A Final Homecoming: The Deliverance of Lay Practitioner He Shunji

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner He Shunji, the father-in-law of Lay Practitioner Huang Yuzhen. He sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on April 29, 2022.

Lay Practitioner He Shunji speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. It is only when life reaches its very end that one finally realises there is nothing in this world that we can truly grasp or hold onto. I am filled with such joy to have arrived here at this sacred place. It was only by coming here that I was finally able to look back and clearly see the long, winding path of my cycle of rebirth. Only now do I truly understand the real face of life.

The Weight of Past Karma

I feel such profound regret for all the people I have harmed throughout my past. Looking back at everything now, I realise that I have experienced so many things throughout my many lives, yet not a single one of those things was truly real or lasting. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my daughter-in-law, Yuzhen. Thank you for performing the Chao Du for me. It is only because of your efforts that I was able to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, allowing me to draw the most perfect conclusion to my life. If you had not helped me through this deliverance, I would still be wandering in the underworld, with no idea when I might ever find a way out.

A Call to Diligent Practice

There are simply too many things in a lifetime to recount; if I were to try to explain them all, it would be an endless task. Yuzhen, you must cherish the opportunity you have to know Practitioner Su. You must practise diligently! You have such a wonderful karmic connection, so please continue to practise with your fellow practitioners and follow this group that is dedicated to saving the world. Every bit of effort you contribute in this life counts. To follow the Buddha's path—this is what makes a life truly meaningful and real.

The Compassion of the Buddha

I do not possess much Wisdom, and I cannot articulate profound theories, but I know with absolute certainty that this place is truly a genuine bodhimanda of the Buddha. Yuzhen, please bring the rest of the family along. Everyone must come to know Namo Amituofo, because without the Buddha's compassion, we are all destined to continue suffering in this cycle of rebirth.

I am here because the Buddha saved me. I want you all to know that we must follow the Buddha closely; do not let yourselves wander off or lose your way. You must all practise well and make the most of your time in this world. Follow Namo Amituofo and help all beings. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is dedicated to helping all beings, so please, everyone, come together and do good deeds.

A Message of Hope

In the past, I did not know how to be clear-headed or awake. Now that I have had this real experience, I finally understand the necessity of letting go. My children, I do not have the ability to teach you, but I hope you will follow Practitioner Su closely and learn well. This path is absolutely the right one.

I am now in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, waiting for the day when we will all be reunited.

I am so grateful for the Buddha's compassion, and for the compassion of Practitioner Su and every single monastic here. Namo Amituofo."

He Shunji, with palms joined in reverence.