A Journey Home to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zheng Fengluan, the great-aunt of Lay Practitioner Wang Yaqi. She sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her life and her transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on August 9, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Zheng Fengluan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I never truly imagined that there would come a day when I could follow the Buddha back to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. The moment I beheld the Buddha, I was moved beyond words, my heart completely overwhelmed with gratitude.

As I was being led to the Buddha-land, I felt such profound thankfulness for the way the Buddha continuously helped me with my purification. He allowed me to find true peace of mind, granting me a place where I could finally belong—a true home. This sense of absolute peace is something I have longed for, and now, at last, it has become a reality."

The Bitterness of a Lifetime

"The sweetness and the bitterness of the life I experienced have been etched into my very bones for as long as I can remember. Having lived through such turbulent times, my life was defined by suffering. I had to swallow that bitterness deep into my belly just to survive, day after day.

Now, it is so difficult to finally settle my heart and find stillness. I do not wish to look back at how painful the past truly was. Having arrived here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I finally understand that everything I experienced in the past was merely a series of grand dramas. It was all the suffering inherent within the cycle of reincarnation."

Awakening to the Laws of Karma

"In the past, I took my life far too seriously. I clung to things so tightly, and I fought so hard to obtain what I desired, never realising that all of these actions were simply creating more karma. Once I understood these truths, I felt a deep sense of repenting. I could see many of my karmic creditors waiting for me in the space around me.

Regarding the life I lived, I carried so much resentment. Now, I finally realise that everything was governed by the laws of karma and cause and effect. My experiences in this lifetime were, in essence, a way to repay my debts. I had not repaid enough, and the debts were far from settled."

A Debt of Gratitude

"I am deeply grateful for the Causal Conditions that allowed me to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I am so thankful to the lady who helped me with my Chao Du. Although we did not know each other in this lifetime, the connection from the past—where I once introduced you to the Buddha’s teachings—enabled me to receive your help with this deliverance today.

In this life, I have no more attachments. Now, my only path is to follow Namo Amituofo and diligently practise. If there is an opportunity in the future to be of service, I will certainly do my best to contribute, to repay my own past debts, and to help other beings as well.

I am grateful for the Buddha-land that the Buddha has created, and I am grateful for the guidance of Practitioner Su. I am grateful for everything."

Namo Amituofo. With palms joined, Zheng Fengluan."