A Final Journey to the Western Pure Land: Lay Practitioner Su Qingxiang

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Su Qingxiang, the husband of Lay Practitioner Huang Suiping, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition from the human world. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on November 5, 2021.

Lay Practitioner Su Qingxiang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I spent a long time in a state of hesitation, caught between the lingering attachments of the world and the call of the Buddha. But today, I have finally made the definitive decision to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Just moments ago, I, your disciple Su Qingxiang, arrived in the Western Pure Land. I have prostrated myself sincerely before the Buddha, offering my deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su for their boundless compassion. It is only through their grace that I have found this sanctuary of peace."

A Sudden Departure and the Fog of Death

"I never imagined that my departure from the human world would be so sudden. I was completely unprepared; I had so many things left to do, so many words left unsaid. It just happened, and I was gone. I am so sorry, my dear wife, Suiping. I know that even now, your heart is heavy with grief. I know you are still struggling to emerge from the shadow of that painful memory.

Suiping, it is I, Qingxiang. I am truly sorry. This period of time has been incredibly difficult for you, and I know how much you have suffered. From the moment I drew my last breath, I was lost in a thick, disorienting fog. I did not know where I was or where I was going. It was only after Practitioner Su rescued me and brought me into the light that I began to hear the teachings. Every day, I listened to the sutras and bathed in the Buddha’s light, and only then did my mind slowly begin to clear. As I remembered you, a profound sense of guilt washed over me. I know how much you have endured over these years, facing the relentless pressures of life and living through such hardship every single day."

Life as a Fleeting Dream

"Initially, I had not intended to come to the Western Pure Land. I still held onto the hope of seeing you one last time. But after much hesitation and reflection, I realised that I had to let go. I had to move forward. The life we once shared is gone; it cannot be reclaimed. You must move forward, and I must do the same. We are both on our own paths now.

I am no longer a person of the human world, and seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land is the only path that is truly best for me. I know that you, in your heart, would want this for me, wouldn't you? I am doing very well here, and my only wish is for you and our children to be well, too. When I look back at my past, I realise that life is truly nothing more than a dream—yet it was a dream that felt so incredibly real. You were my wife, and the children were my children. But look at us now? You are no longer by my side, and I am here on my own. Perhaps this is the true nature of a dream-like existence.

I hope that you, too, can see this clearly. Do not take the affairs of this world too seriously. Let everything follow the Law of Cause, Condition, and Effect. The most important thing is to focus on chanting Namo Amituofo every single day. Dedicate your life to seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I will be here, waiting for you."

"Su Qingxiang, offering my deepest prostrations. Namo Amituofo."