A Father's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Lu Minghe, the father of Lay Practitioner Lu Shuling. He sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and has successfully attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition and his final message to his family. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on March 17, 2023.

Lu Minghe speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lu Minghe. This day marks a monumental turning point in my existence—a day I have finally arrived in the radiant Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. All the heavy burdens of my past, the endless afflictions, and the lingering attachments that once weighed down my heart have vanished. I feel a lightness in my entire being that I have never known before. The Buddha is right here before my eyes. This profound sense of inner coolness and peace is something I had always yearned for, even if I dared not speak of it aloud.

The Weight of a Lifetime

In my past life, the busyness of work consumed nearly all of my time. There were days when I felt so crushed by the pressures of daily life that I could barely catch my breath. Yet, I never spoke of this to anyone. I did not want my family to worry; seeing them live well was the greatest comfort to my heart. Even now, in this state of existence, that remains my deepest wish for all of you.

Now that both your mother and I have reached the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, there is nothing left for us to worry about. My only hope is that you, our children, can live in a way that allows us to be at peace. Shuling, you have already begun to touch upon the Buddha’s teachings, but I urge you to go deeper. Listen to the sutras with your heart, let the Dharma truly enter your soul, and use it to transform yourself. Then, let that transformation ripple outward to guide and benefit others as well.

A Father's Final Guidance

I originally had many things I wanted to tell you, but now, reflecting on it, there is no need for so many words. Just live your lives well. Keep your hearts rooted in Goodness. There is no need to haggle or compete with others over trivial matters, for when you reach the end of your life, none of those things can be taken with you. They are all empty.

Through the Causal Conditions that allowed your mother and me to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I hope you will all find the opportunity to study the Buddha’s teachings. It was the Buddha who saved us, and we are both filled with immense gratitude. It is also thanks to Practitioner Su that we were able to reach this place. We hope you will all offer your sincere thanks to Practitioner Su on our behalf. Being a person who knows how to be grateful is the most fundamental quality of a human being.

The True Meaning of Stability

In truth, a human life passes by in the blink of an eye. I hope that each of you can find a sense of stability in your lives, but remember that true stability is found only within the heart. The cycle of birth, old age, sickness, and death is truly a painful process. For a spirit that has nowhere to go after death, that suffering is even more profound. I speak of this because I have personally experienced the helplessness of the afterlife, where there is no one to turn to and no one to help you. I have walked that path, and I do not wish for any of you to ever experience it.

Open your hearts now. Start from the small things in your daily life. Every change you make is for the sake of your own future. Your mother and I look forward to the day when we will meet all of you again in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo."