Lay Practitioner Li Caoying’s Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Li Caoying, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition and her gratitude towards the Buddha and Practitioner Su. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on August 19, 2022.

Lay Practitioner Li Caoying speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I never imagined that an old woman like me would have the opportunity to arrive at such a magnificent and beautiful place. My heart is filled with immense gratitude. I have been saying to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su over and over again, 'Thank you, thank you!'"

A Transformation of Body and Spirit

"How is it that upon arriving in this beautiful place, my body has suddenly become so full of strength? I look around everywhere, and the more I see, the more joyful I become. In my heart, I know that this is the place where I am destined to reside for eternity. As I held this thought, the familiar buildings of my home appeared before my eyes, bringing such a profound sense of peace to my heart.

Here in this Buddha-land, I have come to know Practitioner Su. I know that my granddaughter, Fengzhi, also knows him well. I have been listening to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. Seeing him, even though he is of a similar age to me, he is so full of vitality and energy. It fills me with such admiration. I truly know that Practitioner Su is a wonderful role model for us all."

Releasing the Burdens of the Past

"Originally, I was still unable to let go of many things. My heart was filled with so many attachments and worries. But as I looked more closely, I realised that all the people I once knew had already departed, one by one, including my own descendants. It was only then that I constantly urged myself to wake up and to walk away from those lingering shadows.

Before I made the final decision to head towards the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, my mind was still cluttered with so many images of the past. But those scenes can never return, and the people within those memories have all scattered to different places. Looking back on it now, it truly feels so sorrowful."

A Joyful Reunion in the Western Pure Land

"I have gone from being a young girl to a grandmother, and now I have become an ancestor. I have lived through everything I was meant to experience. What makes me truly happy is that today, I am heading to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I am going there together with my husband and my daughter. This is something I never even dared to dream of—that I would be able to meet with them again. I am so incredibly joyful.

Fengzhi, my dear granddaughter, Grandma thanks you. Thank you for ensuring that I have no regrets and that I can depart for the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss with a joyful heart. You must introduce this wonderful path to more people; Grandma hopes that you can help many others. Because you have a kind heart and are so filial, we were all given the chance to encounter the Buddha. As we head to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, you must be very happy for us, too. I hope that in the future, our entire family will be reunited in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo. Grandma, Li Caoying."