A Reunion Beyond the Veil

This is a record of an interview with Lai Qifa, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his deep karmic connection with his dear friend, Lay Practitioner Liu Mingyu. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on June 2, 2023.

Lai Qifa speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lai Qifa. Looking back from where I am now, everything is so clear. My dearest friends in this life, A-Yu and A-Long—we have known each other for such a long time, haven't we? But it turns out our connection goes much deeper than just this one lifetime. I only truly understood this after I passed away and arrived here; we were actually brothers in a past life! To be able to meet again in this lifetime, to share our joys and sorrows, I am truly, deeply happy.

A-Yu, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you. Thank you for helping me receive Chao Du and for bringing my spirit to this magnificent temple. Because of your kindness, I have been guided by Practitioner Su to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I have a home here now—a house that is so spacious and beautiful, far more stunning than anything I ever owned in the human world. I will be waiting here for you both. When the time comes, you must come and find me so we can sit together, drink tea, and talk as we always did."

The Clarity of the Afterlife

"I am doing so well now. My body, which was once so frail and burdened by illness, is completely free of pain. It is a feeling of lightness I have not known in decades. When I first passed away, I must admit, I was terrified and in such agony. Beyond the physical suffering, I felt a crushing sense of attachment—I could not bear to leave my family, and I could not bear to leave such wonderful friends as you. But, as we know, every person must face this moment eventually. I simply happened to take that step a little earlier than you.

Oh, such is the nature of life! We fall ill, we age, and eventually, we pass away. These are truths that no matter how clever or powerful a person is in this world, they can never escape. I have finally realised that when the time comes, there is not a single thing in this world we can take with us. We leave it all behind, and our spirit must depart, alone and solitary. It is a sobering thought, isn't it?"

A Heartfelt Plea for My Dearest Friends

"A-Yu, I know that even now, you understand exactly what I am trying to say. You have always known me so well; even before I could put my thoughts into words, you already knew what was in my heart. A-Yu, I truly hope that you and A-Long will come to this Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to practise. This place is truly extraordinary. I have looked into it for you, and I love it here! If this centre did not exist, I would not have been able to speak to you like this after my passing. We are all getting on in years now, and we must plan for our future. Please, come and join me in this pure practice. It would be the best thing for both of you, and it would mean we could be together again.

Think about it—the world today is in such chaos, and the economy is so difficult. Everything is so different from how it used to be. Everyone is suffering, and right now, only the Buddha can truly save us. I hope you will listen to my words. And to my family, I hope you will all come here to learn about Namo Amituofo and to meet Practitioner Su. Only when I know that you are all safe and on the right path can my heart truly be at peace.

I will not say too much more for now. I am simply waiting for the day you arrive here so we can talk in person. Thank you, Practitioner Su, for guiding me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am eternally grateful to the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."

Lai Qifa bows in reverence.