A Hero's Final Call: Rebirth in the Western Pure Land
An Interview with the Spirit of Firefighter Wan Huiwen
Recorded on November 11, 2022
This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Wan Huiwen, a firefighter who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on November 11, 2022.
Wan Huiwen speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Wan Huiwen. I want to tell everyone who has been concerned about me that I am doing very well. Please, do not worry about me anymore.
Today, I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo is here; this is the world of the Buddha. It is filled with boundless, brilliant light—it is absolutely magnificent. I am here now, chanting Namo Amituofo, and I am truly at peace.
A Debt of Gratitude to Practitioner Su
First, I must express my deepest gratitude to the benefactor, Practitioner Li. I am not entirely sure how I should address her, so I will simply call her Practitioner Li. Thank you for providing my name to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and for your generosity in sponsoring my Chao Du. At that time, my spirit had already entered the first level of the Heavenly Realm, but I was not yet fully conscious or clear-headed. Suddenly, I heard someone calling my name, 'Wan Huiwen.' I now know that it was Practitioner Su. When Practitioner Su called out to me, I was quickly enveloped in a brilliant golden light, and in an instant, I found myself sitting upon a lotus flower in the here at the Centre. The entire process was so swift, almost like a dream—it is truly hard to imagine.
As I sat upon that lotus, I slowly calmed my mind. I realised that I had arrived in a place of absolute purity. After listening to the , I became clearer and more awake, and eventually, I was able to see the Buddha. I am so grateful to Practitioner Su for guiding me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today. I never expected that I could possess such . I am filled with gratitude. Now, I have finally taken off that heavy protective gear I wore in life, and I have changed into a white robe. I told myself: 'It is over. It is time for a new beginning.'
A Message to My Parents
I am so grateful to my parents. Thank you for raising me. But I have been an unfilial son. I have caused you so much sorrow, forcing you to endure the pain of the 'white-haired person sending off the black-haired person.' During my life, I always hoped that you would not worry about me, but I know that you were always concerned for my safety. Even when I told you I was fine, I know you could never truly set your hearts at ease. I want to say to you both: 'I cherish the life you gave me, and I cherish every life that exists in this world. I used the life you gave me to save many others. Even though I made the ultimate sacrifice, it was worth it. I hope you can find it in your hearts to let go of your grief.'
A Final Promise to My Wife
My wife is still at home waiting for me. I know how devastated she must have been when she received the news. I hope she can be brave and strong; I believe she has the strength to do so. I want to say to my wife: 'I have brought my love for you with me to the Western Land, and I have transformed it into , keeping it deep within my heart. Although I am no longer by your side, I hope you will not feel lonely. I hope you will lead our parents in learning the Dharma. When you miss me, chant Namo Amituofo. Even when you are not thinking of me, chant Namo Amituofo. Let the Buddha always be with you, always in your heart. We will meet again in the Western Land. I will be waiting for you.'
The True Meaning of Saving Lives
To my brothers in the fire service: I never imagined that I, who always rushed to the front lines, would be the first to leave. I still wanted to fight alongside all of you, but that is no longer possible. I feel such guilt. I am sorry. My spirit will always be with you.
Being a firefighter was the work I loved most. In my life, saving others always came first; there was nothing more important than that. For eleven full years, no matter how exhausted I was, I never gave up. I was always prepared to sacrifice my own life at any moment. No matter how long my life was destined to be, as long as I had the ability, I would have continued to do this work. I simply never expected that my life would end at thirty.
I have followed the path that destiny arranged for me, and I am so grateful that I had the Causal Conditions to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Finally, I want to tell everyone around me: in the past, I saved human lives, but every human life eventually comes to an end. Only the spirit within us is truly immortal—this is what I know now. That is why I now wish to save everyone's spirit. I hope that everyone will chant Namo Amituofo and learn the Dharma so that we may meet again in the Western Land, where the spirit lives forever.
Wan Huiwen, with respectful palms. Namo Amituofo."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library