Finding the Light: A Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Hu Jieying, who sought Chao Du 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 transition from the confusion of the afterlife to the clarity of the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on December 16, 2022.

Lay Practitioner Hu Jieying speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Hu Jieying. As I gaze upon the magnificent and radiant presence of Namo Amituofo, my heart is continuously chanting His holy name. I never once imagined that such a day could arrive for me—a day of such profound peace and liberation. Under the brilliant illumination of the Buddha’s light, my heart has become clearer and more serene with every passing moment.

As my consciousness grew increasingly lucid, I began to reflect upon the events of my past life. I realised that for so long, I had been wandering, constantly searching for the true direction of my life. I never spoke of this search to anyone; it was buried deep within, smothered and compressed by the endless trivialities and burdens of daily existence. As the pressure of those worldly concerns mounted, my physical and mental state began to deteriorate, and my heart became entangled in a web of endless, exhausting cycles. I had always been searching for what it truly meant to be happy, but as time slipped away, I found myself drifting further and further from my original self."

The Long Search for Direction

"In that state of profound bewilderment, I did not realise that when I finally departed from this world, I would remain just as lost. I wandered through the vast, empty spaces of the afterlife, searching endlessly for an exit, for a path forward, but I could find nothing. My heart was filled with a deep, gnawing fear and a sense of utter helplessness. I was truly at a loss, drifting in a cold, dark void. But then, amidst that suffocating gloom, a brilliant light began to pierce through. I heard a voice calling out to me, and without a single moment of hesitation, I followed that light. It led me here, to the place that would ultimately grant me salvation—the space of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Perhaps if I tell people this, many will find it hard to believe, but if I were to remain silent about the place that helped me so profoundly, I would be doing a great injustice."

The True Meaning of Life

"Since arriving, I have listened to the scriptures and the Dharma, and day by day, I have learned to quiet my mind. I have discovered that the true source of happiness lies in 'helping others.' The more one gives of oneself, the more enriched and fulfilled the heart becomes. This is a very different kind of joy compared to the ordinary good deeds we perform in society. This centre truly helps so many spirits and ghosts to untangle themselves from the darkness and release the heavy chains of their suffering. Watching this process has moved me to tears, and I have finally found the true meaning of life. It is a great pity, however, that I no longer possess a human body to continue this work myself.

Huasheng, I am truly grateful to you. Thank you for helping me receive Chao Du. I do not know how I can ever repay this debt of kindness, but my only hope is that you and your family will all practise the Buddha’s teachings. I pray that you may all find complete liberation within this very lifetime."

A Final Message to My Family

"If it is convenient, please help me convey a message to my family: I have reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I hope they are all doing well, and I sincerely hope that they will have the opportunity to study the Buddha’s teachings—to learn the true Buddha Dharma, the path that leads to ultimate liberation.

Namo Amituofo."