Deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss: Lay Practitioner Chen Guangming

This is a record of an interview with Chen Guangming, the younger brother of Lay Practitioner Chen Guangli, 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 transition from a wandering spirit to a practitioner in the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on August 11, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Chen Guangming speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, I have reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am filled with gratitude for my elder brother. I thank him for being so kind to me and for his willingness to help me receive Chao Du. Without his intervention, I do not know where I would be wandering today.

In my past life, there were many things I did not understand. I was reckless, and I inadvertently caused harm to others. For that, I offer my deepest apologies. I had a stubborn personality; I was never willing to bow my head or admit fault. But now, looking back, I realise that the one who suffered and bore the weight of those sins was always myself. I have come to understand that family is family—they are the ones who will always support you, even when you are at your worst.

The Weight of Karmic Creditors

To be honest, my heart was never able to find true peace. I never understood why I felt so restless, so anxious, and so lost. But now, I see the truth clearly. I see that all along, there were many karmic creditors surrounding me. They were waiting for me, holding blades, ready to settle the debts of the past. Seeing that image now, my heart still trembles with fear. But I accept it. I know that I was the one who harmed them in the past, and that is why they were waiting for me throughout this lifetime.

Before the Buddha, I have deeply repented for the sins and karmic debts of my past. I hope that now, having arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I can be someone entirely different from who I was before. I want to be a person who has truly cleansed their heart and renewed their spirit. I want to follow the Buddha diligently, and I hold a sincere hope that one day, I will be able to fully repay the debts I owe to my karmic creditors.

The Bitter Reality of Samsara

From being a lost, helpless spirit to arriving at this sacred Buddha-land, I have learned so much. I have learned the principles of being a good human, the profound truths of the Buddha’s teachings, and the necessity of escaping the cycle of rebirth. I have seen the helplessness in the hearts of so many people and the knots they cannot untie. Only now do I realise how incredibly bitter and difficult it is to be a human being.

Every person’s encounter in life is governed by their own Causal Conditions and the laws of karma and cause and effect. I am grateful for the life I shared with my family. But after death, when I became a spirit, I realised that I was no longer connected to them in the same way. Even if I could not let go, I could not change the facts of reality.

A Living Example of the Dharma

I have come to understand that every spirit is an independent entity. We drift through the cycle of rebirth, ending up in many different places. If we do not reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, where will we go in the future? It is a terrifying thought to contemplate.

I have already departed from the human world; I can no longer accompany my family by their side. My only hope is that, beyond living a safe and smooth life, they will come to understand the importance of learning the Buddha’s teachings to escape the cycle of rebirth. If my brother, Chen Guangli, introduces the Dharma to you, I hope you will believe him. I am a living example—a testament to the existence of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and the magnificent power of the Buddha’s teachings. I hope you can believe, for it is the only way to truly help yourselves.

I am filled with gratitude for the Buddha’s compassion. I am grateful to Practitioner Su and the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It is my sincere wish that the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre can continue to flourish and help even more people find their way. Thank you all. Namo Amituofo."