A Grandmother's Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Liao Li Axin, the grandmother of Lay Practitioner Liao Keying, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition from the state of a wandering spirit to her eventual rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on October 28, 2022.

Liao Li Axin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Liao Li Axin. I must express my deepest gratitude to the great compassion of Practitioner Su for rescuing me. It is only because of his intervention that I was able to arrive here in this magnificent Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Seeing the beauty of this place, my entire being feels as though it has come back to life. I am truly grateful to Practitioner Su; thank you so much.

When I was first rescued by Practitioner Su and brought to the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I was completely unaware that I had passed away. My mind was clouded, and my head felt heavy and difficult to open. I was sitting upon a lotus seat, and the brilliant Buddha-light was shining directly upon me. At the very beginning, I did not know how to follow along with the chanting of Namo Amituofo. I simply could not do it; my mouth felt as if it were sealed shut. However, as I gradually began to clear my mind, I finally learned how to chant. The more I chanted, the clearer my mind became, and the more joy I felt in my heart.

A Grateful Heart: From Confusion to Clarity

It was only when I was about seventy percent awake that I suddenly realised my daughter-in-law, my grandson, his wife, and even my great-grandson were all there. It was they who had helped me, and it was through their efforts that I was able to be here. Seeing them filled me with such immense joy, especially seeing my grandson, Keying. I have always loved him so dearly; he is such a well-behaved and filial child. Seeing him here, learning the Dharma, makes me so happy. This place is truly blessed by the presence of the Buddha, and I hope he continues to follow the Buddha's teachings with all his heart.

In truth, my mind was not yet fully clear, but while sitting on that lotus seat, I kept seeing Namo Amituofo. He was so tall and majestic, his entire body radiating a golden light. He was so compassionate, and he was smiling at me the entire time. I immediately began to bow to Namo Amituofo—I bowed again and again. With every single bow, it felt as though Namo Amituofo was bestowing his blessings upon me, causing all the pain and illness in my body to simply vanish.

The Choice to Depart for the Western Land

While sitting on the lotus seat, I also caught glimpses of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It was incredibly beautiful. Someone asked me if I wanted to go there, but at first, I kept shaking my head, saying no. I was afraid; I was terrified to go because I had no one to accompany me. I did not dare to go alone. Later, I slowly began to understand that I am now on my own. Although I could see my grandson, he is still a human being, and I am no longer in the human realm. It is impossible for him to stay with me; I have to rely on myself.

Every time a Venerable asked me if I was ready, I would shake my head. But this time, I decided that I would go. After listening to Practitioner Su's Dharma talks, I began to reflect on my situation. I realised that staying behind served no purpose. I needed to follow the Buddha to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss so that I could finally attain liberation. I would no longer have to endure the cycle of being reincarnated, and my family would no longer need to worry about me. That is why I finally made the decision to go.

A Grandmother's Final Words of Wisdom

Thank you, my dear grandson Keying, for rescuing your grandmother. I did not see your father, however. I know that it is unlikely for him to study the Dharma, but I still hold onto the hope that you might be able to bring him here one day. Ah, but I shall say no more; everything depends on karmic conditions. I will not dwell on it anymore. You must all continue to study the Dharma diligently and keep chanting Namo Amituofo."