A Life of Redemption: The Journey of Yu Leiming

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Lay Practitioner Yu Leiming, who sought Chao Du 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 life and his karmic journey. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Jing, on September 29, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Yu Leiming speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. First, I must express my deepest gratitude to the compassionate Practitioner Su for saving my spirit. I am also profoundly thankful to everyone who assisted in my deliverance.

Before this, I had absolutely no knowledge of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I had assumed that after leaving the Earth, I would simply be drifting among the stars, watching over my beloved 'furry children'—my pets. But the reality was far different. In the final moments of my life, my spirit had already begun to drift into a specific 'space.' This term, 'space,' is something I learned here from Practitioner Su, and it is truly a fascinating concept. My spirit had entered the dimension where I kept my most cherished animals. I was there with them, holding them, feeding them, and cleaning up their environment, lost in that attachment.

The Warmth of Buddha-light

When my spirit was finally rescued from that space by Practitioner Su, I felt completely disoriented. It was not a lack of consciousness in the traditional sense, but rather a profound confusion—I simply did not know what I was doing or where I was. Then, the warm, radiant Buddha-light began to shine upon me every single day. My mind was a complete blank regarding my past. I could only sit quietly, thinking of nothing at all. It was only after days of continuous purification that I began to feel a sense of clarity returning to me.

I listened to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. At first, I did not fully understand them, but I continued to listen. I do not know how much time passed in that state, but eventually, my spirit began to see clearly what had actually happened to me throughout my existence.

The Weight of Karmic Debt

I saw my life—the entirety of it—dedicated to these animals. It was truly my whole life. But I also saw my past. I saw how many dogs I had killed and how much dog meat I had sold in a previous life. Before I died in that lifetime, I had already repenting, because my body was riddled with illness—a direct result of the killing karma I had created. I saw the countless spirits of those dogs waiting for me, seeking revenge. At that time, I had apologised incessantly to every dog I had killed, swearing that I owed them a debt and that I would certainly repay it.

In this lifetime, I truly came to repay that debt. Every stray dog I rescued was likely one of those I had harmed in the past. I returned the debt to them by becoming their savior. Everyone around me must have thought I had lost my mind; suddenly, I wanted nothing else but to care for these stray cats and dogs. Now, I can only say that the laws of karma and cause and effect are absolutely real. No one loves animals so intensely without a reason, and no one abandons a promising future for the sake of animals without a cause. It all stems from the seeds sown in the past, resulting in the fruits I harvested in this life.

A Heartfelt Regret

I do not know if those who knew me would recognise me if they heard me say these things. But this is what I have personally experienced and witnessed here with Practitioner Su. It was this specific past that led me to live such a unique life.

I wonder if anyone will ask me if I have any regrets. I do have regrets. My regret is that I did not have the ability to save all of these furry children. I spent my entire life accompanying them, and now that I am gone, they are still suffering. Speaking of this, I cannot help but cry. Looking at them, my heart truly aches, because I really did care for them as if they were my own children. If only they could all come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, how wonderful that would be! I am now a being without a physical body, and I am so far away from the Earth. I can see you all, but I cannot touch you.

A Final Plea for Deliverance

I want to thank everyone who appeared in my life. Thank you for your tolerance and your support. To my father and mother, whom I have wronged the most, please forgive my lack of filial piety. And thank you to my aunt, who has accompanied me all along and is still dedicating her life to caring for my furry children.

I truly hope that these animals can hear the words 'Namo Amituofo.' Even if they cannot become a Buddha in this lifetime, at least they will not have to be reincarnated as dogs again. Only in this way can they truly be helped to attain liberation.

Today, I have decided to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I believe this is what everyone who helped me wishes to see, and I do not want to let anyone down again. I am doing very well now, and I feel young again. I hope my family and all those who care about me can set their hearts at ease.

Once again, I thank the compassionate Practitioner Su for helping me find my true home amidst the confusion of the cycle of rebirth. I am chanting Namo Amituofo and performing prostrations with the most sincere heart, expressing the overflowing gratitude within me."