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

This is a record of an interview with the late Lay Practitioner Chen Qu, the grandmother of Lay Practitioner Huang Qinghui. 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 life and her transition to the Pure Land. It was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on June 16, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Chen Qu speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chen Qu. I never imagined that after all this time, I would have the incredible opportunity to arrive here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is truly, breathtakingly beautiful! Every single day since I was brought here, I have been enveloped by the compassionate, gentle sounds of chanting Namo Amituofo. I believe this must be the Buddha’s own world, mustn't it? I am filled with such immense joy to be here, for it is only through this place that I have finally been able to leave all my suffering behind.

My grandson, Qinghui, you have been such a filial child. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me. When I was alive in the human world, I did not do many good deeds for others. Consequently, after I passed away, I could only exist in a very ordinary, dim state. For what felt like an eternity, I spent my days wandering in darkness. I did not even know how much time had passed, but thankfully, Qinghui, you arranged for my Chao Du. You reached into that darkness and saved me!"

A Debt of Gratitude and Repentance

"In my past life, I made many mistakes. I truly hope that those I have harmed in the past can find it in their hearts to forgive me. During this process of Chao Du, I witnessed so many beings with whom I had formed negative karmic ties in the past. I saw that many of them were finally willing to follow the Buddha-light and leave their suffering behind. My heart was deeply moved by this sight. I also feel a profound sense of repentance—I repent for my past ignorance, for the times I hurt others, and for the harm I caused. It is a heavy burden to carry, but here, I am finally finding peace.

My life in the human world has already passed. I do not know how many people will hear these words of mine now, but I sincerely hope that everyone can believe that this message was truly written by me, Chen Qu. Through this life experience, I have realised so much. I have become so much clearer in my understanding of the Law of Cause, Condition, and Effect."

A Message to My Descendants

"I also want my family to know that I am now in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I am doing very well. I truly hope that you can all live well, too! This place, the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, is truly magnificent beyond words. You must come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to practise. The Buddha is here, and the Buddha can help every single one of us.

Life is full of suffering, but please realise that these sufferings are not truly real. Practising here will help you wake up and leave all that suffering behind. You must come! I will be here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, watching over you, waiting for the day when we can all meet again in this beautiful place.

I am filled with gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Chen Qu bows in reverence.