From the Depths of Hell to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Guo Xin'ai (also known as Guo Yulan), the grandmother of Lay Practitioner Li Ruizhen. She sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. This account reflects upon her past life and her eventual liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on June 9, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Guo Yulan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I, Yulan, have finally arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am constantly chanting Namo Amituofo; I dare not leave Namo Amituofo for even a single moment. If it were not for Namo Amituofo, I would still be suffering, still trapped in the endless cycle of reincarnation. I kneel down to pay my deepest respects to Practitioner Su, who saved me. Thank you, Practitioner Su, for your boundless compassion in pulling me out of the hells. Only through your intervention could I leave that place of agony and suffering to come here to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and behold Namo Amituofo.

The Endless Cycle of Human Toil

I am so grateful to Practitioner Su for giving me this opportunity to speak, to share my reflections on the cycle of reincarnation with the people of the world. Now, as I look back upon my life, I realise that human existence is truly filled with suffering. I sit upon my lotus seat in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, and I often look down upon the world below. Whether it is in China, Malaysia, or any other country, I see everyone working from the break of dawn. I see countless tiny figures constantly walking, constantly moving, busy without pause every single day. Day turns to night, and night turns to day; time passes so swiftly. In the blink of an eye, one day vanishes, only to be replaced by the next.

Here in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, there is no distinction between day and night. Because of this, when I observe the cycle of day and night in the human world, I feel it with such intensity. I feel how deeply the people of the world are suffering. I was once a person of that world, too, living through those same bitter days. But back then, I did not realise how much I was suffering. Just like the people I see now, they live the same life every day, and they have become so accustomed to it that they no longer feel the pain. If a human life ends just like that, it is truly a tragedy—just passing one day after another without purpose. It is essential to learn the Dharma, and it is essential to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. That is the only path that makes life truly worthwhile.

The Weight of Past Retribution

I am so incredibly happy to see that my granddaughter, Azhen, has begun to learn the Dharma. Not only that, but she has also come to know Practitioner Su and understands the importance of following Namo Amituofo. She is very wise. If it were not for my granddaughter's help, I would still be trapped in the depths of suffering. She must be wondering how I ended up suffering in the hells; it was the result of the karma I created in the past.

I have seen my past clearly now. I was very wealthy, but my character was poor. I employed many servants to work for me, and not just for household chores—I hired many labourers for my businesses as well. But those who worked for me were all eventually harmed or killed because of me. At that time, my heart was truly malicious, and my mind-capacity was incredibly small. I would do anything for my own benefit, no matter the cost to others. That is why, after I died, so many people were waiting to seek their revenge. I had to endure the torment of the hells, serving as an iron ox, working and working without end.

A Message of Hope and Gratitude

I want to tell my granddaughter, Azhen: you must do more good deeds. Not only will this help others, but it will also bring great blessings to you. You must also introduce more people to Namo Amituofo. Only Namo Amituofo can save everyone, helping them to achieve liberation, leave suffering behind, and return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Your blessings are vast; you must cherish them well! I have seen that in a past life, you were once my daughter. In this lifetime, we have the Causal Conditions to be grandmother and granddaughter, and you have even saved me, bringing me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Our connection is truly profound.

You must continue to chant Namo Amituofo diligently. Your grandmother is here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, waiting for your return.

Guo Yulan bows in reverence."