Deliverance to the Western Pure Land: The Testimony of Chen Qinghe

This is a record of an interview with Chen Qinghe, 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 liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on May 3, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Chen Qinghe speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have arrived! I have finally reached the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss! There are so many Buddhas here, countless lotuses, and everything is glowing with a brilliant, golden light. I just keep looking, and looking—I am absolutely stunned. It is so incredibly beautiful. So, this is what the Western Pure Land is truly like."

The Grace of Deliverance

"I am filled with such profound gratitude for the great compassion of Namo Amituofo. I am also deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for guiding me here. I truly do not know how to express the depth of my thanks. Seeing Namo Amituofo standing right before me, I realise that I have finally attained liberation. I no longer have to endure the agonies of suffering. I am so thankful—truly, deeply thankful."

Reflections on a Life of Regret

"Looking back at my life, I realise I did not live it well. When I was alive, I was completely unaware of my shortcomings. It was only after I passed away and was dragged into the hells to face the consequences of my actions that I finally understood. I was so wrong. My greatest mistake was that I was prone to negative thoughts, and sometimes, I would speak unkindly. These were my sins. Later, I saw clearly that every time I harboured a negative thought, countless karmic creditors were already closing in on me. They were just waiting for the right moment to seek their vengeance. I had no idea! When the time finally came, they all descended upon me at once. That was when I fell ill, and the suffering was unbearable."

The Pain of Samsara and a Daughter's Love

"During my lifetime, no one taught me the right way to live. After I died and went to face my retribution, the suffering was intense. I was being punished every single day. I cried out, I screamed, but there was no one to save me. Thankfully, my daughter in this life, Jinfeng, remembered to save her father. I am so grateful to her."

A Final Message to My Children

"Seeing my children now, I see they have all grown old. I do not remember the details of the past very clearly anymore; those things are gone, and I have no desire to dwell on them. However, it breaks my heart to see that my children are suffering so much, and their bodies are failing them with illness. It is because I did not teach them well that they are enduring such hardship now. I truly hope my children will focus on chanting Namo Amituofo. Do not let your minds wander to other things; there is no time left. The world is an illusion. Worrying about worldly matters is useless. Please, let go of everything and focus on chanting Namo Amituofo."

"I feel so light and free now. There is no suffering at all, and this feeling is wonderful. I am so grateful to Namo Amituofo, to Practitioner Su, to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and to my daughter. Namo Amituofo."

"Chen Qinghe bows in reverence."