From Darkness to the Light of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Xie Pei, 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 cycle of rebirth to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on May 24, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Xie Pei speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am truly grateful to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su for helping me, Xie Pei. If it were not for the Buddha, I would still be wandering aimlessly, trapped within a dark and desolate space, unable to find my way out.

Now that I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, my entire being feels incredibly light. Every discomfort and ailment I once suffered in my physical body has vanished completely, and my heart has become so bright and open. Looking upon the compassionate Namo Amituofo, I cannot help but smile. This cool, radiant Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is now my home. I feel so blessed; only now do I truly realise how fortunate it is to follow the Buddha.

A Heartfelt Reunion

I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for leading me here; without that intervention, I would never have had this opportunity. I know that my son and daughter-in-law have also reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and for this, I am especially thankful.

When I was alive in the world, I would constantly dwell on the past. I would think about the most difficult times I endured and worry incessantly about my children—wondering if their lives were going smoothly. Now, in the blink of an eye, those children are no longer there, my grandchildren have grown up, and I even have great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. My descendants have continued, and I have no regrets left.

The Power of the Buddha-Name

After reflecting on all of this, I have let go of everything. I have begun to focus entirely on chanting the Buddha-name, hoping to let every single recitation sink deep into my heart. Now, every Buddha-name I chant is an expression of my gratitude to the Buddha.

If my granddaughter had not helped me receive Chao Du this time, I would never have been able to walk out of that darkness. My dear granddaughter, thank you. You have been able to encounter the true Buddha, and being able to help your family come to see the Buddha is a truly magnificent thing to do. It is only because of your own kindness and compassion that you were able to encounter the Buddha. Thank you for allowing your grandmother to let go of everything and follow the Buddha properly. As for the things I was once so desperate to cling to, I have chosen to release them all. I know now that holding onto those things had no meaning at all.

A Final Wish for Descendants

Since arriving in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I have continued to learn from Namo Amituofo. I hope that my granddaughter and all my descendants will have the opportunity to study the Dharma. Only the Buddha can save us. I hope everyone will cherish this opportunity and grasp it firmly, so that you do not have to suffer.

Xie Pei, kneeling in gratitude. Namo Amituofo."