A Grandmother's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Zheng Qiaozhen, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition and her gratitude toward her granddaughter, Lay Practitioner Dai Shaoyan. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Faxin, on December 22, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Zheng Qiaozhen speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Ever since my spirit was guided to this Buddha-land, I have felt my consciousness becoming clearer and more lucid with each passing day. It is only now that I have gradually come to understand that my past physical body was merely a temporary manifestation of Causal Conditions. Once those conditions were exhausted, there was no way to return to that state. Before I understood these profound truths, even though I had already lost my human body and existed only as a spirit, I remained constantly preoccupied with the past—longing for the places I once knew and the people I missed so dearly.

The Loneliness of the Wandering Spirit

After becoming a spirit, I realised that no matter what I did or where I wished to go, no one could perceive my presence. It became impossible to reunite with my family in any meaningful way. Time and again, I was struck by the harsh reality of this isolation, and my heart was filled with a profound sense of loss. It was not until a brilliant light shone upon me that I was finally led away from the space where I had been wandering, trapped by my own attachments. I never expected that it would be the Buddha, in His infinite compassion, who would reach out to help me.

On several occasions, I listened to the Dharma talks and finally understood the nature of being reincarnated—the cycle of rebirth. My spirit began to weep, and those tears were unstoppable. As I looked upon the Buddha, my heart was moved more deeply than I can express. I know that I am safe now, residing within the Buddha’s domain, yet I am acutely aware that many of my karmic creditors from the past are still waiting for me. The harm I caused them in my previous life has left them unable to let go, and they seek retribution. Thinking of this, I cannot help but cry again. How I wish that my karmic creditors could also have the karmic affinity to listen to the Dharma and find peace.

A Vow for Deliverance

After much internal struggle and sincere repenting, I have made a firm vow: I will be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I intend to follow the Buddha and learn diligently, and most importantly, I hope that in the future, I will have the capacity to save all the sentient beings with whom I share a karmic affinity.

In my past life, I possessed a human body, but because I was so consumed by the busyness of daily existence, I never had the opportunity to truly know the Buddha. Now that I have been granted this precious opportunity, I owe a debt of gratitude to my granddaughter, Shaoyan.

A Message to My Granddaughter

Seeing the joy that fills Shaoyan’s face since she began following the Buddha brings me great happiness. Shaoyan, you are a person of great capability. I truly hope that you will use this wonderful Buddha’s teachings to genuinely help others. Please, carry the Dharma to even more distant places, so that more people may be able to leave suffering behind.

Maintain this compassionate heart. By helping yourself, you are also helping your family and the many sentient beings with whom you share a connection. This should be the goal for the second half of your life. I have full confidence that you can achieve this.

I am deeply grateful to the Buddha for His guidance, and to Practitioner Su, the Venerables, and the lay practitioners at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. As a disciple, I will cherish every opportunity to learn from the Buddha.

Respectfully, Zheng Qiaozhen, kneeling in gratitude. Namo Amituofo."