From the Depths of the Fish Realm to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with Wang Xuejia, 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 life and his subsequent experiences in the cycle of rebirth. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 29, 2023.

Wang Xuejia speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am truly grateful for the Causal Conditions that have allowed me to follow the Buddha. I am Wang Xuejia. I feel such deep shame when I look back at how my life passed by. I once held grand ambitions, dreaming of achieving the goals a man sets for himself, but in the end, I had to bow down to the harsh realities of life.

The Regrets of a Lifetime

Looking back now, I feel a heavy weight of guilt towards my wife and children. I failed to fulfil my duty to care for them with my full strength. But saying this now is useless, isn't it? The family has been torn apart by the relentless passage of time. When I reflect on it all, I realise there is nothing left to argue about in this life.

The Agony of the Fish Realm

In the past, my desires were far too great. This attachment drew my karmic creditors to manifest before me, which is why, after my death, I was pulled into the body of a fish. Being a fish is truly unbearable! It is absolutely terrifying! One moment, you are yanked out of the water by a hook, feeling as if your mouth is being torn apart. The next, you are gutted, fried, or boiled in hot water. Over and over again, I lived and died, lived and died. My heart was filled with terror.

Even in that state, I did not repent. I clung to my own stubborn views and ideas. I did not know that this was wrong, that it was harming myself—no one had ever told me these truths. I faced those agonies using only the experiences of my past life, so my heart was filled with resentment. That is why I could not escape the body of a fish for so long. Fortunately, there was still a spark of Goodness left in my heart. That is why, after many years, I was saved by the Buddha and brought to this Buddha-land. I owe all of this to my granddaughter, Aiping.

A Message to My Granddaughter

Aiping, thank you for remembering your grandfather and for helping me escape the body of a fish. Now that I see the truth of the laws of karma and cause and effect clearly, I truly know that I must repent. I want to follow the Buddha’s footsteps faithfully. This is why I have decided to seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Aiping, to be honest, you are my benefactor. I have some things I want to say to you. I know you are a person of great capability. You have the Causal Conditions to come to the place of Namo Amituofo, and that is because of the Goodness in your heart. I hope you can expand this Goodness even further. Change your temper, truly help all beings, and serve all beings. When your heart is free from negative perceptions and judgments, you will not only help yourself but also your daughter.

If you have worries, calm your heart, settle your mind, and listen to the Buddha-name. You can find the answers you seek from the Buddha. Regarding your child, remember to let go and allow her to develop on her own. You have your Causal Conditions, and she has hers. Only when you cultivate your own heart can you inspire her to cultivate hers. Work hard to change, follow the footsteps of the Buddha, and follow the footsteps of Practitioner Su. This life is meant for liberation. Remember to use your talents here at the Buddha-land, let go of your attachments, and practise diligently. Only then can you truly help your family.

I, Wang Xuejia, am deeply grateful to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su for their grace. Namo Amituofo."