A Grandfather's Final Wisdom from the Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Wang Youyi, who sought Chao Du 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 and his final reflections on the nature of existence. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Faxin, on September 22, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Wang Youyi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I bow my head in deep gratitude to Practitioner Su for guiding me. I am truly thankful to you, such a great and virtuous person, for allowing so many lives to leave suffering behind. I am honoured to be one of those souls you have saved.

A New Perspective on Existence

Coming to this Buddha-land, I feel as though my eyes have finally been opened. In the past, I considered myself a man of great knowledge and worldly experience. But now, I realise that my previous understanding was so narrow, so limited, and so deeply rooted in the mundane world.

During my time here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, my spirit has become increasingly clear and bright. Watching everything that unfolds within this temple—the scenes of Chao Du, and the profound work being done—I am filled with nothing but absolute admiration and awe.

The Power of Compassion

Previously, I did not have a deep connection or feeling toward the practice of Buddhism. However, it is only now that I have truly witnessed the compassion of the Buddha’s power. As a fellow practitioner, I see how Practitioner Su’s chanting of the Buddha-name can assist so many beings. I know that this stems from a completely selfless heart—a state of being that is incredibly difficult to reach. Yet, if one can learn even a fraction of this, the entire vast space of the universe can be transformed.

A Vow for the Future

Today, I have decided to join my wife in being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. She has let go of all worldly emotions, and I, too, hope that one day I will be able to follow the Buddha faithfully. Perhaps, in a future life, I will take on a new form and work alongside the Buddha to help all beings. This is the vow I have made after seeing the truth of the great space of the universe. I hope to learn from the Buddha and cultivate a heart as vast as His.

A Warning to Descendants

I have seen that I followed the Buddha for many lifetimes in the past, yet I am ashamed to admit that I still fell back into the cycle of reincarnation. In this life, I bear the surname Wang, and I still have descendants living in the world. If I still hold any influence over you, I hope you will take my words to heart. You must learn not to be calculating and not to be greedy. These attachments are like ropes that bind you tightly; they pull you downward, dragging you into the darkness, and even into the hells.

The Urgency of Awakening

I hope you can all realise the truth of human life and understand what you should truly be pursuing in the end. Life is very short. Many of you are no longer young; you must wake up as soon as possible. See life clearly for what it is. In the end, you cannot hold onto anything, and you cannot take anything with you. Where will you go in the future? Will you fall back into the great spinning wheel of reincarnation, or will you clearly know that you can follow the Buddha toward the light? A shift in a split second can lead to a completely different result. You must all understand this.

A Final Message of Gratitude

Finally, I want to thank my granddaughter for having the karmic affinity to help me receive this Chao Du, which allowed me to see everything clearly. Grandfather hopes that you, too, will help yourself. Do not hold onto any more attachments. Save your own connected beings, and follow the Buddha faithfully back to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

I am deeply grateful to the Buddha, to Practitioner Su, and to all the Venerables and lay practitioners at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

Namo Amituofo.

Wang Youyi, with palms joined in respect."