A Grandmother's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Wang Shudai, the grandmother of Lay Practitioner Chen Ruolin. Having sought deliverance through the compassionate Chao Du performed at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, she now resides in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. This account reflects upon her transition from the ghost realm to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. The interview was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on May 13, 2022.

Wang Shudai speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. My name is Wang Shudai, and my granddaughter is Chen Ruolin. She is such a sweet, obedient girl. If she had not helped me by arranging for my Chao Du, I would never have been able to reach this place. Just a short while ago, Practitioner Su guided me, along with sixty prison guards, into this realm. This place is called the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I never imagined that such a magnificent place could exist! How did my granddaughter develop such deep Buddhist affinity to find Practitioner Su and bring me here?"

From the Ghost Realm to the Golden Light

"I was originally wandering aimlessly through the ghost realm, just drifting along. My days there were neither particularly good nor particularly bad—just a monotonous, hollow existence. Then, one day, a brilliant golden light suddenly shone upon me. It was like magic; in an instant, I was transported from one place to another. I did not even understand where I was at first. Suddenly, I found myself in a place of such brilliant radiance. It was clearly a wonderful thing, so I did not dare to ask questions or overthink it. I was terrified that such a blessing might vanish in the blink of an eye."

A Sanctuary of Peace

"Later, I realised that I could hear sounds and see my surroundings clearly. I finally understood that this place is called the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The place where I am staying right now is the Western Land of Dharma Nature within the temple. This is such a popular, vibrant place! Every day, I watch Practitioner Su strike that great chime bowl, guiding so many beings into this realm. It is such a lively scene—all kinds of beings are arriving. Yet, despite its vastness, it is incredibly quiet and serene. It has been such a long time since I have enjoyed such a peaceful, secure life!"

Repaying Karmic Debts

"At the temple, I listen to every single one of Practitioner Su’s teachings. During the Dharma assemblies, I can see everything clearly. When my sweet granddaughter first helped me with the Chao Du, I saw my karmic creditors approaching, looking fierce and ready to settle their scores with me. But after they were bathed in the Buddha-light, they did not look fierce at all anymore. It was such a relief! Practitioner Su settled us safely in the Western Land of Dharma Nature; otherwise, I would have been beaten to a pulp by them. But then again, I suppose I owed them that debt from my past lives. I have learned so many Buddhist terms here, like 'my karmic creditors from my past lives, parents, and teachers.' It is truly fortunate that the temple's Chao Du is so precise. I watched as those karmic creditors also entered the golden light and were saved. In a way, that helped me clear away some of my own negative karma."

A Heartfelt Gratitude

"Now that I am here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I assume this is where I will be staying from now on? That would be absolutely wonderful! I am overjoyed beyond words. I have never seen a place so bright and so beautiful. I must have burned incense for many lifetimes to have the good fortune to arrive here! My sweet granddaughter, as your grandmother, I have nothing material to offer you in return for your kindness. I can only offer you my heartfelt thanks. You are truly a filial child! Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the compassionate Namo Amituofo and to the incredibly bold Practitioner Su. He is truly an extraordinary practitioner. To be able to achieve such a state is a sign of your own immense karmic fortune in meeting him. You must practise diligently and chant Namo Amituofo. Being a human is so full of suffering! Here in the Western Land, I can see that there will be no more suffering. Please, keep chanting Namo Amituofo. Namo Amituofo."