A Father's Journey Home to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with the late Lay Practitioner Ma Shanbiao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition and his message to his daughters, Ma Yixia and Ma Yili. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on May 10, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Ma Shanbiao speaks:

"My dear daughters, your father, Ma Shanbiao, has finally arrived at the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. When I first arrived, I beheld the sight of Namo Amituofo—He was so vast, so incredibly radiant, and so magnificent! As I gazed upon Him, I found myself thinking, 'How I envy the light of Namo Amituofo; it is so immense, so brilliant.' The moment that thought crossed my mind, my entire being was suddenly suffused with that same glorious light. It was a feeling beyond anything I have ever known in the human world.

A New Life in the Lotus

Right now, I am residing within a lotus flower in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. My name is inscribed upon this lotus, and it is truly beautiful beyond description. I am living here in such comfort, and I am deeply, profoundly satisfied. It is a state of existence that is peaceful and perfect in every way.

I know that since I have arrived at the place of Namo Amituofo, I must continuously chant the Buddha's name, and so I am doing exactly that. I feel so strong now; my voice is powerful, and I can speak with such clarity and volume without any effort at all. I am filled with an indescribable joy. I am so incredibly grateful to Namo Amituofo, and I am deeply thankful to Practitioner Su for guiding me and for all of you who helped me receive Chao Du. Now that I am in such a wonderful place, I truly wish I could introduce it to everyone I have ever known. But since I am no longer in the human world, I must ask you to help me tell others: tell them that I am here in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, enjoying the ultimate happiness.

A Debt Repaid and a New Beginning

My dear daughters, I know that you are both so filial, and I know that you take such good care of others. You are both my pride and joy. Before I arrived here to enjoy this bliss, I saw my karmic creditors occupying my entire head and my feet. I can still remember the scene of them coming to seek revenge; it was a result of the karma I had created in my past lives. It was only after I sincerely repented before them that I was able to make the vow to follow the Buddha and learn the Dharma properly.

When I first arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I was so captivated by the beauty before my eyes that I was momentarily distracted. But now, I remember my mission—the vow I made to be reborn here—and so I will continue to follow the Buddha and study the Dharma with all my heart.

A Message to My Daughters

You are both such wonderful daughters. Although I had the karmic affinity to be your father in this lifetime, you must remember that your true, compassionate Father is Namo Amituofo. We have all been members of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss before, and now that I have returned, you must also remember that the ultimate goal and pursuit of your life is to return to the West. You must learn to let go of the things you experience in your daily life and in this world; none of those things can be taken with you when you leave.

I hope that whenever you have the ability, you will help more people come to know the Buddha. Tell those you know about the importance of escaping the cycle of rebirth. After listening to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks, I have learned so many profound truths, and I hope that you, too, can come to realise these teachings from within.

Do not let yourselves be bound by the suffering of this world. Always remember that the path back to the Western Pure Land is the only path that is truly real. Once again, I offer my deepest gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. This rebirth has brought me such immense joy. Thank you.

Ma Shanbiao bows in reverence."