A Journey from the Ancestral Tablet to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Xu Chen Limei, 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 ancestral memorial tablet to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on March 31, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Xu Chen Limei speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have finally arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I am so incredibly joyful! It is a feeling that words can barely capture. The Western Trinity is standing right before my eyes, and this is the very first time I have seen them so close. They are so full of dignity and grace! I am filled with such deep gratitude to Namo Amituofo, and I am eternally thankful to Practitioner Su for reaching out and guiding me to this magnificent place. I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined that such a day would come for me. I am just so happy!"

The Solitude of the Ancestral Tablet

"Before I came here, I was residing within the ancestral memorial tablet. I felt as though I was still sitting in my old home, and sometimes, I would get up and wander around the rooms. But that home felt so empty, as if I were the only one there. There was no one around to speak with me, yet I did not find it strange at all. I simply lived my life within that space, day after day. It was a very peculiar existence, looking back on it now.

"When it comes to the concept of death, I do not think I even realised that I had passed away. I did not feel that anything was out of the ordinary, nor did I often think of my family in the human world. I just drifted through time, day after day, living in a way that felt entirely natural to me, even though I was no longer among the living."

The Call of Golden Light

"Recently, while I was sitting on my chair at home, I suddenly heard someone calling my name. The voice spoke my full name, 'Xu Chen Limei.' I could hear it so clearly—much more clearly than I had ever heard anything in that state. The moment the sound reached me, I knew instantly that it was me they were calling. At that very moment, I saw a massive, brilliant expanse of golden light appear outside the door. I had never seen such a magnificent golden light in my entire existence; I had no idea what was happening, but it was breathtaking.

"The voice called my name again, 'Xu Chen Limei,' and this time it was even louder and more resonant. I quickly shouted out, 'I am here!' I was just preparing to walk towards the doorway when I was suddenly brought away from that place."

Awakening in the Western Land

"I was brought very quickly to a place of brilliant, radiant light. I did not know where I was, but I saw many lotus flowers blooming everywhere. I was confused as to how I had arrived there, so I did not dare to move around. I simply sat quietly upon a lotus flower. After a while, I began to listen to Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks, and I also heard the chanting of the Buddha-name. Slowly, I began to understand that this was a place where the Buddha resides, though I was not yet familiar with the Buddha or the nature of this realm.

"As my mind became clearer and more awake, I finally realised that I had indeed passed away. During my time here, I have watched many other spirits depart for the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss that Practitioner Su speaks of. They all looked so incredibly happy, and I found myself wondering if I should go too. When someone finally asked me if I wished to go, I made my decision right then and there. Now, I have truly arrived in the Western Land, and I am so happy! This place is far too beautiful to describe. Namo Amituofo is here, and there are so many Bodhisattvas present. My face has not stopped smiling since I arrived; I am just so full of joy.

"I want to thank Practitioner Su, and I must also thank my granddaughter. I have a sense that it was my granddaughter who helped me, which allowed Practitioner Su to guide me to the Western Land. I am so happy to have found liberation. Thank you to everyone, and thank you to all those with whom I have a karmic connection.

Namo Amituofo."