From Suffering to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Lu Keyou, 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 human world. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on January 19, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Lu Keyou speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have finally arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am so deeply grateful to the great compassion of Practitioner Su for leading me here; without her, I would never have been able to reach this magnificent, beautiful Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. My heart is filled with such profound gratitude that I find myself kneeling before the Buddha, weeping tears of relief. I have finally been liberated from all suffering.

The Weight of Past Retribution

Having left the human world for so long, I have forgotten many things. I do not wish to dwell on the past; it is better to let those memories fade, as thinking about them serves no purpose now. When I was still alive, my human body was constantly enduring the results of past actions. I only realise now that so many karmic creditors were clinging to me, refusing to let me go. Even though I did not commit any major evils in that lifetime, they still sought me out. They remembered the harm I had caused them in past lives, and they were determined to settle the score and demand repayment.

Even after I passed away, I continued to suffer. I felt as though my human body was still trapped in its sick, frail state, feeling utterly exhausted and tormented every single day. I was in a state of confusion—I seemed to know I was dead, yet at the same time, I did not. My family was not by my side, and I often forgot to even look for them. It is difficult to describe; my mind was so chaotic and unclear that I barely knew what I was doing.

A Sudden Light and Deliverance

Then, quite suddenly, I heard someone calling my name. I could not hear it very clearly, but I knew deep down that it was meant for me. At that moment, a brilliant, immense golden light appeared before me. I was hesitant and afraid to move forward, feeling as though I lacked the strength to walk. Yet, in an instant, I was drawn toward it. Before I could even react, I was brought directly to Practitioner Su.

I found myself sitting upon a lotus. The fragrance was exquisite. There were many others around me, all seated upon their own lotus. I watched them; they were so peaceful, and each of them was radiating a soft light. Many were quietly chanting Buddha's name. I understood then that I had been saved by the Buddha, though at the time, I did not recognise which Buddha had rescued me. It was only later that I learned it was Namo Amituofo, and that it was Practitioner Su in the human world who had brought me here, making my salvation possible.

A New Life in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

Every day, I listen to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. I had never listened to the Dharma before, but the way Practitioner Su explains it makes it so easy to understand. She speaks with such clarity and kindness that I often find myself weeping, repenting for the many people I harmed in my past. Sometimes, I still think of my family, but they feel so distant now, as if they belong to a dream from a lifetime ago.

Now that I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I want to thank my descendants in the human world for remembering to perform Chao Du for me. It is because of their devotion that I am here today, standing before Namo Amituofo. I am doing very well now, so please, do not worry about me. You must all focus on chanting Buddha's name and continue to perform many good deeds."

Namo Amituofo.