From the Chaos of War to Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Li Changyong (also known as Li Changrong), the grandfather of Lay Practitioner Li Ruizhen, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his experience after passing away. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on March 29, 2024.

Li Changyong (Li Changrong) speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Li Changyong. I am filled with gratitude, such immense gratitude. I am grateful to Namo Amituofo, grateful to Practitioner Su, grateful to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and grateful to all of you. I have finally arrived at the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. My heart is so calm, so peaceful. Seeing the Buddha right before my eyes, I could not stop crying. I wept and wept. It was so painful, truly so painful, but now I am finally liberated."

The Endless Flight from Chaos

"To be honest, I never even realised that I had passed away. I felt as though I was constantly running, constantly fleeing. It felt like I was escaping from a disaster. Everywhere was chaotic and unstable, as if something terrible was about to happen at any moment. My heart was filled with such unease, yet I had no idea what to do. I felt trapped in the same place, not knowing what I was doing or where I was going."

A Golden Light of Deliverance

"Then, a golden light appeared and rescued me. It was only then that I suddenly woke up. I realised that I had been trapped in that space ever since I died; I had never left it. It must have been a space of war. After I was rescued, I was taken to the Western Dharma-Nature Land at Practitioner Su’s place. At first, I did not know who Practitioner Su was, nor did I understand what the Western Dharma-Nature Land was."

"Every day, I followed along and listened to the Dharma talks. As I listened, I finally understood that the one who saved me was this Practitioner Su standing before me. He truly resembles Namo Amituofo so much. When he performs the Chao Du, I can see that he is Namo Amituofo—perhaps he is an emanation of Namo Amituofo? I am not entirely sure, but he feels so similar. That must be it."

A Heart Transformed by the Dharma

"I listened to the Dharma talks with such joy. Initially, my face was expressionless, but later on, I began to smile and even cry. I was so moved, so grateful. I was finally saved, and I would never have to suffer in the cycle of being reincarnated again. I want to thank my granddaughter in the human world. It was only after I became clearer in my mind that I realised it was she who helped me, giving me the opportunity to be saved by Practitioner Su. Although we did not have the chance to spend time together, she still remembered me, her grandfather. I am so grateful. It must be due to our past Causal Conditions that we knew each other. Thank you."

"Now, I will settle my heart here in the Western Pure Land, diligently chanting Namo Amituofo and listening to the Buddha’s teachings. Namo Amituofo. Li Changyong (Li Changrong) bows in reverence."