Deliverance to the Western Pure Land: The Testimony of Lay Practitioner Dai Lixia

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Dai Lixia, the sister of Lay Practitioner Dai Gang, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her journey of repentance and deliverance. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on October 4, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Dai Lixia speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Dai Lixia. Today, I am chanting the holy Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo with all my heart, weeping as I pray to follow the Buddha. I am filled with such profound gratitude for the guidance of Practitioner Su, who led me to truly see the Buddha and arrive here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. My heart is overflowing with thankfulness and emotion.

In this lifetime, I was incredibly fortunate to have encountered the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre before my passing. I truly consider myself blessed. When I first came to know the Centre and listened to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su, I finally realised that the illnesses I suffered were all because my karmic creditors had come to find me. It was my own incorrect mental state, and my stubborn attachment to my own personality, that prevented these karmic creditors from being willing to let me go.

The Weight of Karmic Debt

After listening to the teachings and understanding these truths, I made a firm vow to perform Chao Du for my karmic creditors. I realised that the debts I had accumulated over many lifetimes were simply too vast for me to ever repay on my own. I decided that for as long as I lived, I would do my absolute best to repay them as much as I possibly could.

During the process of Chao Du, I saw the messages my karmic creditors had for me. My heart ached with such sorrow, and I felt deep repentance for all the harm I had caused to other beings. Once I understood the reality of my situation, I no longer dared to complain about my illness, nor did I dare to harbour any resentment. My only focus became the hope that, through the merit of Chao Du, my karmic creditors could finally be liberated from their own sea of suffering.

Facing the Agony of Illness

When I was ill, there were so many moments when my body was in excruciating pain. Whenever the physical agony became almost unbearable, I would remind myself to chant the Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo. I would chant the Buddha-name, one phrase after another, holding it firmly in my heart. Many times, this truly helped to soothe the pain. However, looking back now, I realise that my faith in the Buddha was not yet one hundred per cent. There were far too many times when I would simply forget to chant. Regarding the death I was about to face, I must admit that I was absolutely terrified. I just wanted the Buddha to save me. My heart was still so focused on my own desire to leave suffering behind and to be liberated. For this, I offer my deepest repentance.

Deliverance from the Hells

It is only now that I understand that while I was suffering from my illness, my spirit had long since been enduring retribution in the hells. I was being pursued by my karmic creditors to settle my debts, and there was nowhere for me to run. But the Buddha is so compassionate! Through the causal conditions of the Chao Du process, He reached out and pulled my spirit, which was still suffering in retribution, out of that darkness. I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to truly follow the Buddha. As for the affairs of this world, I no longer have any attachments to them.

A Final Message of Hope

If everyone who reads these words of mine can come to believe in the truth of these teachings, you will be able to feel the coolness and the absolute freedom that I now experience here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Regardless of everything, I send my blessings to all of you, and I know that you are all blessing me in return. I truly hope that all those who have a karmic affinity with the Buddha will find their way to the Buddha’s gate.

I am eternally grateful for the compassion the Buddha has shown me, and I am deeply thankful to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."