A Journey Home to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Deng Qiuxing, the mother of Lay Practitioner Huang Cuihua, 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 life and her journey to the Western Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on September 15, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Deng Qiuxing speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have finally arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! I have seen the Buddha—I have truly seen the Buddha! I cannot stop crying, but these are tears of such immense joy. I am overwhelmed with happiness, and the tears just keep flowing. I am so deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for reaching out and guiding me here. It is only because of his compassion that I am able to be in this magnificent place. Thank you, thank you so much."

A Simple Life and the Truth of Suffering

"Looking back at my life, I did not do anything particularly bad. My days were spent in simplicity and quietude. Every day, I focused entirely on caring for my home and my children; my life was truly ordinary. In the past, my children were always very kind to me, and I trust that after I passed away, they have continued to live their lives well. There is nothing left for me to worry about or be attached to. However, I have come to realise that being human is inherently full of suffering. Whether one is wealthy or poor, everyone must endure the trials of life. Throughout my own lifetime, I have seen so much and experienced so many things that have shaped my understanding of this world."

"Think about it—even if one’s body never suffers from a major illness throughout an entire lifetime, it will eventually break down. It is a physical shell that cannot be used forever. When the final breath comes and one can no longer draw in air, one must simply let go. I was so used to this body that, at first, after I left it, I felt completely lost and disoriented. I kept wanting to return to my body, but no matter how hard I tried, I could not get back in. Later, my spirit remained drifting in that empty space, living the same repetitive existence day after day. In truth, I did not even know what I was doing, nor did I realise at that time that I was trapped in that intermediate space."

The Golden Light of Deliverance

"It was only when Practitioner Su called out my name that everything changed. Suddenly, a brilliant golden light appeared before me. I stood up immediately and began to walk forward. I did not know where I was going, but I simply followed that golden light. Very quickly, I arrived at the place where Practitioner Su was. That place is known as the Western Land of Dharma Nature. I saw so many lotus flowers there, and there were so many people present. I was given a lotus flower of my own to sit upon. I sat there, listening to Practitioner Su deliver Dharma talks every day, and I would join in the Dharma assemblies. Sometimes, memories of my past life would surface, but they felt so distant and blurred, like a dream that was fading away."

Awakening in the Buddha-Land

"The Buddha-light shines upon me every single day, and it was through this light that I slowly began to wake up. I finally understood that I was in the Buddha-land, and that the Buddha is truly here with us. I began to comprehend the profound teachings that Practitioner Su was sharing. At that moment, I could not help but weep, because I finally understood that I had passed away, and I clearly saw how the cycle of rebirth—samsara—really works. If Practitioner Su had not rescued me, I do not know how long I would have remained drifting in that dark, empty space, unable to find my way out."

A Final Message to My Children

"I am so incredibly grateful to Practitioner Su. My children must represent me in offering my deepest gratitude to him. I am also thankful to my children for saving me through their devotion. Now that I am gone, I hope they will continue to be diligent. They are getting older now, so they must practise chanting Namo Amituofo sincerely. When the time comes, I hope they will all return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss so we can see each other again. We can be a family once more, reunited in this perfect world. Namo Amituofo."