From Darkness to the Lotus Seat

This is a record of an interview with Shi Xilang, the father-in-law of Lay Practitioner Rui Jufang. Having sought deliverance 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 spiritual journey and eventual liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on September 20, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Shi Xilang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Practitioner Su has brought me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I have truly found liberation.

For a long time, while I was in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I did not dare to leave. I was terrified of trying to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss because I feared I would fail and be dragged back into the darkness. I was so afraid that I did not even dare to speak of my desire to go. Yet, every single day, as I sat upon my lotus seat in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I could gaze upon the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I could see Namo Amituofo. My heart longed to be there, but the fear held me back.

The Courage to Believe

This past week, I finally made up my mind to try. I realised that I had to have faith—faith in the Buddha, faith in Namo Amituofo, faith in Practitioner Su, and most importantly, faith in myself. I truly understood the meaning of repenting and changing my ways. Every day, I sincerely chanted Namo Amituofo without interruption. I hoped that all the beings connected to me could also leave their suffering behind and be saved. I kept calling out to them, urging them to follow the Buddha quickly and to stop wandering in the cycle of reincarnation.

The Terrifying Reality of Samsara

Reincarnation is truly painful and absolutely terrifying. I have walked that path myself, and only now do I understand how horrific it really is. The karma we create throughout our many lives is not easily repaid. Your karmic creditors will continue to hunt you down, dragging you to places where you are destined to suffer.

Although I was not the best-tempered person in this lifetime—I was often overbearing, stubborn, and insisted that others listen to me—I never committed heinous crimes like murder or arson. Yet, my karmic creditors would not let me go. They demanded that I pay my debts, forcing me into dark, miserable places. I wanted to escape, but I was helpless. My karma was simply too heavy, and my karmic creditors harboured such deep resentment toward me.

A Daughter-in-Law's Compassion

For years, I lived in agony, but I had no way to call for help. No one knew where I was. I am so deeply grateful to my daughter-in-law, who remembered me and saved me. It was only through her efforts that I was able to walk out of that darkness.

A World of Golden Light

Now, I am here with the Buddha. This place is truly magnificent. Everywhere I look, there is golden light and beautiful lotus flowers. It is so comfortable, and my heart is filled with such deep emotion and gratitude.

I kneel and bow my head in gratitude to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. I am also deeply grateful to everyone in the human world who helped me.

Namo Amituofo."

Lay Practitioner Shi Xilang bows in reverence.