From the Underworld to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lin Ronggui, who sought Chao Du 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 transition from the underworld to the Western Land, recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on November 8, 2024.

Lin Ronggui speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lin Ronggui. I am currently kneeling before the Buddha. This is the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss; I have finally arrived.

Today, I did not come alone. My wife, who passed away before me, is here as well. Look at her—she is so joyful, constantly chanting Namo Amituofo. It is not just the two of us; many other spirits have also arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today. Everyone’s faces are a mix of tears and laughter. We are so happy, so incredibly happy!"

A Child’s Filial Piety and the Path to Deliverance

"My wife and I want to express our deepest gratitude to our child in this life. They saved us both; they are truly filial. If it were not for this Causal Condition, I would still be trapped in the underworld, likely drifting into further cycles of samsara. I have no idea where I would have ended up; I knew nothing of the path to liberation.

That day, I was wandering around my home in the underworld, just sitting and pacing as I always did. Suddenly, I heard someone calling my name. It had been such a long time since anyone had called me by that name. At first, I didn't even recognise it, but my spirit seemed to know. It began to vibrate with an inner recognition, and I felt a sudden, overwhelming surge of joy."

The Golden Light of Salvation

"Before me appeared a brilliant golden light. Such a light is impossible to see in the dark, dreary underworld, yet there it was, right in front of me. After hearing my name again, I was quickly swept away by that golden light. It happened in the blink of an eye—before I knew it, I was already seated upon a lotus flower. That lotus was one of the flowers in the Western Land of Dharma Nature at Practitioner Su’s centre. The fragrance of the lotus was so exquisite, so pure, that my heart felt instantly cooled and comforted. It was a feeling of profound peace.

Later, I began to listen to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks and followed along in chanting Namo Amituofo. Every day, the Buddha-light shone upon me, bringing me such comfort and Dharma joy. Each day, I witnessed many spirits coming to Practitioner Su seeking Chao Du. They were all suffering so deeply, and it was only then that I realised how much I, too, had been suffering. When the Venerable asked me if I wanted to go to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I didn't hesitate for a second. I shouted, 'Yes! I want to go! I never want to fall back into the cycle of samsara again!'

I thank my child and everyone who helped us. It is only because of your compassion that my wife and I have finally attained liberation.

Namo Amituofo.

Lin Ronggui bows in reverence."