A Joyful Leap into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

Lay Practitioner Ding Xiudi, the grandmother-in-law of Lay Practitioner Ye Qianxian, sought spiritual deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. This interview, recorded by Chief Writer Shi Fajing on March 4, 2022, captures her reflections on her transition to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Lay Practitioner Ding Xiudi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. When I saw the great lotus flower before me, I was so filled with joy that I jumped right onto it. It has been such a long time since I felt this kind of freedom—I felt just like a child again, so incredibly happy!

I truly never imagined that I would have the opportunity to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This was a place I was completely unfamiliar with in my past life. It was only after listening to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su that I finally understood that such a place as the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss truly exists. It is a reality, and I can see the Buddha every single day here in the Western Land of Dharma Nature.

The Compassion of the Buddha

The Buddha is so compassionate. His face is the embodiment of compassion, and his heart is pure mercy. Every single day, he is diligently receiving beings, guiding them home. I find myself wishing, with all my heart, that I could be just as compassionate as the Buddha. When I was still alive in the human world, I did not understand these things. I was always preoccupied with protecting my own family, and that selfish heart of mine prevented me from ever being as compassionate as the Buddha. But that is alright; I am starting my learning process anew. That is why I listen to the Dharma talks so diligently—I want to learn to be as compassionate as the Buddha.

Today, I have made the firm decision to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. From the moment I was saved by Practitioner Su until now, not much time has passed at all. At first, I was not very clear-headed, but as I began to listen to the Dharma with sincerity and held a firm vow in my heart, I felt the Buddha-light shining upon me continuously. It was only through that light that I was able to wake up and become clear-headed so quickly.

The Truth of Samsara

Once I thoroughly saw the truth of this world and the reality of the cycle of rebirth, I knew it was time to leave. It is not that I am trying to escape this place; rather, I want to return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss so that I can practise even more diligently. I hope that my transformation can also influence my descendants. Nothing in this world is truly real. The only thing that matters is to cherish this human body while you have it, to study the Buddha’s teachings every day with sincerity, and to change yourself—to save others with the same compassion as the Buddha. That is the most important thing of all. Furthermore, every good deed you perform creates merit that belongs entirely to you; in the future, these merits will help you return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

A Message to My Descendants

I do not have many more words to say. I want to thank my granddaughter; she is such a good girl. She must be getting on in years now, isn't she? You must remember to chant Namo Amituofo diligently. Do not overthink things; thinking too much is of no use. Just focus on chanting Namo Amituofo. If you have the ability, do more good deeds and introduce the Buddha’s teachings to others, so that everyone may have the chance to encounter the Buddha.

Namo Amituofo."