A Journey Home to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Chen Jiezhen, who sought Chao Du 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 spiritual journey and her eventual liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 27, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Chen Jiezhen speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chen Jiezhen, and right now, my face is beaming with joy. No matter where I look, I see the magnificent, towering presence of Namo Amituofo. When my spirit finally arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I fell to my knees, weeping in gratitude to the Buddha. My spirit felt such profound peace; I knew that I had been waiting for an eternity to return to this place."

The Weight of Past Lives

"I am deeply grateful to my grandson for helping me receive Chao Du, which allowed my spirit to ascend to the Dharma-Nature Land at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Since arriving at the Dharma-Nature Land, I have gained so many new realisations. I saw visions of my many lives spent in the cycle of reincarnation, and I realised how many beings I had harmed throughout those lifetimes. There were those I had oppressed, those I had framed, and even those I had killed. There were so many, so many debts I had yet to repay.

"Before this, I was often consumed by my own suffering, trapped within the cycle of my own pain. But now, seeing the beings I had harmed in the past, I finally understood that the suffering I endured was nothing compared to what I had inflicted upon them. It was a humbling and heart-wrenching revelation."

The Power of Repentance and Deliverance

"While in the Dharma-Nature Land, I remained on my knees, begging the Buddha to help the beings I had harmed leave their suffering behind. As I prayed with all my heart, I saw that many of these beings were truly moved by my sincerity. They entered the memorial tablets I had set up for them. As the magnificent Buddha-light of the Dharma assembly descended to lead them, they were finally able to depart. I am so incredibly grateful for the Chao Du ceremonies held at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. In the Dharma-Nature Land, I truly witnessed the immense, towering Buddha leading infinite suffering beings to liberation. My heart was overwhelmed with emotion.

"Only after witnessing the Buddha's compassion did I truly develop the sincere vow to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am so grateful to Practitioner Su for his compassion in leading me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to see the Buddha, allowing me to be with the Buddha at every single moment. I am now in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I hope my family will be happy for me when they hear this news."

A Final Message to Descendants

"I know that everyone is very busy with the demands of daily life, but I hope you can all take the time to reflect deeply. You must focus on doing things that you can take with you when you eventually depart this world. Do more good deeds and practise Generosity. If the Causal Conditions are ripe, follow the Buddha closely and let your heart find true peace. Do not fight, do not snatch, and do not compete; just live your lives in a steady, honest, and grounded way.

"Finally, I wish to express my gratitude once more to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. I hope that all my descendants will also have the good Causal Conditions to connect with the Buddha. Chen Jiezhen bows in gratitude."

Namo Amituofo.