A Journey from the Rice Shop to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Ms. Su Cong, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her life and her transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on November 11, 2019.

Venerable HaiZe: "I respectfully invite Ms. Su Cong, who has attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and is the aunt of Lay Practitioner Su Yue-e, to accept this interview."

Ms. Su Cong speaks: "Namo Amituofo. I am Auntie Cong! I have arrived. I am Ah-E's aunt; I watched her grow up from the time she was a little girl. My older brother had many children, and there was not always enough to eat at home, so Ah-E often came to my place. Her grandmother lived with me, and Ah-E visited frequently. I ran a rice and oil shop, and whenever there was something good to eat, her grandmother would always give it to Ah-E. As an elder, watching the grandchildren being born and growing up one by one—it was a life, let me tell you."

A Life of Hardship and an Unexpected Blessing

"You cannot decide how long you will live, and I never expected to reach one hundred years old. I suppose it was the grace of Heaven—knowing that if one lives, one must do good deeds to receive good rewards. That is why our Su family produced a descendant who could save lives, bringing us to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is such a wonderful place! The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is truly magnificent! I am so grateful to Ah-E. The life I live now is even better than when I was alive! Ah-E is truly filial; she even brought my mother—her grandmother—here. Since she was small, she was well-liked by everyone, and her grandmother cherished her dearly. It turns out that love was not wasted."

A Capable Woman of the Su Family

"She was such a bright young girl. Ah-E married a good husband and sold jewellery. She often travelled to Hong Kong to buy goods—jade, bracelets, all sorts of things. She could tell the difference between real and fake jade; it was truly remarkable! She rented my property to run her business, and she was so good at making money! She was very generous and took great care of her family. If she had good food, good clothes, or useful things, she would share them with others, and they were always high-quality items. When she gave things to people, she never expected anything in return, and she never made anyone feel pressured. It was all so natural. This kind of mind-capacity is why everyone loved to associate with her; it was not without reason. She was truly no less capable than any man—in fact, she was more capable than most men!"

The Peace of the Western Pure Land

"I remember hearing that she was obsessed with studying the Dharma, but looking at it now, she studied it very well. That is why she had the ability to save us and bring us to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I never knew that after death, one could arrive at such a wonderful place. It is fortunate that Ah-E was there. Ah-E, thank you! Otherwise, I would not have known where I would have ended up after I died. Since there is such a good place to come to, we must let our family members know: there is no need to fear death. With Ah-E here, she can lead everyone to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."

"Life here is better than when I was alive. Every day, I can hear the beautiful sound of chanting Namo Amituofo, and I also chant Namo Amituofo myself. In the past, when I went to your shop, you would tell me to chant Namo Amituofo and explain the Dharma and its principles to me. That is why I chant quite well, and my heart is very calm. I also listen to the Dharma talks. Everyone here can share a piece of wisdom. I suppose it is because this is a pure place, so people's hearts are very harmonious. Everything I see is good, everything I hear is good. No one speaks loudly or harshly, there are no disagreements, and no one is trying to force their will on others. You do not have to work to earn money to have food and shelter, and you never grow old."

A Youthful Existence

"I suffered so much in the world, living until I was so old before I passed away. It is a blessing that I could come to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss! How did I become young again after coming here? There is no illness or pain, and my body feels so much lighter. Not only can I walk, but I can even move as if I am flying—I walk faster than I did when I was young! It is truly wonderful! Ah-E, thank you! Namo Amituofo."