From the Agony of Illness to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Lay Practitioner Sheng Shengli, who 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 transition from the depths of physical suffering to the light of liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on January 27, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Sheng Shengli speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Sheng Shengli. To my dear wife and my daughter, Xiao Xin: back when I was suffering through my illness, I know I became a heavy burden for you both. I saw the pain in your eyes, and it broke my heart to know I was the cause of your sorrow. I endured such agonising physical pain; it was truly a struggle just to draw breath. I remember how desperately I wanted to recover, to simply sit down and enjoy a proper meal with my family. It is a tragedy that even such a simple wish remained unfulfilled before I had to depart from this world.

The Agony of the Final Days

Even after I passed away, I remained trapped in the echoes of that illness. The pain felt eternal, as if my spirit were still bound to that broken, aching body. But please, you must know this—do not grieve for me any longer. You must not let your hearts be heavy with sadness, for at least now, I have finally left suffering behind. The moment I was brought to this place of brilliant light, the sickness that had ravaged my body simply vanished. I was restored to my original, healthy self. It was as if a heavy, suffocating shroud had been lifted from my soul.

A Sudden Liberation into Light

I recall that Xiao Xin and Zhisheng were at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre during those days. My mind was still clouded by the lingering trauma of my passing, and I could not fully grasp where I was or what was happening. By the time my consciousness finally cleared and I could see the truth of my surroundings, you had already left. Being brought into this radiant, luminous space filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of emotion. I am constantly bathed in the light of the Buddha, and with every passing moment, I feel my strength returning, growing more vibrant than I ever was in life.

Witnessing the Compassion of the Bodhimanda

Once my spirit had recovered, I began to observe the work being done here at the temple—the daily tasks, the constant changes, and the tireless dedication of the practitioners. The fundamental intention of this temple is to strive for the sake of countless sentient beings who are lost in the darkness. The leader, Practitioner Su, possesses a mind-capacity that is truly vast. She has dedicated her entire being to this bodhimanda, all for the singular hope of delivering more sentient beings from their misery. I have watched, time and time again, as many other spirits—just like me—are brought out from the realms of suffering. Seeing these scenes unfold, one after another, I cannot help but be moved to tears by the depth of this compassion.

A Father's Final Guidance

Zhisheng, you found this place, and because of your initiative, your father was saved. You also made it possible for so many others to hear the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su, and for that, I am deeply grateful. I fully support your path. You have your own methods and a sincere heart, but I hope you will exert yourself even more now to repay this immense debt of gratitude. I support the path you are walking, but you must learn to balance your life and your practice with great care.

Xiao Xin, you are my daughter, and I understand your nature better than anyone. Sometimes, when your temper flares or you become stubborn, I ask that you learn to yield a little. Since you have chosen to walk the path of marriage, you must learn to accommodate one another. It is not easy, and I know it has been a struggle for you both. Xiao Xin, now that you are a mother yourself, you must learn to be more understanding in all things. Support Zhisheng, and do not let your old temper get the better of you. Often, you must learn to give Zhisheng the respect he deserves; only then can the two of you build a relationship that lasts.

The Only True Exit

This time, the fact that I was able to emerge from such profound pain is due to the compassion of the Buddha and the tireless help of Practitioner Su. You must both express your deepest gratitude for this. Now, I have finally realised that following the Buddha is the only true exit from the cycle of rebirth. You and your mother must both have faith. Do not wait until you are in the direst need to seek the truth, for then, like me, it may be too late. You must cherish the Causal Conditions that are right in front of you today. Namo Amituofo."