A Journey from Darkness to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Cai Qinan, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his journey after passing away. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on January 26, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Cai Qinan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Cai Qinan, your grandfather, who was once part of your family. Even now, in the human world, I remain your family, and you remain mine, though the veil between us has grown too thick for us to meet. My grandson still thinks of me and has helped me receive Chao Du—my heart is filled with such joy and gratitude.

The Darkness of the Afterlife

I am deeply grateful to the Buddha for saving me. Without His intervention, I would have been completely lost, unable to control my own spirit. After I passed, I felt immense, crushing forces pulling at me from every direction. They dragged me down, down into a dark, suffocating space. I do not know how long I lingered there in that void. It was only after I was finally rescued that I realised I had been trapped within the very dust and earth of this world. Do not be shocked by this; it was the result of my own past karma. I had to pay the price for what I had done, and that was the debt I was forced to settle.

The Weight of Karmic Debt

Now that I have reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, my mind is clear, and I can see things as they truly are. Looking back at the cycle of rebirth throughout my many lives, I realise that I have been everything, played every role, and lived every kind of life. Countless karmic creditors were waiting for me, and seeing them all, my heart is filled with deep, sincere repenting. I am so incredibly fortunate now. By following Namo Amituofo, I no longer have to suffer.

A Final Plea to My Descendants

To all of you, my experience is the most vivid example I can offer. You have seen what I went through after leaving the human world—a state of being that no one can control. While you are still alive, while you still possess this human body, you must strive to wake up! Everything you see before you right now, everything you cling to, you will not be able to take with you when you go. The constant, unpredictable shifts of life after life are far more terrifying than the suffering you feel in your hearts today. I truly hope you will follow the Buddha closely. In this limited life you have, please, do more to repay your karmic creditors.

The Beauty of the Western Pure Land

I did not understand these truths in the past, but now that I have seen them with my own eyes, I speak of them in the hope that you will take this matter seriously. You still have the chance to work for your own liberation—please, cherish it. I am so grateful for the Causal Conditions of this Chao Du, which allowed my spirit to return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is a world of such breathtaking beauty. Every part of my being is filled with the Buddha’s compassion.

I hope that more people will come to know the Buddha, reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and truly end the cycle of rebirth forever. Namo Amituofo. Cai Qinan, kneeling in gratitude."