From the Shell of a Turtle to the Western Pure Land

A Life Saved by Compassion

My name is Chen Chiquan, and I am the father-in-law of Wu Richang. My daughter was fortunate to marry a good man, and when he was struck by the severity of cancer, he sought help at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It was through the boundless compassion of Namo Amituofo and the dedicated intervention of Practitioner Su that he was saved and granted a new lease on life. Without this divine intervention, my daughter would have surely lost her husband, and he would no longer be present in this human world.

After Wu Richang began his journey at the Centre, he learned that it was possible to invite the spirits of those who had passed away to listen to the Dharma and chant Namo Amituofo, thereby guiding them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. He kindly submitted my name, and it was through this act of filial piety that the truth of my existence was revealed.

The Consequences of a Life Lived in Hesitation

To my great shock, I discovered that after my passing, I had reincarnated as a turtle. In my previous life, I was often slow to act and hesitant to help others. I was not generous with my resources, and I rarely performed good deeds. Because I lacked sufficient blessings, I could not return to a human life. Instead, I fell into the lower realms and suffered the fate of being a turtle. This experience was a sobering reminder that our actions in this life directly dictate our future.

This is why I urge everyone to cherish the precious opportunity of being human. You must work diligently to cultivate blessings and perform good deeds while you still have the chance. Do not wait until it is too late, for the cycle of rebirth is unforgiving to those who have not prepared their hearts.

The Radiance of the Western Land

I wish for my daughter, Chen Xiaolan, to know of my current state. Do not be afraid or doubt this message; if you are truly a filial daughter, you should feel immense joy for me. I am now residing in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. My life here is one of pure joy and peace. I am free from all sickness, my spirit is clear and refreshed, and I lack nothing. Everything I need—clothing, shelter, and sustenance—is provided in abundance. In fact, I no longer need to eat, yet my energy remains vibrant and strong.

I also wish to counsel everyone to adopt a vegetarian diet. If you are currently eating meat, please consider changing your habits. Every animal, every creature, possesses a life and a spirit that has reincarnated. They are sentient beings, and it is not right to consume them. By choosing a compassionate diet, you protect your own heart and avoid creating further karmic debts.

A Final Plea to My Family

I now understand that one must listen to the teachings of the Dharma to truly grasp the Truth. In my past life, I was ignorant; I did not know how to accumulate blessings, nor did I understand that one must chant Namo Amituofo to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Now that I understand, I hope my family will prepare early. Do not follow in my footsteps and end up in a state of suffering; it is a truly sorrowful path.

Wu Richang, you must continue your practice with diligence. The days we have as humans are incredibly precious. Once the final breath leaves the body, one loses the ability to make choices or take control of one's destiny. If you truly care for my daughter, encourage her to study the Dharma and chant Namo Amituofo. Bring her to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, for once she experiences the peace of this place, she will understand its value. Let her be the one to lead our family in the path of the Buddha. Finally, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su for your immense kindness and guidance.

Namo Amituofo