A Mother's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Liu Meiying, who sought deliverance 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 from the spirit realm to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on March 8, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Liu Meiying speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I, your disciple Liu Meiying, kneel here in deep gratitude to Namo Amituofo, to Practitioner Su, to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, to my child, and to the many others who have extended their help to me.

Living as a human being is truly a bitter experience. Yet, without learning the Dharma, one would never realise the necessity of leaving such suffering behind. I was one of those people who did not understand the importance of liberation. I spent my entire life living the life of an ordinary person in this world—toiling for my family, struggling for my children—only to find that in the end, when death arrived, I had nothing. Everything was truly nothing left."

The Darkness of the Spirit Realm

"While I was in the underworld, every day was grey and gloomy. Once I became a spirit, I did not feel that the darkness was oppressive; rather, I felt that it was the natural place for me to exist. Unlike when I was alive in the human world and felt the need for sunlight, in the underworld, I felt no such desire. I felt that this dark and gloomy existence was the most suitable way to live.

Then, when Practitioner Su called out my name, a brilliant golden light suddenly appeared. It illuminated the dark, gloomy underworld that I had inhabited for so long. I was absolutely startled! How could such a brilliant, radiant golden light exist? Before I could even process what was happening, I was quickly drawn into that golden light. I did not even know what was occurring, but the moment I emerged, I found myself standing upon the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre."

A New Perspective

"My appearance is no different from how I looked before, but now that I have become a spirit, I have come to realise many things that I never understood in my previous life. It is not that I have to think hard to figure them out; rather, the knowledge simply arises naturally. Because of this, I am fully aware that it was my son who helped me, and it is only through his efforts that I could be rescued by Practitioner Su and brought to this place."

A Mother's Final Plea

"I want to tell my son: you must seize this opportunity. Mother has truly seen the Buddha. In the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, there is the Buddha. Even when I was at the place of Practitioner Su, I saw the Buddha every single day. The Buddha is so full of compassion; He is constantly working to save suffering spirits. You must also believe in the Buddha and practise diligently every day.

Right now, Mother is doing very well. My entire being feels comfortable and at ease. I no longer have chaotic thoughts, and it feels as though I have let go of everything. I am so happy, so joyful, and I am constantly chanting Namo Amituofo. I hope that all of you will come here to find me; that would make me even happier. Please, remember your mother's words.

With deepest reverence, Liu Meiying. Namo Amituofo."