A Grandmother’s Journey from Suffering to Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Xie Xiuzhen, the maternal grandmother of Lay Practitioner Huang Zhisheng. She 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 reflects upon her transition from the cycle of rebirth and her gratitude for the deliverance she received. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on June 30, 2023.

Xie Xiuzhen speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Xie Xiuzhen. I was once trapped in a state of profound suffering. I had fallen into the realm of animals, reborn as a duck. I was in the midst of being plucked—the physical body of the duck had already died, but my spirit remained, caught in a cycle of agony and terror. I was forced to watch my own body being butchered. It was a nightmare from which I could not wake. If not for a voice that called out my name, I would still be trapped in that cycle of panic and fear. It was absolutely terrifying!"

The Weight of Karmic Retribution

"Looking back, I realise that this was the karma I had created myself; it was a fruit I had to bear. After arriving at the Buddha-land and listening to the scriptures, I finally understood that the laws of karma and cause and effect are absolute. They are so clear and precise—not a single person can escape them. Who would expect that the actions of one's life would manifest so vividly in the afterlife?"

"My daughter reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss before I did, and for that, I am immensely joyful. We were both women, both mothers, and we spent our lives pouring our hearts into our families. We worried, we fretted, and our hearts were always rising and falling with the tides of life. Now, having arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I can finally let go of all those burdens. There is nothing left to worry about. This is the boundless compassion that the Buddha has bestowed upon us."

A Grandmother’s Wisdom for the Next Generation

"Zhisheng, my dear grandson, thank you for helping your grandmother receive Chao Du. Seeing you dedicate your life to the Buddha’s teachings and expand this work so that so many people can come to know and learn the Dharma—this is a truly magnificent thing. But remember, your heart must always remain upright, and you must take care of your physical health. Do not overwork yourself for the sake of your career. You are still young, and the path of life ahead of you is long. You must walk it steadily and firmly. This is your grandmother’s hope and expectation for you."

"When I was slightly more lucid in the Buddha-land, I observed many people—even those who claim to be practitioners—clinging to their attachments and unable to let go. It is such a pity. In the Buddha-land, the scriptures and Dharma taught by Practitioner Su are so thorough and clear; they shatter many of the preconceived notions and myths that people hold onto. It is a rare blessing to hear such teachings."

The Living Proof of Attainment

"Zhisheng, since you are someone who works in the field of the Buddha’s teachings, I hope you will transmit the true Dharma to even more people. Help them truly understand what they must do. This will be a great merit. Since arriving at the Buddha-land, I have seen that Practitioner Su truly has true attainment. He has helped so many beings. At his age, to still possess such a great spirit of dedication—it is truly extraordinary."

"Many people find it hard to believe that the Buddha has come, but the Buddha has truly come. Everyone must believe, everyone must cherish this opportunity, and everyone must ensure that they do not let the Buddha slip away. Namo Amituofo."