A Father’s Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Yi Ren, the adoptive father of Lay Practitioner Yi Ying. He sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition from the cycle of rebirth to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Xi, on January 14, 2022.

Lay Practitioner Yi Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Yi Ren. Time has flown by so quickly. My daughter is all grown up now, carving out her own path in life. As for me, the chapter of my life in the human realm reached its conclusion some time ago. Now, I have embarked upon an entirely new beginning here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

I find it nearly impossible to put into words the profound sense of gratitude and joy that fills my heart. This is the fruit of the filial piety my daughter has shown me. My dear child, you have worked so hard! I want you to know that I am doing wonderfully here."

The Terror of the Unknown

"When I first faced the moment of death, I must admit, I was gripped by a deep, unsettling fear. I had no idea where I would go or what awaited me in the darkness. My physical body seemed to slowly drift away, as if I were losing my grip on reality. I felt myself floating in a vast, empty void, and that sensation was truly terrifying. It was the power of the Buddha-name—the sacred sound of Namo Amituofo—that reached out and saved me.

Because of that, I was able to come to the side of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva to continue my practice. I am so deeply grateful for the power of the Buddha, which helped me and allowed my heart to find peace once more. I spent a long time practicing under the guidance of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, until this recent opportunity arose. Through your efforts, my child, I received Chao Du, which finally gave me the chance to break free from the cycle of rebirth, leave the underworld behind, and come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia to practice."

A Daughter’s Filial Piety

"The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly a pure land of spiritual light, a sacred place where all beings can find liberation from the cycle of rebirth. I am so incredibly grateful to my daughter, Yi Ying, for arranging all of this Chao Du for me. I have also felt the presence of many of our family members who have arrived here as well. You have worked so hard, my child! Your merits and blessings are vast; by sending these family members to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, you have accumulated immeasurable merit."

Final Words of Wisdom

"Now that your father is here, I want to leave you with a few final words: Do not be overly concerned with the trivial matters of the world. What truly matters is the growth of our hearts. Everything we encounter is an opportunity to help us achieve our goals, provided that our hearts are turned toward the Buddha and we learn from our experiences. This is our Buddha-nature.

You must practise diligently and follow the guidance of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. One can achieve great things here. Join in, work together to save the world, and do it for the sake of all beings, as well as for yourself. Do it well! Your father will be waiting for you in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss so that we may be reunited.

I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su and the Venerables at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Namo Amituofo.

Yi Ren bows in gratitude."