A Mother's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Li Chen Su-wen, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her journey to liberation and her final message to her family. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on April 19, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Li Chen Su-wen speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I see the magnificent, towering figure of Namo Amituofo before me, and finally, my deepest wish has been fulfilled. Standing before the Buddha, I wept with such profound emotion—it was a weeping from the very depths of my soul, a release of burdens I have carried for eons.

A Glimpse into the Cycle of Samsara

In that singular moment, kneeling before the Buddha, I saw myself throughout my many lives in the cycle of rebirth. I saw my soul taking on countless different forms, one scene after another, flickering like a film before my eyes. I saw myself as a lonely, wandering spirit, my heart heavy with such bitter suffering; I saw myself as an animal, slaughtered and helpless. For so many lifetimes, in so many different identities, I had accumulated so much karma. Throughout those countless ages, all the beings I had harmed were waiting for me. I broke down in tears, crying out to the Buddha, 'I was wrong. I truly understand now.'

The Warmth of Liberation

I know that the beings I harmed in the past are still waiting for me, so I made a vow to learn diligently from the Buddha. The moment I made that firm resolution, my heart felt a sudden, radiant warmth. My entire being was filled with an indescribable energy, and I could smell the sweet, pure fragrance of the lotus. My heart is overflowing with gratitude; my spirit is now so clear and bright. I have finally found the peace I was searching for throughout my many lives.

A Mother's Final Message

Having witnessed these truths, I want to speak to my children: My dear children, you are such good, such filial children. Seeing your mother follow the Buddha to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I believe you must also feel deep gratitude toward the Buddha. I am so thankful to Venerable Lai Miao and to Practitioner Su, who guided me to the Western Pure Land. Without their compassion, I would still be lost in the darkness of samsara.

Though your mother has departed, my spirit will always be with you. The world today is in such chaos. Many people, in order to survive, are forced to do things that go against their true nature. Even though the environment is like this, I hope you will not follow that path. I do not wish to see you lose your true selves. If you keep a kind heart and a good heart, you will always receive good karmic retribution.

A Promise of Reunion

If you ever encounter difficulties or things that do not go your way, just chant Namo Amituofo. As long as your heart is sincere, the Buddha will be in sync with you. I can see you all clearly right now, even though I can no longer care for you as I did in the past. Therefore, you must follow the Buddha’s footsteps with diligent practice. In the future, we will be reunited in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Li Chen Su-wen, with palms joined in prayer. Namo Amituofo."