A Mother's Journey from Regret to the Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Chen Yuegui, who sought deliverance 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 life and her transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on August 11, 2023.

Chen Yuegui speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chen Yuegui. I am filled with gratitude to Namo Amituofo, to Practitioner Su, and to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I, your disciple Yuegui, have finally arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

After Practitioner Su saved me, my heart has been filled with such profound shame and deep lamentation. When I was alive, I did not truly believe in the Buddha. My personality was not good—I was prone to seeing the negative in everything, my thoughts were often dark, and my life was not happy. It was filled with suffering. I lacked the blessings to truly embrace the Buddha’s teachings, and even though I had a daughter who practised Buddhism, I remained sceptical."

The Agony of Realisation

"Not long after I drew my final breath, I realised the gravity of my mistakes. I was filled with regret. I wept and wept, but no matter how much I cried, there was no one who could save me. I felt utterly abandoned in the darkness. Who would have expected that, shortly after, Practitioner Su would reach out and save me? My heart is overflowing with gratitude for Practitioner Su. Now, as I sit upon my lotus seat, I chant Namo Amituofo continuously. I do not dare to stop for even a moment. If only I had been this diligent while I was still alive, I would not have had to endure so much unnecessary suffering.

I am so thankful that Practitioner Su has helped my daughter, Lin Cuizhen. Seeing that she has changed for the better brings me such joy. However, her heart is still not fully open. I want to counsel my daughter: you must change your personality. I know her character better than anyone. Do not be like your mother, waiting until death to feel regret—by then, it is far too late. A stubborn or negative personality truly leads to illness. When you are young, you may not feel the weight of it, but as you age, the suffering becomes unbearable."

The Path of Compassion

"Now that you have the opportunity to practise here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you must cherish it deeply. You should be willing to do any task and learn every skill. You must strive to become someone like Practitioner Su, someone who can save the world. Only then will you not regret having come to this world in vain.

My daughter, I hope you will practise diligently. Only by changing yourself can you truly save your family, your friends, and the many others who are still suffering. You have also lived a life of great hardship. Now that you have this rare and precious causal condition, you must hold onto it tightly. I am so happy to have arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss; my entire being has been transformed. You must also be happy. Smile every day, be content, and be grateful. This is the true meaning of filial piety.

Namo Amituofo. Chen Yuegui bows in reverence."