A Son’s Repentance and Rebirth: The Story of Yan Wanxi

This is a record of an interview with Yan Wanxi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to deliverance. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Tong, on December 1, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Yan Wanxi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Yan Wanxi. Through the compassionate rescue of Practitioner Su, I have finally escaped the torments of the hells. I am now in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, bathing in the radiant light of the Buddha. As I kneel before the Buddha to repent, my tears flow without ceasing. In my past life, I was a man of a difficult temperament. I was always self-righteous, refusing to listen to my mother’s wise counsel, choosing instead to walk my own path of destruction. When others spoke sweet words to me, I believed them instantly, but when my mother spoke, I treated her words like wind blowing past my ears. I deeply wounded the one who loved me most. It was I, the son, who was wrong."

The Trap of a Stubborn Heart

"Even now, I feel such profound regret that I caused my mother to worry about whether I was faring well after my passing. It was my own stubborn, arrogant nature that led to my downfall. A personality that is too strong and unyielding can truly destroy a person. Yet, look at how fortunate I am now! I have arrived at the Buddha-land and am under the care of Namo Amituofo. Namo Amituofo did not dwell on my past mistakes; instead, He continuously emits light to bless me, allowing my spirit to become clear and bright once more. When I look back at my life, I see how foolish I was. I was found by my karmic creditors early on, and they took control of me. My true self was kicked to the side, and no matter how much I struggled, I could not regain control of my own body. My physical form was manipulated by these creditors at their whim, and I, in my ignorance, did not even realise it! I lived my entire life like that."

A Second Chance at the Buddha-land

"In truth, it was my own character that awakened these karmic creditors and allowed them to find me. I had long since lost the ability to be the master of my own life. Therefore, I, Yan Wanxi, must counsel the people of the world: you must perform good deeds, be a good person, and above all, be filial to your parents! Do not be stubborn, and do not be blinded by your own subjective views."

"That I am able to be here in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is entirely due to the compassionate Practitioner Su. Without the profound attainment in practice of Practitioner Su, who was able to instantly lead me away from suffering and toward happiness, I might still be enduring punishment in the hells. I am so grateful to the compassionate Namo Amituofo for creating this beautiful Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, allowing me to escape the cycle of rebirth and never sink into darkness again. I have finally regained my true autonomy!"

A Message to My Mother

"Wanxi has returned to his true home! I must also express my deepest gratitude to my mother for never giving up on me. Mother, please listen to my sincere plea: you must chant Namo Amituofo until the very end. By chanting the name of Namo Amituofo, you will purify yourself, reduce your physical suffering, and create positive karmic connections with your karmic creditors!"

"You must promote the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, for here, there is a true practitioner—Practitioner Su—who has the ability to lead spirits to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the absolute truth! There is no falsehood in these words. At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the true Namo Amituofo resides in the world to lead countless beings away from suffering. Mother, this is how you can repay the Buddha's kindness. I, Yan Wanxi, no longer have a physical body, so I entrust this task to you. Tell others about this wonderful opportunity. It will also help me to diminish my negative karma. Mother, you are a person of great wisdom; I believe that by promoting Namo Amituofo, you will help many more people, and you will increase your own blessings and wisdom. Finally, please forgive your son, and please accept my kowtow to you."

"Namo Amituofo."

"Yan Wanxi"