A Grandmother's Joy in the Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Su Huang-hong, 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 to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on November 8, 2019.

Su Huang-hong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Su Huang-hong, the grandmother of Ah-E, whom you know as Lay Practitioner Su Yue-e. I know that my son has already spoken to you, and now it is my turn to share my story. When I look at my granddaughter now, I am filled with such joy! When Ah-E was a little girl, she was quite simple and quiet, but now, she has become increasingly dignified. Her face is full and radiant—it is the face of someone truly blessed. When I look at her, my heart just swells with happiness! The people here tell me that this is the face of a Buddha, and hearing that makes me even happier."

A Childhood of Kindness and Generosity

"Ah-E was such a sweet, obedient granddaughter! I watched her grow up, and I loved her dearly. Even as a small child, she was so straightforward and kind-hearted. She was good to everyone, so adorable, and she always knew how to look after others. Whenever her father gave her a little pocket money, she would use it to buy treats and share them with everyone. She never kept things just for herself to eat or use. Even from a young age, she had such a vast mind-capacity. We adults saw this in her, and we cherished her for it. Even her father loved her so much! We were a family with one heart.

Among all the grandchildren, she was just like the others—if there was food, she would eat her share, and if there was something delicious, everyone would scramble for it. But when there were many people, she would eat less. As long as her father and I were around, she never had to worry about going hungry. It is human nature to love good food, and Ah-E was no different. When I lived at her aunt's house, the food was good, and her aunt would always save the best portions and call for Ah-E to come and eat."

Faded Memories and the Reality of Death

"She was such a well-behaved child. When she slept with me at night, she would often kick off her blanket, and I would gently tuck her back in. Sometimes, if she slept in late, I would never wake her; I let her sleep because children need their rest to grow. I would only wake her if it was getting very late. These little details of our daily life—speaking of them now, it feels as if it happened only yesterday, but in truth, fifty or sixty years have already passed!

When I finally passed away, the scene was chaotic. People were crying, and everyone was rushing about, busy with the funeral arrangements. I watched them from the side, and I knew then that I had died. During the period of the seven-day memorial services, I was actually still at home. I did not go anywhere else; I just wandered between the homes of my daughter and my son. On the day of the funeral, I saw Ah-E, so obedient, bowing to me along with everyone else, seeing me—this old woman—off on my final journey. That was how my life in that world came to an end."

From the Ghost Realm to the Light

"I also know that it was Ah-E who brought me out of the ghost realm. That day, I was at home, sitting on a chair, when suddenly a brilliant light shone upon me. I was instantly transported into a Buddha hall. It was the hall where Ah-E chants the Buddha's name—it was truly wonderful! She even teaches others how to chant. I saw her giving a Dharma talk, and I joined the others to listen. It was quite something! I heard her speaking on the sutras of Namo Amituofo. I never imagined that my little Ah-E would grow up to teach the Dharma!

I knew of Namo Amituofo, of course. Namo Amituofo is very famous. When I was still alive, I had heard a master teach us to chant the name, and I had recited a few lines myself, but afterwards, I had forgotten all about it. I never expected that my own granddaughter would be doing the same work as that master, teaching everyone to chant and guiding them to the Western Pure Land. At that time, there were so many spirits listening to the talk—the hall was completely full! After the lesson, Ah-E told everyone to chant, saying she would lead us to the West. I chanted along with everyone else, and the light in front of us became brighter and brighter. It felt as if I were being drawn into it, entering into that golden light, and then I arrived here. Everything went so smoothly, without any obstacles! It must be because of the good deeds Ah-E has done through her chanting that I, her grandmother, have received such a good reward. I had heard that reaching the Western Pure Land was not an easy task at all."

A Family Reunited in Bliss

"This place is so bright, so luminous. It is a wonderful place. Everyone here is kind, and we live well, dress well, and eat well! Sometimes, I don't even need to eat, and I feel full. Namo Amituofo is truly skilled at providing for us; He is so compassionate! Whatever I wish to eat, the food simply appears, and just by looking at it, I feel satisfied—I am never hungry! I have met many of my old neighbours here, so I never feel lonely. It is a world of difference compared to the grey, dim days I spent as a spirit.

Ah-E! You have saved your grandfather, your grandmother, your father, your mother, and so many other relatives, bringing us all to the West. That is truly an incredible achievement! I feel so proud! I never thought that after being dead for so long, we would all be able to meet again. I had never heard of such a thing before. It is truly the protection of Namo Amituofo! Our Su family has produced a Buddha who has come to save us all! Grandmother did not love you in vain! Keep working hard for Namo Amituofo! He is so good to us, building this Western Pure Land for us to live in—I am truly grateful to Him! And I thank Namo Amituofo for loving Ah-E so much, for letting her become so successful. She is no less than any man—in fact, she is even more capable than most!

Ah-E! Please tell everyone that Grandmother is doing very well in the West. You must tell my grandchildren! Namo Amituofo."