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

This is a record of an interview with Liu Yingchang, the father of Lay Practitioner Liu Lijie, 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 life and his transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 8, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Liu Yingchang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo, Practitioner Su, and the Venerables and lay practitioners at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre for helping me escape from my suffering. Without this karmic connection, I would still be trapped in the cycle of rebirth, unable to awaken. Even though I considered myself an honest and simple man, I could not escape the arrangements of fate and the laws of karma and cause and effect."

Reflections on the Nature of Suffering

"During this time, I have gained many insights while residing in the Dharma-Nature Land of the temple, and I have had the opportunity to re-examine my life. Human life is a mixture of suffering and joy. In truth, over the span of several decades, the suffering far outweighs the joy. However, in order to survive, most people choose to ignore the suffering and escape from it, focusing only on the fleeting moments of happiness. This avoidance is only temporary. Ultimately, the critical point of life—sickness—is something most people must face. I was no exception, and I came to a profound realisation: no one can bear the pain of illness on your behalf.

I saw clearly that when I was ill, I was surrounded by layers upon layers of karmic creditors. I had absolutely no autonomy over my own body. These karmic creditors were constantly seeking revenge, and my physical body continued to decline until the very moment it ended. It was a relentless process of settling old debts."

The Illusion of the Human Body

"Everyone places such great importance on the human body. But only now do I understand that, in many ways, this human life is merely a play performed with those we are connected to by karmic affinity. Within this play, everything—who owes whom and who must repay whom—is perfectly arranged. Therefore, no matter how much you wish to hold onto these various causal conditions, you cannot keep them. To my children: the karmic connection between your father and you also came to an end the moment I departed. Originally, I had hoped to live a little longer and spend more time with my children and grandchildren. But now that I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I finally understand that one must learn to let go of everything.

The beauty of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss has purified my entire being. Now, my body is completely transparent, and I have become young again. You must be happy for me. Furthermore, your mother has also come with me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."

A Message of Hope and Transformation

"Having experienced these realisations, I hope that you will not cling so tightly to the human body. When you have the opportunity, spend more time listening to the sutras and hearing the Dharma. Understand the truth of birth and death; only then will you not be trapped by emotions or attached to this physical form.

Now, both your mother and I are in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, waiting for you to reunite with us. Please thank Practitioner Su on our behalf. With deepest gratitude, Liu Yingchang, palms joined in respect."

Namo Amituofo.