From the Grey Underworld to the Light of the Buddha

This is a record of an interview with Li Shuchi, the fifth uncle of Lay Practitioner Li Hanhao, 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 transition from the darkness of the spirit realm to the light of the Buddha. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 27, 2024.

Li Shuchi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Li Shuchi. I am filled with gratitude to the Buddha and all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for allowing this wandering spirit of mine to finally return home. When my spirit first beheld the glorious presence of Namo Amituofo, tears flowed from my eyes quite naturally. My heart was overwhelmed with a profound sense of emotion and reflection that words simply cannot capture.

The Long Walk Through Darkness

For the longest time, I had been wandering aimlessly along the grey, desolate paths of the underworld. I could not find a path of light, primarily because my own heart had become just as grey and dark as the world around me. I could not let go of the past; I remained deeply attached to the possessions and status I once held in the human world. However, one must face the harsh reality: once you lose your human body, everything you once clung to returns to nothingness. It is all 'nothing left' in the end.

I found it incredibly difficult to accept this truth, which is why I remained trapped in that cycle of suffering for so long. It was only through the Causal Conditions of Chao Du that I was finally brought to this radiant place—the Buddha-land. Moving from that grey, suffocating darkness into this brilliant light, I felt hope blooming within me once again.

Awakening to the Truth

As I listened to the Buddha-name being chanted, I felt myself being continuously purified. Only then did my clarity of mind gradually return. Within this Buddha-land, I have grown so much and learned so many profound lessons. I have begun to view the things I once refused to let go of from an entirely different perspective. I realise now that everything was merely an illusion, a play in which I was a character. Having stepped out of that play, everything has become clear and bright. I am deeply grateful to the Buddha for waking me up from that long, confused dream.

Regarding the people and things from my past that I could not let go of, I have been constantly counseling myself. I kept at it until my entire heart became bright and clear. I have made the firm decision to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and to follow the Buddha to learn diligently.

A Message to My Family

I am now residing in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Everything that has happened is thanks to my nephew, Hanhao. Thank you, Hanhao, for helping me receive Chao Du. You are such a kind-hearted child. I truly hope that after encountering this great Dharma, you will follow the Buddha closely and study the Buddha’s teachings earnestly. This is the only way to avoid all suffering and evil. Please tell my family members that I am doing very well now. When you have the opportunity, please introduce the Buddha’s teachings to them as well, so that they, too, can plant the good seeds of the Buddha in their hearts.

I am grateful for everything. I am grateful to the Buddha. I am grateful to Practitioner Su."