Returning Home to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Lin Sufang, 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 life and her journey to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Jing, on June 7, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Lin Sufang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have finally arrived! I am so deeply grateful to the compassionate Namo Amituofo and the compassionate Practitioner Su for giving this disciple the opportunity to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am also thankful to the teacher for interviewing me, as it allows me the chance to speak directly to my descendants in the human world.

Today, I have truly arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is so beautiful here—truly, it is breathtaking! I have never seen so many precious jewels in my entire existence. They are everywhere—on the ground, in the trees—as if they were common pebbles. Unlike in the human world, where a single diamond is considered a rare and precious treasure, here, beauty is simply the natural state of existence. It is absolutely inconceivable!"

A Forgotten Home Rediscovered

"I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. To be honest, I did not know much about the Western Land while I was alive. However, once I became still and calm, the Western Land did not feel like a strange place at all. It was only then that I realised I had actually lived here before. That was so long ago—I do not even know how many lifetimes have passed. Having been reincarnated for so long, I had completely forgotten that this place was my true home.

How foolish I was! Once I entered the cycle of rebirth, I forgot how to find my way home. I wandered aimlessly, drifting from one life to the next. I am so fortunate to have had the chance to return in this lifetime. I am deeply grateful to my dear granddaughter, Wei Qin, for remembering to find her grandmother and bring me back."

The Suffering of the Human Realm

"So much time has passed, and yet, through the Law of Causal Conditions, I was able to reconnect with my family from this lifetime. I myself find it hard to believe. In truth, many things have already been forgotten, and I have let them all go. The world without a physical body and the world with one are completely different. Matters related to the human world no longer have any significance in the spirit world, unless we ourselves choose to hold onto them with attachment.

I remember that when I was alive, my life was filled with suffering. The physical body itself is a source of suffering, and I endured so much for the sake of many things. My life's experiences—getting married, raising children, losing my husband—it was all suffering. I cannot say there was anything that made me feel free from that pain. However, I remember that my body was very resilient. I did not complain to others; no matter how much I suffered, I just endured it."

Karmic Creditors and the Path to Deliverance

"Later, I became ill. In truth, there is always a reason for every illness. At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, while with Practitioner Su, I saw this so clearly. Every person has karmic creditors who come to collect their debts. If they want you to suffer from a certain illness in this life, they have the means to make it happen. I saw my own karmic creditors clearly. They were suffering so much—far more than I was. Making me ill was only a small way for them to collect what was owed. I truly feel the weight of my past transgressions!

Fortunately, they had the opportunity to be saved by the Buddha. However, there are still many who are unwilling to leave. I truly hope they can all follow the Buddha and depart from their suffering soon."

A Grandmother's Final Advice

"I am doing very well now. Everything is perfect; there is nothing lacking. I am grateful to Practitioner Su for guiding me to the Western Land, and I thank my granddaughter as well. Wei Qin, you are a good granddaughter, but you also have a strong personality. Now that you have encountered the Buddha, please let go of that personality! Holding onto it will only cause you great suffering; it is simply not worth it.

Both you and your mother are in poor health, and there is no other path to take. Follow the Buddha sincerely; this is your final opportunity, and you must grasp it firmly. Do not let your heart be filled with stray thoughts. Think only of the Buddha. Do not worry about anything else; worry only about whether you can maintain your focus on chanting Namo Amituofo. Hold onto the Buddha tightly. Tell your mother and your sister to hold onto the Buddha as well—that is the only way. Your grandmother is here in the Western Land, waiting for you to come home.

Lin Sufang bows in reverence.

Namo Amituofo."