A Grandmother's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Feng Yulian, 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 life and her transition from the ghost realm to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on December 3, 2021.

Feng Yulian speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Feng Yulian. By the boundless compassion of Namo Amituofo and the grace of Practitioner Su, I have finally arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am weeping with joy—I am so moved that I can hardly find the words to speak. I do not even know how to let my granddaughter know that her grandmother is truly happy, truly, deeply happy.

Looking back on the decades I spent in the human world, I realise now that it was all so meaningless. If only I had understood the importance of learning the Dharma and seeking rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss back then, my life would have held so much more significance. My granddaughter is such a clever girl. Seeing how she has saved us elders, sparing us from further suffering, I know she truly understands the value of life. She knows to study the Dharma and perform good deeds, which is why she had the blessings to encounter the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It is only because of her that we were able to be saved today."

The Fleeting Nature of Time

"When I look at her now, she still seems like a little child to me. Perhaps in the eyes of us elders, no matter how much our descendants grow, they will always appear as children—it is truly a wonderful thing! I want to tell my granddaughter: this short life passes by in the blink of an eye. Look at us elders; even those who lived the longest, it has already been years since we departed. Time truly flies! Do not waste your time. Please, study the Dharma diligently. You must cherish the blessings you have, for even the greatest store of blessings can be exhausted one day. You must understand the importance of gratitude and repaying kindness; this is the fundamental principle of being a human being. You must always remember this.

Right now, your grandmother is living very well here. When I first left the human world, I was absolutely terrified. I was all alone, wandering aimlessly, not knowing where to go. Later, I ended up in the ghost realm. I spent my days walking and walking, though I did not even know what I was doing. It was not until you asked Practitioner Su to save me that I suddenly saw a brilliant golden light. I put every ounce of my strength into rushing toward it. I heard someone calling my name, 'Feng Yulian! Feng Yulian!' The accent was unfamiliar, but I did not care—I just knew I had to go. When I saw that golden light, I knew it must be a place of goodness. And indeed, once I reached Practitioner Su, I never had to return to the life of the ghost realm again. Every day, I sit upon a lotus seat and listen to the Dharma. It is such a blissful existence!"

A New Clarity in the Dharma

"After listening to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks, I have realised so much. I finally understand that the life I lived was merely an illusion. Do you know that it was only after I reached the lotus seat that I gained this insight? Back in the ghost realm, I lived day after day in a daze; my mind felt as if it were useless—stagnant, unclear, and confused. But after listening to the Dharma, my mind has become clear. I think back on the things of the past, and I feel a deep sense of reflection. My life has come to an end, but it was worth it. I had such a wonderful granddaughter to lead me to the Western Land, and my heart is filled with gratitude. Thank you!

From this day forward, you do not need to worry about us anymore. We are living exceptionally well here. All of you must also remember to keep chanting Namo Amituofo and perform as many good deeds as you can. In the future, you will certainly receive great rewards, and we will all meet again here in the Western Land. Namo Amituofo."