A Journey from Darkness to Eternal Light

This is a record of an interview with Lin Tang Shui-yu, the mother of Lay Practitioner Lin Li-chun, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on November 7, 2025.

Lin Tang Shui-yu speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lin Tang Shui-yu. I am following in the footsteps of Li-chun’s father to accept this interview. This Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly a remarkable place—a place where one can actually interview a spirit! I am a very happy spirit now. Well, 'spirit' sounds quite pleasant, doesn't it? Perhaps I should just call myself a ghost. In the past, I spent my days in the underworld, living in a world of grey and gloom. It was a place without hope, without colour. But then, a brilliant light appeared and guided me to this temple, and that single moment changed my entire destiny.

From the Grey Shadows to the Light

From that moment on, I was finally able to leave the grey, suffocating darkness of the underworld behind. I arrived at this radiant temple, and today, during the Dharma assembly, Practitioner Su guided me here. This is the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. The temple itself was already a wonderful place, but this—this is even better! It is so bright, so incredibly bright! I feel so light, so unburdened. I have suddenly become young again. I suppose it is the transformation of my heart and mind that has brought this about. It is truly a joyous thing, a miracle I never dared to dream of.

Li-chun, my dear daughter, thank you. Thank you for performing this Chao Du for your father and me. Such filial piety is something that money simply cannot buy. When I was alive, I was always so concerned with worldly wealth and material gain, but now, I realise that I do not need to seek anything at all. In this place, it seems that everything I could ever need is already here. I feel as though I am lacking nothing. Such a magnificent place—and your father is here, too. I believe we must have accumulated great blessings to be able to enter this realm. Who would have expected that the destination after death could be so vastly different from the life we left behind?

The Unmatched Value of Filial Piety

Li-chun, when I was alive, there were so many things I could not see through, so many things I could not let go of, and because of that, I suffered quite a bit. I truly believe that your profound filial piety—the way you have cared for us—is a testament to the truth that 'people act, and Heaven watches.' This virtue will surely allow you to live a life of peace and goodness. Please, you must take good care of your own body. Your health is of the utmost importance.

The Wisdom of Letting Go

When I was at the temple, listening to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks was the one thing I looked forward to most. It was only after listening to those teachings that I finally understood: all the suffering in my life was caused by my own heart and mind. Now, I am so happy. There is no need to dwell on the past anymore. I have let it all go. To live well in the present moment—that is what truly matters.

I want to express the gratitude that fills my heart: thank you, Namo Amituofo. Thank you, Practitioner Su. Thank you, Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Thank you, my daughter Li-chun. And thank you to everyone who has helped me along this path. Namo Amituofo."