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

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Liao Weiyan, father of Lay Practitioner Liao Huiying, 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 from the cycle of rebirth to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on February 16, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Liao Weiyan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, I, Weiyan, am able to stand before the Buddha, and I am filled with such profound gratitude. When I saw the Buddha, I felt the sheer magnitude of His greatness and selflessness. Compared to Him, I felt so incredibly small. To think that someone as insignificant as I could be pulled from the depths by the Buddha—what a magnificent Causal Condition this is. I cherish this connection deeply, and when I saw the Buddha, I made a vow to follow Him throughout my many lives."

The Light of Deliverance

"I see the boundless light before me, and I look upon the beings still adrift in the sea of suffering. My heart is filled with shame; in my life, I did not fully utilise my potential to help others, yet here I am, being guided by the Buddha Himself. When I was first brought to the Buddha-land, I had so many thoughts and emotions. I wanted to tell you everything I saw. But now, I choose to let go. Only when I truly let go did I realise that this is the most direct and straightforward path."

"Whether it was this physical body or this spirit, both were once shrouded in heavy karma. Everyone carries karma, and until one transforms it, one is dragged along by it. I was no different. Through various Causal Conditions, I have finally been able to end the cycle of rebirth for my spirit."

A Message to My Daughter

"During this time, as a spirit, I have been free from many constraints. I can see the lives of my family and friends, and I see how everyone is being pulled and tugged by their karmic creditors. It breaks my heart, but I am unable to help them directly. Huiying, you are such a kind and good child. Your intentions can help so many people learn the Dharma. Your father supports you completely in this. But what I look forward to even more for you is the liberation of your spirit."

"In this life, you have encountered the Great Dharma. You must learn to 'see through' and 'let go' even more deeply. It is not about abandoning things, but about not being attached to them. Everyone is born alone and dies alone. This is something I have learned recently, and it means that you must be more independent. You and your husband must support each other and walk together on the path to true liberation."

A Call to Clarity

"The world is full of suffering, and you know this well. Be a person of clarity. You have a natural ability to influence others, so use it well. Help your family members by encouraging them to study the Dharma firmly and follow the Buddha. Although my connections with everyone in this world have come to an end, I hope to see you all in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."

"I am deeply grateful to the Buddha, to Practitioner Su, and to the monastics and volunteers at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I am also grateful to Brother Huang, the kind person who helped me with my Chao Du. This opportunity for liberation is something I am truly grateful for from the bottom of my heart. Namo Amituofo. Liao Weiyan bows in reverence."