From the Aftermath of Tragedy to Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Yang Shunhua, 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 a state of lingering spiritual trauma following a fatal accident. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on June 2, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Yang Shunhua speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am so deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for his compassion. I, your disciple Yang Shunhua, have finally arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

It feels as though I have been living in a dream. I spent only a few short years in the human world, and then I became trapped within a specific space—a dimension from which I could never leave. Now, having arrived in this entirely different world, it truly feels like waking from a long, confusing dream. But the most wonderful thing is that this dream has such a beautiful ending. I can stay here in this magnificent Western Land of Ultimate Bliss forever, never needing to leave again. This is something I never could have imagined possible. I thank everyone who helped me reach this place.

The Lingering Shadow of the Accident

Before Practitioner Su saved me, I was still suffering intensely, trapped within the space of that past car accident. I had been stuck there for so long, yet I had no concept of how much time had passed. It felt as though the accident had only just happened. My mind was a complete blank; I could not remember anything. I was simply lost in that dark, stagnant space. It was only when Practitioner Su rescued me that I realised how much time had actually gone by. I had been lost for so long, and I had never managed to find my way home.

I know nothing of the many things that happened in the world after my passing, but none of that is important anymore. To me now, all of those past events feel like a dream—they seemed so real at the time, but in truth, they were all illusory. Just as I heard in the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su, without this physical body, everything is merely a manifestation. I have now experienced this for myself and verified it. I am telling you all now: it really is all an illusion.

The Vital Importance of Chanting

I have been listening to the Dharma talks at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre for some time now. Every time I listen, I reflect upon my own life, and I see how foolish I was. I did not cherish that short, precious human life. At the time, I did not have the blessings to study the Dharma, and I had no way of knowing the true meaning of practising Buddhism. If I had known then what I know now—how incredibly important it is to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss—I would have let go of everything else and dedicated my entire life to chanting Namo Amituofo, seeking rebirth in the Western Land.

A Message to My Loved Ones

I want to tell my relatives who are still in the human world: you must believe that the Buddha truly exists, because I am now right here by the Buddha's side. You must all diligently chant Namo Amituofo. Everyone’s life in the human world lasts only a few decades. The most important thing is where you go after you die. Once you go there, it is not just for a few decades; it could be for hundreds or thousands of years. I have seen this with my own eyes here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The cycle of reincarnation is truly terrifying, and I hope with all my heart that you will not walk that path of samsara.

Thank you to my child for arranging the Chao Du for me. It was only because of that effort that I had the opportunity to be saved by Practitioner Su. I cherish this deliverance deeply, and I am filled with gratitude.

Namo Amituofo."