A Journey Home to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Chen Wenli, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition and his message to his grandson, Lay Practitioner Huang Zhisheng. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on December 15, 2023.

Chen Wenli speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to the compassionate Buddha, and I am profoundly grateful to Practitioner Su for granting me this precious opportunity to behold the Buddha. Right now, I am dressed in the white robes of a lay practitioner, following closely by the Buddha’s side to learn the Dharma.

First, I must express my heartfelt gratitude to Practitioner Su. Beyond the immense grace of guiding me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I am also thankful to Practitioner Su for providing my grandson, Zhisheng, with the opportunity to hear the Great Dharma and to propagate it to the world.

The Path to Letting Go

While in the Buddha-land, I listened to the sutras and witnessed the noble work of Practitioner Su. Upon seeing the debts I owed to my karmic creditors, I realised the weight of my past actions. It was then that I decided to truly let go of everything and commit myself to rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Now that I reside in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I feel an incredible sense of lightness. I feel as though I have become young again. When I join in the chanting of the Buddha-name, the sound is incredibly resonant and powerful. My spirit is still me, yet I possess a sense of coolness and clarity that I never knew before. I am so grateful to the Buddha. I have pressed my palms together and spoken to the Buddha, expressing my sincere wish to follow Him forever.

A Heart Softened by the Dharma

I am no longer the stubborn, rigid person I once was. It was the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings that softened my heart. I truly hope that this Great Dharma can be shared with more people, so they may realise that the Buddha is the only one who can truly save us.

I have observed how everyone changes when their spiritual obstacles manifest—I was no different. I saw how my own body and my entire life transformed through this process. Thankfully, all of that is behind me now. I have finally returned to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

A Message to My Grandson

That I am able to follow the Buddha today is also thanks to my grandson, Zhisheng. Zhisheng, seeing you propagate the Great Dharma and perform such virtuous deeds fills my heart with immense joy. You have always been a child with a very kind heart, and now that you are doing such meaningful work, I am truly happy for you. However, you must remember to practise diligently yourself. Strive to be a person who can positively influence others.

Keep your heart constantly immersed in the Buddha-name. The hardships and experiences you face in life are all there to help you grow. When you are doing the right thing, you must persist with unwavering determination.

Life is very short, and it passes by in the blink of an eye. You must seize this opportunity. I believe in you, and I know you will be able to help many, many people.

With palms pressed together, Chen Wenli."