A Mother's Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Xu Li Xinmei, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. This account reflects upon her transition and her profound gratitude towards her family and the Centre. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on January 28, 2022.

Lay Practitioner Xu Li Xinmei speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Xu Li Xinmei, and I want you to know that I am doing very well here. I must express my deepest gratitude to all my family members and my children who have cared for me so deeply. You are all my most cherished and intimate kin. I have arrived at the Western Land of Dharma Nature to continue my practice. Although I have not been here for very long, my heart is truly set on reaching the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I have come to understand the nature of suffering—the suffering of life, the suffering of the cycle of rebirth, and the urgent need for liberation."

A Mother's Lingering Love and the Truth of Life

"My heart still holds onto the memories of my family, yet I realise that our karmic ties in this lifetime have reached their conclusion. I miss our life together so dearly. During those final days when I lay on my sickbed, my mind was constantly flooded with memories of our home life. I am so incredibly happy that we were able to be a family in this life. Having had you all by my side was more than enough for me. Thank you, my dear ones, for everything."

"I am filled with such joy, knowing that all the hardships of this lifetime were worth it. It was only after I began to study the Dharma that I truly understood the laws of karma and cause and effect. I look back at the negative karma I created in my past, and I feel a deep sense of remorse. I raised my children, and seeing each of you build your own families has brought me such peace. I am truly content, for my children have such kind and compassionate hearts."

Finding Peace Through the Buddha-Name

"This place is wonderful; my heart has found such profound stillness here. Every day, I chant the Buddha-name, and I can listen to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks. His words are so authentic and grounded; he teaches us how to truly transform ourselves. After listening to him, I have reflected deeply upon my own life. When I saw the actions of my past lives, my heart was truly heavy with sorrow. I realised that I had created so much negative karma, much of which I did not have the time to repay in this lifetime. My heart aches for those I harmed, and I cannot bear the thought of them continuing to suffer because of hatred. I am so deeply sorry to them. If the opportunity arises, I still wish to help them so that everyone may find liberation."

"I am so grateful for the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, which helps each of us to study the Dharma so that we may all be liberated. I saw the karma I had accumulated, and I know that I would have faced much more torment had it not been for the presence of Namo Amituofo here. The Chao Du performed at this centre helped me pass through the transition without excessive pain. I know that my children are heartbroken to see me go, but as your mother, I must tell you: everyone must face this day eventually. Now that you know I am doing well, you must also study the Dharma. Follow Yishan to this centre to learn about Namo Amituofo. It is because of this sacred Buddha-name that my mind is now so clear and lucid."

A Joyful Reunion in the Western Land

"I am so happy and so filled with gratitude. Thank you, Practitioner Su, and thank you to every single Venerable at the centre. My dear children, I have reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is so beautiful here, and I am waiting for you. I have even seen my husband and daughter, who have already passed on, and they have come to welcome me. At this very moment, I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude—I am so happy, and my tears are flowing with joy!"

"Namo Amituofo."