This is a record of an interview with Wu Qiuxiang, the grandmother of Lay Practitioner Guo Pinling, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition from the heavenly realms to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on March 29, 2024.
Lay Practitioner Wu Qiuxiang speaks:
". I am so deeply grateful to the Buddha, and I am profoundly thankful to all those who have helped me on this path. Today, I make the sincere vow to follow the Buddha and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."
Witnessing the of the Buddha-Land
"Ever since I arrived at this sacred Buddha-land and beheld the Buddha, I have remained in a state of humble reverence, kneeling to listen to the talks given by Practitioner Su. I have witnessed with my own eyes how this place truly assists all beings. Time and time again, I have seen the scenes of suffering beings being delivered from their agony. My heart is truly moved by this compassion. Seeing so many beings enduring such immense suffering, there were many moments when I simply could not hold back my tears. It is a sight that pierces the heart.
I often wondered what I could possibly do to help these beings. I felt so small, so helpless in the face of such vast suffering. So, I began to chant Namo Amituofo with the utmost sincerity, hoping that in some small way, this might contribute to their relief and bring them some measure of peace."
The Weight of Karmic Debt
"While here in this Buddha-land, I came to realise that I still carried the weight of debts I had not yet repaid. Many of my were waiting for me, and I felt the heavy burden of my past actions. I felt a deep, profound sense of repentance. I was lost, not knowing what I could possibly do to settle these accounts. It was only later that I understood: the only way to truly resolve these debts is to first reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, where I can study diligently under the Buddha. Only then will I have the capacity to return and settle these karmic debts. Once I saw this truth clearly, I knew I had to hasten my journey to the Western Pure Land.
I know that my departure is difficult for my family, and they feel a deep sense of loss. But in this life, there is always a time for parting. Now, my granddaughter has helped send me to the Western Pure Land. I feel younger, more vibrant, and full of life. I am so incredibly grateful to the Buddha for this transformation."
The Truth of Samsara
"Although I was originally enjoying heavenly in the heavenly realms, I knew that after a few hundred years, I would inevitably fall back into the cycle of rebirth. It was only after arriving at this Buddha-land that I truly understood what samsara is. Samsara means you have no way of knowing what you will become in the future, or where you will end up. Every single person is walking this path, whether they realise it or not. To my children and grandchildren, I hope with all my heart that you will not continue to walk the path of samsara. The suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death—the suffering of the cycle of rebirth—is simply too great! It is unbearable.
I hope that, beyond doing good deeds, you will all chant Namo Amituofo more often. Keep the Buddha in your hearts. If you do this, we will surely be reunited in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in the future." (She smiles gently).
