This is a record of an interview with Mai Jiarong, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his journey to liberation and his transition from the cycle of suffering to the peace of the Buddha's realm. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on August 10, 2025.
Lay Practitioner Mai Jiarong speaks:
". I have arrived here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I know that my daughter is the happiest of all. She is such a bright and intelligent child, and the karmic affinity between us is truly profound.
Without my daughter’s help, I could never have reached this place in this lifetime. It was because she began to study the and came to know Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre that I was saved. Practitioner Su lifted me from my suffering and guided me here to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
A Realm of Perfect Peace
This place is absolutely magnificent—so beautiful and so incredibly comfortable. I never feel bored here; my heart is completely at peace. It is a state of being that is difficult to describe with human words, but it is a profound, unshakable stillness.
Ever since Practitioner Su saved me, I began to learn how to chant the Buddha-name. At first, I must admit, I did not chant very well. It took me a long time to truly master the practice. Why was it so difficult? Because at that time, my mind had not yet settled. It was chaotic, my head was clouded, and my thoughts were scattered. Because of this, the Buddha-name I chanted lacked power, and I would often forget the words entirely. But later, the Buddha-light began to purify me. I listened very earnestly to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su, and slowly, I began to wake up. I started to see many beings who shared a karmic connection with me. They were still suffering, and that is when I truly realised that I had to chant to help them."
The Weight of Karmic Debt
"When I finally understood the necessity of repenting for my past actions, the way I chanted the Buddha-name changed completely. It became closer to the Buddha, and I began to understand the true meaning of .
I did not have enough time to repay all the I had created in the past. Many of my were still searching for me. As I reached the final days of my life, I spent my time in a hospital bed, enduring such intense pain. That suffering was the result of their presence; they were making me pay for the past. If I had not suffered like that, they would never have been willing to let me go. Even now, I know I have not fully repaid every debt. There are still many karmic creditors waiting, waiting for me to appear.
The Horror of Samsara
I never knew that the cycle of rebirth—the samsara—was so terrifying! Throughout my many lives, I have committed so many bad deeds, and yet, I had forgotten them all. It is only now, after being saved by Practitioner Su, that I have been able to calm my mind and look back at my own past. I realise now that if I had not stopped this cycle today, I do not know where I would have gone to suffer in my next life. It certainly would not have been a good place.
My children are all so filial, and I hope with all my heart that they can live well. Especially my daughter and my son-in-law—I hope they never leave the Buddha, and that they will always follow the path of the Buddha. That is why I am so glad that I departed when I did. I did not want to be a burden to them any longer, so that they could focus on their own practice of the Dharma."
A Heart Purified
"The flavour of my chanting has changed once again. I am not asking for anything; I am simply chanting with a pure heart. It is becoming purer and purer with every moment. There are no more afflictions, no more wandering thoughts. My heart is just peacefully, purely chanting the name of Namo Amituofo. I love this feeling so much. I am filled with gratitude to Practitioner Su for bringing me here, gratitude to my family in the world, and gratitude to everyone.
