with gratitude toward Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su."

From a Stray to a Beloved Companion

"I am Shupi—that was the name I was given during my life as a cat. I grew to love that name dearly; every time my owner called out to me, I knew instantly that she was speaking to me. I have been a cat for more than just this one lifetime. Before I was Shupi, I was another cat. But that previous life was not as fortunate as my life as Shupi. I was a stray, wandering the streets, forced to scavenge for every scrap of food. I became quite skilled at catching fish, but when the fish were scarce, I had to survive on the leftovers discarded by humans. I was always hungry, and my body was thin and frail. I was never as happy or as well-cared-for as I was in this life as Shupi.

However, deep down, I always longed to be human. And now, I have received something even better than a human life—I have come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to become a Buddha. I never imagined that such a day would come for me. I owe everything to my owner. She cared for me so tenderly and loved me with such sincerity."

A Bond Forged Through Centuries

"My owner and I share a profound karmic connection that spans many lifetimes. When my spirit was guided by Practitioner Su to the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I saw it all clearly. In a past life, I was her most loyal servant. Because of that, she always took me with her whenever she was travelling, trusting me to protect her. I cherished that role, and I felt a deep, familial love for her. In those days, she was just as kind to me as she is now. She even looked after my own family, ensuring that I could send extra money home to them every month so they could live in comfort. I have kept that kindness etched in my heart all these years, constantly telling myself that if I ever had the chance, I would surely repay a kindness.

I have wandered through the cycle of reincarnation for lifetime after lifetime. I was drawn to be a cat because of my lingering attachments to emotion. I have been a cat four times in total, and Shupi was my fourth and final life. Even in this last life, it was my owner who helped me, and I had not yet had the chance to repay her kindness."

The Final Journey to the Western Land

"Now that I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I look back at my owner. At first, I felt a pang of reluctance to leave her behind, but now I have decided to let go of that attachment. I want to tell my owner: you must come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to find Shupi. Shupi is here waiting for you.

Shupi, with palms pressed together in gratitude.

Namo Amituofo."