A Daughter’s Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Wu Ciyin, the young daughter of Lay Practitioner Wu Jiajin. After passing away, she experienced a period of lonely wandering before seeking deliverance through the Chao Du ceremony conducted at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition from a state of profound isolation to the radiant light of the Buddha. This interview was recorded on January 15, 2020, and transcribed by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

Wu Ciyin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Wu Ciyin. Daddy! Daddy! I am your good girl, Ciyin. I am here, and I am finally at peace.

The Loneliness of the Unseen

Daddy, I am calling out to you now, and I know with all my heart that you can hear me. Before, when I called for you and Mommy, neither of you would pay any attention to me. I kept crying out, 'Daddy! Mommy!' over and over again, but you just wouldn't listen. It was so painful. I felt like I was screaming into a void, and the silence that followed was heavier than anything I have ever known. I was all alone, with no one by my side to hold my hand or wipe away my tears. I was so terrified! I would crouch down in the dark and cry until my throat felt raw, but no one ever came to comfort me. I would cry until I was completely exhausted, fall into a fitful sleep, and then wake up to the same cold reality. I lived in this endless cycle of waking and weeping. Eventually, I realised that no matter how much I cried or how loudly I called, no one would respond. I just stopped, and I felt like I had become empty and dazed, as if I were drifting in a fog.

The Warmth of Namo Amituofo

Daddy, back then, even in my darkest moments, I heard you chanting 'Namo Amituofo'. I didn't understand what 'Namo Amituofo' meant at the time, but every single time you chanted it, I felt a wave of warmth wash over me. It was so comfortable, like being wrapped in a soft, golden blanket! Once, I even tried chanting 'Namo Amituofo' along with you, and as I chanted, the fear began to melt away, and I finally drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

A Plea for Harmony

There was another time I heard you and Mommy arguing. You would say something, and she would say something back, and the air felt so sharp and cold. I stood right there beside you both and said, 'It’s so noisy! Daddy, Mommy, please don't fight!' But you didn't hear me. Daddy, Mommy, please make up. Don't fight anymore. Your daughter doesn't like to see you arguing. It hurts my heart to see you both so unhappy.

Every time Daddy chanted 'Namo Amituofo', I felt so much better! Mommy, please don't stop Daddy from chanting. Especially now that Practitioner Su has taken me from that lonely place to her temple, it is so fragrant and bright there—I love it so much. Today, Practitioner Su brought me here, and this place is even better than the last! How can such a wonderful place exist? This is the Western Pure Land that Practitioner Su has been trying to lead us to all along. It is truly so beautiful! Daddy, is this where I will live from now on? It is wonderful. I will never be lonely again!

A Final Farewell

Just a moment ago, there was an elderly person—was that my grandmother? Practitioner Su held our hands as we walked in. I see that it is so lively here, and I love it so much! Everyone is so kind, and the light here is so gentle.

Daddy, thank you for helping me with the Chao Du. I know that I have passed away, but Daddy is still Daddy, and Mommy is still Mommy. You will always be my beloved parents, and I will always be your daughter. Namo Amituofo."