A Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with the great-grandmother of Wang Chunming, 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 transition from the celestial realms to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on October 6, 2023.

The Great-Grandmother of Wang Chunming speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have truly arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to reach this magnificent place. I am so overcome with emotion that I find myself kneeling before the Buddha, repeatedly bowing in gratitude for His boundless grace. I am eternally grateful to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su for granting me the chance to enter this Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Bitterness of the Human Realm

This world of ours is truly filled with suffering. Every single person is living through painful days, yet they remain unaware, not knowing that they should seek a way to escape this cycle. I was the same in my time. I only knew how to get through the days, how to care for my children, and how to look after my family. I did not understand the Dharma, nor did I know how to help myself find a path to liberation.

I was fortunate enough to have the blessings to ascend to the celestial realms. In my life, I never committed any evil deeds, and my heart remained simple and pure; I never harboured malicious thoughts toward others. It was the residual blessings from my past practices that allowed me to attain such a reward.

A Celestial Perspective

While residing in the celestial realms, I could look down upon the human world, though I did not do so often. Watching the world would stir my heart, for I knew all too well how truly bitter and exhausting it is to be a human being.

For a long time, I had been observing Practitioner Su as he performed the work of delivering sentient beings. Even celestial deities and beings from the heavens were being saved by his compassion. Although we spirits had ascended to the celestial realms, we were unable to rely on our own efforts to chant Namo Amituofo and be reborn in the Western Pure Land. We still required the help of someone as compassionate and dedicated as Practitioner Su to have any hope of rebirth in the Western Land.

The Golden Light of Salvation

During my time in the celestial realms, I dared not even dream that I would have the chance to be delivered by Practitioner Su to the West. So, I would simply sit quietly. Sometimes, when I saw Practitioner Su performing the deliverance, I would join in and chant Namo Amituofo along with him.

Not long ago, I suddenly saw a vast expanse of golden light before me. A powerful force pushed me forward, and before I knew it, I had arrived here at the place Practitioner Su calls the Western Land of Dharma Nature. I had no idea what was happening at the time. It was only later that I understood: it was my descendant in the human world who had performed the Chao Du for me, which gave me the opportunity to be saved by Practitioner Su.

I want to thank my great-granddaughter who performed this deliverance for me. However, I can see that her heart is filled with suffering. Please, do not suffer so much. All of those worldly concerns are illusions. Once you have shed this physical body, you will realise that everything you clung to was merely a deception. By then, it will truly be too late, for you will no longer have a body to cherish. Please, practise the Dharma diligently and learn to let go of everything!

Namo Amituofo."