A Grandfather's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lin Maosheng, 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 from the world of the living to the Buddha-land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on March 4, 2022.

Lin Maosheng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lin Maosheng. Xinhua, my dear granddaughter, it is because of your inherent goodness that you have the Causal Conditions to study the Buddha’s teachings. These Causal Conditions are truly magnificent, and they are what helped your grandfather achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss today.

When I first made the decision to go to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, my heart was very calm. Initially, I felt a deep reluctance to part ways with my family. It is only natural for an elder to feel attached to his children and grandchildren. However, I realised that one must face the truth of impermanence; no matter how much we wish to stay, we must eventually part. If you had not invited me to this Buddha-land, I would still be lingering in the world, habitually watching over you and the other juniors. That is simply the heart of an old man. It was only after I listened to the scriptures that I finally saw through this attachment. I realised that if I remained a wandering spirit, I would have no way to truly protect or benefit my family."

The Choice to Let Go

"Therefore, I made the choice to become a Buddha. While I may not be able to 'protect' my family in the way I once thought, I can now tell you of the beauty and peace of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Truly, reaching this place is the only way to attain eternal life. I hope that by taking this opportunity to share my rebirth, I can let more people know that this place truly exists. It is a land entirely different from this world, a place where one can finally cast aside all afflictions.

The cycle of rebirth is truly filled with suffering; it is not as simple as people imagine. Here in the Buddha-land, I see so many spirits pouring in, all striving to achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth. There are spirits of every kind, all suffering and seeking a way out. Seeing how desperately everyone longs for deliverance, I have come to understand just how fortunate I am to be here in the Buddha-land. My heart is filled with immense gratitude."

A Legacy of Gratitude

"My life as Lin Maosheng has passed. Even now, there are people who remember me, but in a few decades, even the grandchildren of my grandchildren will not recognise my name. I will simply become a name written in a family genealogy. When you look at it this way, one really must learn to let go of life's attachments. Those who knew me might feel that I have changed a great deal and that I now hold different perspectives. They are right. It is because I was transformed by the Buddha’s teachings that I was able to undergo such a profound change.

I, Maosheng, am deeply grateful to those who helped me. I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha, and I am grateful for the scriptures and the personal guidance of Practitioner Su, who led me to the Western Pure Land. My dear granddaughter, please help your grandfather tell everyone to cherish their Causal Conditions for studying the Buddha’s teachings. If you listen to the scriptures more often, you will come to understand many profound truths. I am doing very well now. Thank you for helping me receive Chao Du. Please, cherish your time and engage in diligent practice! Namo Amituofo."