The Deliverance of Tongli Shi: A Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Tongli Shi, 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 life and the deliverance of Lay Practitioner Wang Hong and three fellow practitioners. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on May 5, 2023.

Tongli Shi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. My feelings at this moment are truly beyond words. I can only use the word 'gratitude' to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped me reach this place.

I feel immense shame in my heart. From the very moment Practitioner Su pulled me up, I have been kneeling continuously, repenting before the Buddha. I practised Buddhism for several years, but to be honest, I did not truly know the Buddha. In my inner world, it was all about myself—there was no Buddha, and there were no other beings. I am deeply ashamed of this.

The Illusion of Practice

In this lifetime, my Causal Conditions led me to the Guan Yin Dharma door. I deeply believed in everything taught within that path, especially regarding vegetarianism. I actively promoted it, hoping that all people in the world would adopt a vegetarian diet to reduce their own sins. Throughout those years of practising Buddhism, everything I cared about and focused on was this physical body. The Dharma I learned could not lead me to ultimate liberation. I did not realise that I had entered a space where I was merely chasing after states of mind, and I did not know how to seek true departure from this cycle of samsara.

The Golden Light of Deliverance

When Practitioner Su called my name, I suddenly saw a golden light ahead. I hesitated for a moment, and that brief moment of doubt almost cost me my chance at liberation. Fortunately, Practitioner Su called out again. This time, I could not afford to be puzzled or hesitant. A powerful force pushed me directly toward the golden light. I did not know where I was going, but when I regained consciousness, I was already sitting on a lotus seat.

Seeing the Buddha

On the lotus seat, I saw the Buddha. The true Buddha was right before my eyes. I immediately knelt down, and tears flowed uncontrollably. I did not know why I was like this, but later I understood—my spirit had been suffering so deeply. I also saw those karmic creditors who had taken my life; although they had ended my existence, they were suffering even more than I was.

A Final Plea for Practice

I am filled with shame and regret. In my practice, I lacked the ability to save the beings around me, nor could I help them; I was merely following along. Such were the Causal Conditions of this lifetime—there is no right or wrong, just the karmic connections of a single life. Yet, because of these connections, I had the opportunity to meet fellow practitioners like Wang Hong. It was through their help that I was given the chance to be lifted up. I am so happy that Wang Hong encountered such excellent Causal Conditions, came to know Namo Amituofo, and heard the Great Dharma. This is a tremendous blessing. You must seize this opportunity. In this lifetime, you must chant Namo Amituofo and seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to attain ultimate liberation. I am filled with gratitude.

Namo Amituofo.

Tongli Shi bows in reverence."