A Father's Final Guidance from the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Wang Wansheng, who sought Chao Du 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 transition and his message to his family. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on October 6, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Wang Wansheng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo. I am Wang Wansheng. It is only since arriving in this radiant Buddha-land that I have been able to chant the Buddha-name with such focus. Before this, I never truly understood that chanting this sacred name could bring such profound comfort and ease to my entire being.

Today, it is by chanting this very name that I have arrived here at the side of Namo Amituofo—the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I know that your mother is already here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Knowing her character, she is surely by the side of Namo Amituofo, diligently studying the Dharma with great focus. Since arriving in the West, I have felt incredibly pure and at peace; I have finally let go of my own stubbornness.

A Father's Heartfelt Concern

In the past, although I rarely spoke of it, I cared deeply for our family. Even though I held onto my own rigid perspectives, in my heart, I always wished for every one of you to live well. Now, seeing that you each have your own lives and families, and that the children have all grown up and are living stable lives, I still sense an unspoken suffering within you. As your father, my heart aches to see this.

Your father has already left you, and I can no longer help you with worldly matters. The only thing I can do now is to counsel you by sharing my experiences during the time I have spent here in this Buddha-land.

The Gift of Deliverance

I am so grateful to my daughter, Abao, for helping me receive Chao Du. Without that, my spirit would still be wandering aimlessly, and I would have no idea where I might have ended up in the future.

Since arriving in this Buddha-land, I have followed the teachings and listened to the sutras. I have come to understand that everything in this world is governed by the laws of karma and cause and effect. Therefore, one must not harbour resentment in the heart. You must learn to accept your encounters with a joyful heart. Only in this way can your hearts be relieved of suffering and truly open up.

The Path to True Security

You are all getting older now; do not pin your hopes on relying on your children in the future. While you still have your health, you can gather with your children and watch your grandchildren grow, but what happens after death? Where will you go when your time comes? None of you have any certainty about this. That is why I hope you can entrust yourselves to Namo Amituofo. If your spirits follow Namo Amituofo in the future, you will never have to wander in the cycle of rebirth again.

In this life, we had the karmic affinity to become a family, but once we all pass away and begin wandering in samsara, we will never be able to find one another again. That is why I am saying these things today—I hope you will all make the vow to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Having a clear goal for your future will prevent fear, and only then will your hearts find true peace.

A Call to Liberation

I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo, and I am grateful to Practitioner Su and everyone at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. If I had not come here, I would never have been able to realise these truths.

You must believe me, and you must listen to your father's words. Life is far too full of suffering. I want you to understand the importance of liberation. Chant the Buddha-name every day to calm your hearts.

I can see that you are all being interfered with by your karmic creditors. If you have the capacity, you should help your karmic creditors receive Chao Du. In the past, we have harmed others; today, we have the opportunity to repay those debts, and we should do so. Do not waste this precious human life; you must follow the Buddha's path diligently.

Since arriving in the Western Land, I have no more afflictions, and my body is in excellent condition. I hope you will remember what your father has said: keep chanting, and keep reciting Namo Amituofo.

With palms joined, your father, Wang Wansheng."