A Mother's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Du Meihao, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land and is preparing for her final rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her journey from the depths of suffering to the clarity of the Dharma. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on September 30, 2022.

Du Meihao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Before I arrived at the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I had the great fortune to listen to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks. Through those teachings, I began to understand that the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is a place of incomparable beauty and peace. I also spent time reading the sutras, and within those sacred words, I found confirmation of the wonders that await in that pure realm. Many people around me—those who had already experienced the grace of the Buddha—would constantly tell me how magnificent the Western Pure Land is. Eventually, I saw it with my own eyes; it appeared right before me, clear and radiant. That was the moment my faith became absolute. I knew then, with every fibre of my being, that the Western Pure Land is truly a place of ultimate joy."

The Path to Understanding

"Today, I have made the firm decision to go to the West. To be honest, I did not have this intention at the very beginning. I was a person who was not accustomed to change; I clung to what I knew, even if it was filled with the shadows of the past. However, living here in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, established by Practitioner Su, has been a profound blessing. I have been well cared for, and my spirit has found a sanctuary.

Since Practitioner Su rescued me from the darkness, I have gradually become clearer and more awake. Every single day, I listen to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks. Slowly, the heavy burdens that once weighed down my heart began to lift. Now, my heart feels light and empty—not empty in a sense of loss, but empty of all the chaotic, unnecessary thoughts that once plagued me. I have found such joy in simply sitting quietly, letting the world fade away. I often find myself closing my eyes, listening intently to the Buddha-name, and chanting along with it. It is a feeling of such profound comfort—a peace I have never known in all my years of existence."

Finding Peace in the Dharma-Nature Land

"Practitioner Su brings such immense peace to us spirits who were once lost. We all understand that as long as Practitioner Su is here, we have the hope of salvation. We have spent so much time watching Practitioner Su, wanting to follow this path forever. At first, I thought that was all I wanted—to stay close to the source of my rescue. But as I listened to more and more of the Dharma, my perspective shifted. I realised that Practitioner Su saved me, and my own children saved me, all because they wished for me to leave suffering behind and never again fall into the cycle of reincarnation.

I realised then that there is no other choice. I must be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I want to emulate Practitioner Su; I want to be a source of peace for others, just as the Buddha is. I want to give my children that same peace, so they can know that their mother has reached the Western Pure Land and is doing wonderfully. They no longer need to worry about me or carry the weight of my past suffering. I am now working very hard at chanting the Buddha-name. My heart has become so pure, so different from the person I used to be. If you were to see me now, you would surely not recognise me."

Gratitude and Farewell

"I am filled with gratitude for Namo Amituofo, for Practitioner Su, and for everyone here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I am also deeply thankful to my children. I thank every single person who helped me find my way to the Western Pure Land. I am so moved by the blessings I have received—to have been helped by so many kind souls. I am even more moved that, even after I had passed away, my children remained so filial and remembered to save me.

Thank you all. I am doing very well now. I continue to chant the Buddha-name, my heart is pure, and I no longer dwell on the past. Please, everyone, take good care of yourselves. I look forward to the day when we shall all meet again in the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo."