A Mother's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Huang Wenlan, the mother of Lay Practitioner Wu Lianxiang. She sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account of her spiritual journey was recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on January 9, 2026.

Lay Practitioner Huang Wenlan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Greetings to everyone! My name is Huang Wenlan, and today, I have finally arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. When I heard Practitioner Su calling our names, I was so moved and filled with such gratitude! I spent quite a long time in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, and I became accustomed to the days of being bathed in the Buddha-light, constantly having the opportunity to hear the Buddha-name and listen to the sutras and the Dharma. Where else could one have ever experienced such days before? It truly is not easy to come by!"

The Illusion of Past Suffering

"Now that I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I have a much deeper realisation of the greatness of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. I see that every person who comes here has a different background, yet we all share a deep Buddhist affinity. We all planted the seeds of the Buddha in the past, and only today do we have the opportunity for those seeds to bloom and bear fruit. I was originally a spirit suffering in the hells, crying out to the heavens with no response, and calling to the earth with no answer. At the time, I felt so helpless. I thought to myself, 'I haven't done anything wrong, so why have I ended up in this terrifying world?' Looking back now, it feels like a dream. All that suffering has come to an end! After being purified in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, all those past events—the good and the bad—no longer matter. They are truly illusory; there is nothing worth remembering.

Therefore, I am so grateful to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, and also to my precious daughter, Wu Lianxiang! Mother has truly arrived in this place where the fragrance of the lotus wafts through the air. Thank you for your filial heart, and I am so grateful for this Buddhist affinity you have cultivated. I know that our connection is very deep, existing long before this lifetime, which is why we have this opportunity today to reunite through Namo Amituofo. Of course, you will certainly reach this place in the future as well. You must believe in yourself, and believe in Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su!"

The Danger of a Single Thought

"Do not be sad that your mother once fell into the hells, because you might think that your mother did not do anything wrong. But you have only seen your mother's life in this one lifetime. Throughout our many lives, who among us has not created immeasurable and boundless karma? In this lifetime, Mother did not have the opportunity to know the true Buddha’s teachings. I did not know that one must change their personality, and there was so much I did not understand. A single bad thought, especially right before the moment of death, is actually very dangerous!

This is why Practitioner Su always emphasises that we must chant the Buddha-name 24/7 without interruption. It cannot be broken. If you can maintain a continuous stream of chanting, that is the best thing possible. Especially when bad thoughts arise, you must have the alertness to know that thinking such things is wrong; then it is easier to change. Once a person's breath ceases, they truly do not know where they are going. At that moment, in that world, no one recognises anyone else. It is truly lonely and without support—it is suffering!"

A Life Not Lived in Vain

"However, you are a child with tremendous blessings, and you do not need to experience these things. Mother wants to tell you that because you follow Namo Amituofo and the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, your life has truly not been lived in vain! You can avoid the cycle of rebirth and become a resident of the Western Pure Land early. Therefore, life is too short; there is truly nothing that cannot be overcome. Even physical discomfort is illusory; it is just that we are accustomed to feeling so much.

Of course, you can learn to slowly bring up the Buddha-name, chanting it phrase by phrase, and listening to it phrase by phrase. I can see that there are so many beings within your body. If you chant the Buddha-name, they will chant along with you—how wonderful that would be! Once they are pacified, you will also feel much more comfortable. This is the special nature of the human body!

Well, Mother is very happy right now, and I look quite good—I have the appearance of a young, handsome man, because this is the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! Where would there be women here? Haha! It is hard for you to imagine, isn't it? It does not matter. You just need to be at ease; Mother is doing very well. You all must also take good care of yourselves. Being able to know the Buddha’s teachings is the best thing of all.

I am grateful to Namo Amituofo, grateful to Practitioner Su, grateful to everyone, and to my daughter! I will practice diligently here and repay the Buddha's kindness in the future!"