Returning to the Compassionate Embrace of the Buddha

This is a record of an interview with Li Jinye, the mother-in-law of Lay Practitioner Huang Yanyi, 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 journey of spiritual awakening. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Shi Faxin, on November 22, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Li Jinye speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. As an ordinary elderly woman, being able to stand before the Buddha today fills my heart with such profound emotion. Seeing the boundless compassion of Namo Amituofo, I feel a deep sense of shame. Throughout this lifetime, I did not truly follow the Buddha’s footsteps. I have wandered for so long, and only now, after such a weary journey, have I finally returned to the Buddha’s side.

A Long-Forgotten Familiarity

Being near the Buddha brings back a sense of familiarity—a feeling that I had buried and forgotten for a very long time. When I think of how long I stayed away, I feel so sorry toward the Buddha. In this Pure Land, everyone is constantly smiling. Their laughter is so natural, so pure. It makes me feel truly happy, a joy I have never experienced before in all my years. Beyond offering my most sincere gratitude, I do not know how else to express what is in my heart.

The Bitter Truth of Reincarnated Life

I am a different person now compared to who I was before. During this time of transition, I have deeply realised the suffering of the cycle of reincarnated life. I now understand that no one can take your place in this cycle; we must each endure the consequences of our own actions, and in many ways, we are the ones who choose our own paths. My spirit was fortunate enough to be guided to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Every moment spent there was a process of purification, allowing me to see my true self and helping me realise that I truly needed to let go of everything.

The Illusion of Attachment

When I was in the human world, I was so deeply attached to my family. They were the people closest to my heart, and because of that, I could not let them go. Countless times, I wished to be reunited with them, but I now see that this hope was impossible to fulfil. I lived in the pain of that attachment for so long, and only now have I finally awakened from that dream.

A Message to the Living

I am so glad to have reached this level of understanding. My spirit is no longer bound by the constraints of the physical body. I have seen a different version of myself—the self that has existed throughout your many lives. Having seen this, I now know that there is no need to cling to anything; all of it is ultimately an illusion. I have come to this realisation, and I sincerely hope that my family in the human world will also have the Causal Conditions to understand this truth. I pray that they will follow the Buddha’s path and seek the Buddha’s blessing.

I am filled with gratitude to the Buddha, to Practitioner Su, and to all the Venerables and volunteers at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

With palms joined, Li Jinye."