A Journey from Samsara to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lei Dongfeng, 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 transition from the cycle of rebirth. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on April 29, 2022.

Lay Practitioner Lei Dongfeng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. As I gaze upon the magnificent, breathtaking scenery of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I find that I cannot bear to close my eyes for even a single second. It is truly, profoundly beautiful. I have such a strong desire to capture these images and show them to my loved ones still in the world, so they might realise that the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is a place of such incomparable wonder. It is a realm beyond anything one could ever imagine.

The Agony of Samsara and the Grace of Deliverance

I am filled with gratitude for the compassionate Practitioner Su. Every single day, he saves so many pitiful spirits from their suffering, helping them to finally leave their agony behind. Sitting here in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I can witness these spirits as they are saved. I see how deeply they have suffered, and seeing them makes me understand the true nature of being reincarnated even more clearly. I, too, was once just a spirit lost in that cycle of rebirth, no different from them. Now, I have been saved. Through the compassion of Practitioner Su, I was lifted from the darkness of the underworld. I no longer have to wander as a ghost; instead, I have been granted the chance to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to become a Buddha. I am so overjoyed, so profoundly grateful!

Regrets of a Lifetime and the Path to Awakening

During the time I spent listening to the Dharma while residing in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I must admit that I did not always fully understand every word. However, I listened with the utmost sincerity and focus because I knew the depth of my own suffering, and I desperately wanted to save myself. Often, while listening to the teachings, I would find myself weeping. After the tears had passed, I would simply continue to listen with renewed focus. The reason I wept was that I felt such deep regret for not having known Namo Amituofo while I was still alive in the world. I did not understand how to let go of the world, and now that my life has ended, I am filled with such remorse. In truth, I am not the only one who felt this way. Most of the people I knew during my life were exactly the same. We did not understand the importance of seeking to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. We treated the world as if it were real, clinging tightly to our loved ones and our children, passing our days in a cycle of attachment.

A Message to My Niece

I am so incredibly happy for my niece, Hulan. She has been able to encounter the true Buddha, and she truly cherishes this opportunity. It is wonderful, truly wonderful. I want to tell her: 'You have chosen the right path. Now, focus your heart entirely on chanting Namo Amituofo. Do not let your mind wander to unnecessary things. Dedicate your life to serving all beings, and I am certain that in this very lifetime, you will be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.'

I must also remind Hulan: please, always remember not to overthink. You must keep your heart pure. This is what your aunt has learned here in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. A pure heart is of the utmost importance; it will help you remain clear-headed and allow you to see through the illusions of this world with greater clarity.

I am doing very well now. Thank you for saving me. I will continue to chant Namo Amituofo diligently here in the Western Land. Please, do not forget to chant Namo Amituofo every single day, and take good care of yourself!'

Lei Dongfeng, with palms joined in reverence."