A Journey from Suffering to the Western Pure Land

Lay Practitioner Chen Fengjiao, the mother of Lay Practitioner Wu Yanqin, sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia after her passing. This interview, recorded by Chief Writer Shi Fajing on January 26, 2024, documents her transition from the profound suffering of the cycle of rebirth to the light of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, where she now resides.

Lay Practitioner Chen Fengjiao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo! Thank you, Practitioner Su! Namo Amituofo! Thank you, Practitioner Su! I have been chanting, bowing, and weeping continuously. I am truly filled with gratitude. It is only because of the help of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su that I finally had the opportunity to leave my suffering behind.

I suffered so deeply. Having lived to this age, I found it impossible to live a proper life. My body was constantly tormented in this world; it was truly agonising. I know that many people are just like me, but I simply could not let go of my attachments, and I did not want to continue living such a life. Furthermore, I kept hearing voices speaking to me. They were always urging me to think negative thoughts, and I followed everything they said. Whatever they wanted me to think or do, I obeyed. Now, looking back at my past, I realise that my entire being was under their control. It was my karmic creditors who would not let me go; they began to target me the moment I fell ill."

The Weight of Past Retribution

"In the past, I was ignorant. I did not know that I had created so much negative karma in my previous lives. When Practitioner Su rescued me, I could not stop crying. I had been through so much torment.

When I passed away, the moment my breath ceased, my spirit was dragged out. My karmic creditors hated me to the core; they refused to let me go. They insisted that I go to the hells to face the judgment of King Yama, and I was indeed dragged down there. Seeing King Yama, I was terrified. I did not know what sins I had committed. Only when I saw the debts I had yet to repay did I realise that I had harmed so many people. No one wanted to forgive me, which is why I suffered so much throughout my life."

The Compassion of Namo Amituofo

"When Practitioner Su rescued me, I kept wondering if I was dreaming. Only later did I confirm that it was real—I had truly been saved. At that time, I did not understand Namo Amituofo. I sat on my lotus seat every day, listening to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks, and I often saw the magnificent, towering form of Namo Amituofo right there. It was then that I finally understood how truly great and compassionate Namo Amituofo is.

I hope that all my children and grandchildren will follow Namo Amituofo. Without Namo Amituofo, we are all destined to suffer. Only by following Namo Amituofo can we attain liberation and leave all suffering behind.

With deepest reverence, Chen Fengjiao."