This is a record of an interview with Lu Xiulan, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the . This account reflects upon the massive fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong, which occurred on December 12, 2025. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning.
Lu Xiulan speaks:
"Hahaha! Even though I am forty years old, my voice is still as strong as ever. You see, I am a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. I know how to maintain and nourish my body. Just look at my build—you can tell my health was quite good. I was round and sturdy, not thin or frail. Those who understand these things know that this is a sign of having good .
On the day of the incident, I quickly organised an escape team. When I heard the alarm sounding, I—the usual enthusiastic community 'auntie'—immediately opened my phone and tapped away. I used our daily group chat to send a message to everyone: 'There is a fire! Run immediately, hurry!' Fortunately, we had installed our own Wi-Fi router. I didn't even know what to bring, so I just grabbed a water bottle and headed out. Once I stepped out, I saw my neighbours from the group coming out one after another. We believed that with unity, we could surely escape alive. Who would have thought that a group I managed just for fun would prove so vital in such a critical moment? So, really, don't just talk about efficiency or return on investment in everything you do. Sometimes, things you think are useless might just save your life when you least expect it. Hahaha."
The Haidilao Cheer
"I led a group of eight people, and we kept running upwards because the fire below felt incredibly intense. We encouraged one another, hoping that the fierce flames and the thick, black smoke would not break our confidence. 'Everyone, don't be afraid! Once we get out, we will all go eat Haidilao!' we shouted. We kept running while chanting our slogan, 'Haidilao! Victory!' It might sound a bit ridiculous, but it was certainly better than trembling in fear. Plus, our group was already close-knit, so we didn't mind making a fool of ourselves in front of each other.
We pushed our way up several floors. Along the way, we could hear piercing screams and cries. There was a little girl crying out, 'Mommy!' There were elderly people who couldn't move quickly and were instantly consumed by the flames that surged up, turning them into pillars of fire. Our group of eight was very lucky; no one fell behind. But eventually, the path ahead was blocked by a collapsed ceiling. Fire was everywhere—in front, behind, and all around us. We didn't want to die screaming, so we formed a circle and gripped each other's hands tightly. I don't know what the others were saying, but I kept repeating, 'Don't be afraid!' And just like that, the eight of us were scorched black together."
A Mother's Heart
"After I died, I drifted through the sea of fire. Looking at my charred body, I understood that I had become a spirit. But at least I didn't die alone. Actually, the reason I started that community group was because I was afraid of being lonely. My son is only eight years old; I didn't give birth to him until I was thirty-two. His father had abandoned us, so I used my ability to earn a good living to raise him on my own. I didn't want to focus my entire life solely on my son, as that wouldn't be healthy for either of us. While I certainly cared deeply about his education, I wanted to have my own social circle.
I opened a TCM clinic right near Wang Fuk Court. I tried my best to serve every patient who came through my doors. Being able to help people as a healer is a precious blessing, so I cherished every opportunity to serve my patients."
The Golden Light of Deliverance
"That day, I closed the clinic early because I wanted to go home and prepare a delicious dinner for my son. The dish was chicken curry. Today was his graduation day, and I wanted to give him a special meal. Even though his father wasn't around and didn't want this family, I, as his mother, would always do my best to give him what he deserved. Even in that sea of fire, I kept shouting, 'Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid!' I only realised later that when I shouted those words before I died, I was telling myself not to be afraid, but I was also saying to my child, who was still at school, 'Son, don't be afraid!'
Suddenly, a golden light illuminated the sea of fire. Wherever the golden light touched, the fire dissipated, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that everything the light swept over turned into golden light. After being touched by that light, I arrived in a world filled with the fragrance of lotus flowers. I now know that this is the Western -Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. I have been listening to the sutras on a lotus seat for several days now. I have also been chanting '' and often look at the compassionate Namo Amituofo, smiling just as the Buddha does. Chanting Buddha's name has helped me slowly forget the events of the past. I am so grateful for the Buddha-light and the Buddha-name. I always felt that people suffer so much because of their past, but who can truly forget the past? Perhaps it is only possible here in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, where I can bathe in the Buddha-light, hear the Buddha-name, and listen to Practitioner Su's lectures every day. Hahaha.
Thank you, Namo Amituofo. Thank you, Practitioner Su. Thank you to everyone at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
I hope my son can come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia to find me. Mommy has so many things she wants to tell you. Most importantly, I hope you can come to study Buddhism. I know you want to be a TCM doctor like Mommy and help many people, but since coming here, I have realised that Namo Amituofo can not only heal our bodies but also save our souls and lead us to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. When you see this letter, remember to come to Australia to find Mommy. If you don't know how to get here, just call us first.
Mommy is now in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, chanting 'Namo Amituofo' every day. I am very happy and content, and I hope everyone can be as happy as I am now.
