This is a record of an interview with Zhu Chunhua, the mother of Lay Practitioner Li Xiaoqing, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition from the depths of suffering to the light of the Buddha. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on October 8, 2021.
Zhu Chunhua speaks:
". Xiaoqing, my dear daughter, it is Mother. Although I have been residing here in the -Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, please know that I have always been watching over you and caring for your situation. I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for helping me receive Chao Du. If it were not for your devotion and your efforts, I would still be trapped in the hells, enduring unimaginable suffering. I want you to understand why I fell into such a state: whenever I encountered difficulties in life, I always looked at things through a lens of negativity. I harboured resentment and pessimistic thoughts. These small, negative accumulations, bit by bit, eventually led me to the of the hell realms."
The Weight of Negative Thoughts
"I am telling you this because I want you to learn from my mistakes. I know that your heart is heavy right now, and that you are facing a great deal of disapproval and harsh criticism from those around you. It is painful, I know. But you must try to shift your perspective and turn these external circumstances into something positive. I have seen everything that has happened to you, and my heart aches for you. I wish I could reach out and shield you from it all, but I cannot intervene directly. The only way I can help you now is to tell you the secret to escaping these dilemmas: you must learn to look at things with a good heart. You must see the potential for growth in every situation."
Turning Hardship into Growth
"Think about it—both the good and the bad are your conditions for growth. If you can truly adopt this mindset, you will find that the doubt and the agony in your heart will begin to dissolve. Xiaoqing, please, you must remember my words. I hope that you can let go of the heavy burdens in your heart and walk firmly on the path of the Buddha. I am not asking you to abandon your family; on the contrary, I want you to lead your family with even greater wisdom and care. This is your test in practising the Dharma—to see if you can navigate these challenges with grace. Do not let your personality become too rigid or strong. Instead, learn to embody the and wisdom of the Buddha."
A Mother's Final Blessing
"I was once so worried about you, and I found it impossible to let go of my attachment to our family. But when I heard your sincere mental note, your heartfelt wish for me to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I felt a profound sense of peace. Because of your sincerity, I have decided to depart for the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today. The other family members you have helped through your devotion to Chao Du are also doing very well. Since arriving in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, our lives are far better than anything we could have imagined in the human realm. Xiaoqing, you can finally set your heart at ease."
"I want you to take good care of yourself and our family. Listen often to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su, and do not allow yourself to become trapped in your own mind. I truly hope that everything goes well for you. Keep chanting Namo Amituofo in your heart, and do not let your focus waver. Please, on my behalf, thank Practitioner Su. It is only through her guidance and the merit of this centre that I have been freed from the pains of my past and the suffering of my future. Xiaoqing, the Western Land is truly magnificent. I will be waiting for you there. Namo Amituofo."
