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

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Lin Su-zou, who sought Chao Du 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 and her message to those still in the cycle of rebirth. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on May 3, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Lin Su-zou speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am filled with such gratitude—truly, such immense gratitude! The Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is a world of such breathtaking beauty. The Buddha is so profoundly compassionate. I hold a string of prayer beads in my hands, and I chant Namo Amituofo continuously, over and over again. I do this because I want to express my deepest thanks to the Buddha, and I am determined to learn from Him with all my heart.

The Illusion of the Worldly Life

During the time before I arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I had the opportunity to listen to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su at the Buddha-land. It was only then that I truly realised that everything in the human world is illusory. Even our closest family members are merely connected by a temporary karmic affinity. If I had understood these profound truths earlier, I would have certainly practised chanting Namo Amituofo with much greater diligence. Now that I no longer possess a physical body, I feel a deep yearning; I wish I could introduce the Buddha to everyone, so that they might truly come to know Him as I have.

A Debt of Gratitude to My Granddaughter

Here in this magnificent realm, I feel such deep gratitude towards my granddaughter, Qiuzhen. It was she who guided both my husband and me to the Buddha. I find myself chanting Namo Amituofo even more earnestly than my husband does, because now, I have truly awakened. I have finally realised the depth of suffering that permeates the world.

A Plea to Those Still Suffering

I look back and see that so many people in the world are still unable to break free from their attachments, including my own children and grandchildren. Everyone is still so focused on the immediate present, yet they fail to contemplate what will happen when the time of death arrives. I am truly fortunate; my granddaughter helped me receive Chao Du, which allowed me to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. But what about the rest of you? What will you do? So many people I know—and even those I do not know—are suffering right now. Some are currently battling illness, while others have already been reincarnated into the cycle of rebirth.

Today, having achieved rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I hope that I can perform some small acts of goodness to help others. This is my sincere wish. Therefore, I hope that everyone who reads this interview will believe and begin to chant Namo Amituofo. Life is far too painful; do not continue to grasp at worldly things. You must realise that you are the only ones who can save yourselves.

A Final Message of Compassion

I am just an old woman who likes to talk a bit too much, but I truly hope that everyone finds peace and goodness. I am learning to emulate the Buddha’s vast mind-capacity, which is why I have written these words as my final message after arriving in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. You are all fundamentally good and kind-hearted people; please, seize the opportunity to follow the Buddha. I truly hope that you will believe in this path.

In closing, I offer my deepest gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. I also offer my sincere repentance to all the karmic creditors I have offended in my past lives. I will continue to practise diligently here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and in the future, I will surely repay the debts I owe to my karmic creditors.

Namo Amituofo.

Lin Su-zou bows in respect."