A Mother’s Journey to the Western Pure Land

Lay Practitioner Chen Qinglai, the mother of Lay Practitioner Lei Yuanxi, sought deliverance through Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having successfully attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, she shared her testimony regarding her transition from the human world. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on February 21, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Chen Qinglai speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chen Qinglai. I have finally seen the Buddha. The moment I stood before Him, my heart was overflowing with such profound emotion that I could hardly contain it. I could feel the Buddha extending His arms to welcome me home. The warmth that radiated from Him was far more tender and encompassing than any fatherly love I have ever known. When I saw the Buddha, I could not stop the tears from flowing; it was as if, no matter what I had done in my life, Namo Amituofo was there to forgive me completely."

The Struggle of Letting Go

"In truth, it has only been a short time since I departed from the human world, and my heart still clings to my children and my family. I knew of the Buddha, of course, but my mind was so preoccupied with the people and things I was not yet ready to leave behind. Those attachments—the people I cared for, the things I had worked so hard to acquire throughout my life—they felt like the very foundation of my existence. Even though I no longer possessed a physical body, I still felt a desperate urge to hold onto them, to keep them close, and to worry about them constantly."

The Clarity of Repentance

"It was only after I received the power of Chao Du and arrived at the Dharma-Nature Land of the Buddha-land that I truly began to see. I saw the mountain of sins I had accumulated throughout my life—sins that I had no way to repay, and for which I did not even know how to begin seeking forgiveness. As I repented with increasing sincerity, I saw more and more of my karmic creditors waiting for me in that space. The scenes of the cruelty I had inflicted in the past were so vivid and painful that I could barely bring myself to look at them. It was only after I truly confronted these truths that I finally made the firm vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."

A Final Message to My Loved Ones

"I hope that the power of the Buddha can purify my karmic creditors and that those I have harmed in the past may no longer suffer. I know that I am far more fortunate than many others, for I have been granted the grace to see the Buddha. I am deeply grateful to my son for saving me and for helping me through this deliverance. But now, my greatest hope is that his heart for learning the Buddha’s teachings and his desire for liberation will become even more steadfast. If the opportunity arises, please introduce the Dharma to our family. Tell them that their mother was saved by the Buddha.

For this life, I have no more regrets. Now that I have reached the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I will continue to study diligently with the Buddha. I hope that all of you—my children, my family—are doing well. If you find yourselves missing me, simply chant 'Namo Amituofo,' for I am already within the Buddha’s land. I hope you will not be too attached to worldly matters; please, remember my words.

I am filled with gratitude to the Buddha, and I am deeply thankful to Practitioner Su for helping me. I feel so clear and at peace now. Thank you."

Chen Qinglai, with palms joined in reverence.