A Sudden Departure and the Path to Liberation

This is a record of an interview with Lu Junli, the son of Lay Practitioner Huang Qiuju, who sought deliverance 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 sudden transition from the human world. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on March 10, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Lu Junli speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Upon arriving in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I could not hold back my tears. I wanted to weep, and I struggle to find the words to describe how I feel right now.

I know that I have finally attained liberation. When I look back at my past and then look at where I am now, it truly feels like a dream. Yet, I am certain that this is not a dream; Practitioner Su truly led me here to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I have left behind the world where I lived for decades—or rather, I have walked out of the worldly realm of samsara, where I had been trapped for so many lifetimes. I am finally free.

The Sudden Departure

My life ended so abruptly. Before Practitioner Su rescued me, I was still at the scene of the car accident. I was just crouching there, weeping uncontrollably. There was not a single soul around me; I was completely alone, and I had no idea how to find my way out. Then, Practitioner Su called my name, 'Lu Junli.' Instantly, a brilliant golden light appeared before me. I looked up and saw what seemed to be a Great Buddha. My heart raced—I wondered if the Buddha had come to take me away—so I stood up as quickly as I could. Immediately, I was brought by Practitioner Su to the Western Land of Dharma Nature, the very place where I spent time listening to the Dharma and chanting Namo Amituofo.

Awakening in the Buddha-Light

While I was in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, my mind was still clouded. I could not remember much, and I just sat there blankly on my lotus seat, my mind completely empty. The Buddha-light shone upon me constantly, and I kept hearing the Buddha-name and Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks. But back then, I felt such a sharp pain in my head. It felt as if a part of my memory had been erased. Even though I no longer had a physical body, I still experienced that sensation. Now, I realise that while I was sitting on that lotus seat, I had not yet fully grasped that I no longer possessed a physical form, which is why I still felt as though my head and body were in agony.

Gradually, under the purification of the Buddha-light, I began to wake up. It was only then that I realised I had passed away. This time, the clarity was absolute. In that moment, I wept bitterly—I truly sobbed, feeling a profound, heart-wrenching sorrow.

A Final Message to My Family

I am so sorry to the family who loved me. I owe an apology to every single one of them. I never imagined that I would leave the human world so suddenly, that I would walk out the door and never return home. But I want to tell my family: you must all be brave and move forward. I am no longer suffering. I am now in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, where there is no suffering of the world, and no more impermanence. I hope my family can let go and live their lives well. Please, remember to chant Namo Amituofo so that we may all meet again here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo."