The Cycle of Rebirth and the Path to Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Dai Musheng, the grandfather of Lay Practitioner Dai Shaoyan, who sought Spiritual Deliverance 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 journey of liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on September 15, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Dai Musheng speaks:

"Everything is so bright and luminous; there is golden light everywhere I look. I have truly arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! Namo Amituofo is right here before me. I, your disciple Dai Musheng, offer my most sincere and reverent prostrations to the Buddha. I am filled with gratitude for the Buddha's compassion, which has allowed me to reach this Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and leave suffering behind forever to gain happiness. Furthermore, I must express my deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su. Without Practitioner Su guiding my spirit, I would still be trapped within the cycle of rebirth today.

The Silence of Learning

During this recent period, my heart has been so still, so incredibly calm. In my past life, I had never once listened to the Buddha expound the Dharma. Even after I passed away, I never had the opportunity to hear it. It was not until Practitioner Su guided my spirit to the Western Land of Dharma Nature that I finally began to learn and listen to the Dharma talks.

During my time in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I did not allow myself to dwell on the past. Having experienced the long, weary cycle of rebirth, and having seen so many other spirits there waiting to seek Spiritual Deliverance, I finally realised the truth: every single lifetime is merely an illusion. Even if one had been an emperor in the past, one would still be trapped in the cycle of rebirth today.

The Illusion of Kinship

I have taken all the teachings expounded by Practitioner Su to heart. What is truly magnificent is that when I quieted my mind, I saw that my current relative—who was also my dear friend in this life—was actually my own brother in a past existence. We relied on each other for survival from a young age; I was the elder brother, and he was the younger. When I witnessed the scenes of our past lives, I could not hold back my tears. In that moment, I was not weeping because of the hardships of our past life, but rather out of a profound sense of lamentation for how the cycle of rebirth truly works. The same spirit is reborn into different families, inhabiting different bodies, taking on different appearances, and continuing to drift through samsara.

If I had not encountered my former brother in this life, where he became my close friend and then a relative through marriage, and if we had not both been guided here by our granddaughter, I would never have found him. I had completely forgotten to even look for him. Such are the Causal Conditions of life.

A New Beginning in the West

This week, I made the firm decision to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I have let go of all past attachments and karmic connections, choosing to begin anew here in the West. I knelt before Namo Amituofo and made my vow: I, your disciple Dai Musheng, now fully understand the suffering of the cycle of rebirth. I will engage in diligent practice here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and pray for the Buddha’s compassionate empowerment.

My heart is deeply moved. Without the Buddha, it would be impossible for us to attain liberation. Therefore, I cherish this opportunity immensely. I also hope that all my descendants will study the Buddha’s teachings well. In particular, my granddaughter has now encountered the true Buddha; she must seize this opportunity and work diligently and earnestly. However, she must never be attached to the outcome or worry about gain and loss. That mindset will not lead to achievement and will only cause oneself suffering. Just do your best, and remember that maintaining a pure heart is the most important thing of all."

Dai Musheng offers his prostrations. Namo Amituofo.