From Karmic Debt to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhang Ying, the mother of Lay Practitioner Shi Jianlan, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition and her gratitude towards the Buddha and Practitioner Su. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on October 20, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Ying speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I kneel before the Buddha, and I kneel before Practitioner Su. I am filled with such profound gratitude for allowing me to be reborn in this Buddha-land. Today, I make my solemn vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

In my past life, I endured so much pain and internal struggle. It was a long, dark road of suffering. But now, I find myself smiling—a smile that comes from the strength the Buddha has bestowed upon me. I am profoundly grateful to the Buddha, for His infinite power saves every single being, including someone like me.

The Weight of a Lost Body

Only after I became a spirit, stripped of my physical form, did I truly realise the preciousness of having a human body. In my past life, I was ignorant. I did not understand that this vessel was meant to be used to help others. Instead, I was consumed by selfish thoughts and narrow-minded desires. It was this very selfishness that allowed my karmic creditors to emerge from within my own body—and I mean literally emerge. When I arrived at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I saw the scenes of my past life replayed before me. I saw the threads of the laws of karma and cause and effect pulling at me, connecting me to everyone I had ever encountered. The sounds of my own complaints and grievances were like beacons, drawing my karmic creditors closer, allowing them to invade my spirit bit by bit. Even now, remembering those images makes my heart tremble with fear.

Facing the Waves of Karmic Debt

I asked myself, 'How much karmic debt do I still owe?' In an instant, a massive, overwhelming wave appeared before me, threatening to swallow me whole. Seeing that, I immediately knelt down and begged for forgiveness. I realised then that the only way to truly resolve this was to make a vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Only then would I have the opportunity to return and help the sentient beings with whom I share a karmic affinity.

My heart was once so small, so limited. But now, having had the chance to witness the Buddha, I deeply feel the peace and compassion He brings. I am so grateful for all the good causes and conditions that led me here.

A Message of Peace to My Family

To my family, my children, and my grandchildren—those with whom I share a karmic affinity in this life—I smile at you all. Thank you for being a part of my life's journey. Please, do not grieve for me; instead, be happy for me. I have reached the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, where there is no more physical or spiritual suffering. I am free.

My spiritual elevation has changed me, and this is the most precious gift the Buddha has given me. Jianlan, my dear daughter, I know you can feel this magnificent blessing. Please, share this with everyone. I hope that through the karmic affinity of your father and me being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, more people will come to know the Buddha’s teachings.

Ultimately, there is no exit from the path of life, and that is precisely why we must learn the Buddha’s teachings. Learning the Buddha’s teachings provides a peace of mind that is truly genuine. I send this blessing of peace to all of you, and I hope that one day, we shall meet again in the Western Pure Land.

With palms joined, Zhang Ying."