A Father's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Wu Qiqing, the father of Lay Practitioner Wu Yanqin, 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 transition from the cycle of rebirth to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on January 26, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Wu Qiqing speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I bow in gratitude to the Buddha, to Practitioner Su, to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, to everyone who helped me in this life, and to my family.

This life of mine feels as if it were a dream, yet it passed by in the blink of an eye. Looking back at the moment of my passing, I am still struck by a profound sense of terror. There was only an overwhelming darkness before me; I could not see a glimmer of light. Even when I stood before the King of Hell to be judged, forced to face the consequences of the karma I had created, I desperately wanted to resist and flee, yet there was no escape. When you face that alone, there is no one who can offer assistance.

Caught in the Waves of Samsara

So many people I cherished, so many matters that weighed heavily on my heart, flashed before my eyes, yet I could not grasp a single one. It was as if I were completely engulfed by a tidal wave, unable to break free. Fortunately, that state did not last forever. Finally, I waited until the light arrived to deliver me. It was not until I arrived at the Buddha-land that my entire body finally ceased its trembling.

The Warmth of Buddha-light

The Buddha-light enveloped me in such warmth; it continuously cleansed my spirit. I am profoundly grateful for the compassion of the Buddha. I do not wish to endure the suffering of the cycle of rebirth throughout my many lives ever again, so I made a firm vow to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

A Message to My Children

I am speaking to you now from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The beauty of the Western Land, the stable magnetic field it provides—I hope that as you read this interview, you can feel its serenity. My children, both your mother and I have already escaped the suffering of the cycle of rebirth. I am so grateful that Yanqin found the Buddha, for she was truly able to help her father and mother find liberation.

The End of Worldly Ties

When your mother and I brought you into this world, it was because we shared a karmic connection in this world. Now, that connection has come to an end. Your mother and I have used this Causal Condition to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. But what about you? Your mother and I do not wish for you to walk the path of the cycle of rebirth over and over again. Since you have the Causal Condition to be with the Buddha in this life, you must take it seriously.

Looking Beyond the Present

Everything you are encountering right now is not the most important thing; do not be overly attached to it. You must look further ahead; you have more important things to accomplish. I hope you can all understand this and follow the Buddha closely. Gratitude.

Namo Amituofo. Lay Practitioner Wu Qiqing, with palms joined."