The Journey from the Snake Realm to the Western Pure Land
A Testimony from Fan Zhenhua, a Resident of the Western Pure Land
Recorded on August 14, 2018
It is truly inconceivable that I, Fan Zhenhua, am able to share these words with you today. I am a person who has already passed away, and for a time, I was trapped in the cycle of rebirth, having taken the form of a snake—specifically, a rat snake. During my life as a human, my heart was often clouded by selfishness. I was driven by narrow thoughts, constantly prioritising my own interests and those of my immediate family, often at the expense of others. I must be honest about these past failings, for to hide them would only be to add further weight to my karmic burden.
The Weight of Karmic Consequences
Because my heart was not pure and my intentions were often self-centred, I suffered the consequences of my actions. I could not protect myself from the inevitable results of the seeds I had sown. However, my daughter, Li Zhen, possessed a deep and sincere filial piety. She sought help at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, where Practitioner Su, through his profound insight, was able to locate my spirit. It was through this compassionate intervention that I was rescued from that lowly existence.
Practitioner Su helped me break free from the snake body and brought me to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to listen to the teachings. It was there that I finally understood the necessity of chanting Namo Amituofo to achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Only then did I realise that I had a chance to be saved.
The Transformation of the Heart
During my life, I was overly concerned with my reputation and my pride, and that very attachment became my undoing. Now, I understand clearly that to live as a human, one must be transparent, upright, and luminous in one's conduct. I urge all people in this world to examine their own hearts. You must work diligently to change your negative personality traits, the "self," personal ego, and selfishness, and your volatile temper. By doing so, you will avoid causing harm to others and, ultimately, to yourself.
My daughter, Li Zhen, is a truly filial and virtuous child. She has always been a source of comfort, never requiring me to worry about her. Because she understood how to care for others and performed many good deeds, she was able to save both her mother and me. We are now living in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I can tell you with certainty that we are doing very well. I never imagined that such a magnificent place existed for those who have passed on. If only I had known about the importance of purification and the practice of Buddhism earlier, I could have begun my journey sooner and spared myself so much unnecessary suffering.
The Serenity of the Western Pure Land
In this realm, there are no worldly disputes, no conflicts, and no confusion. Everyone here is kind, gentle, and at ease. We live in a state of absolute freedom, unburdened by the constraints of the physical world. The environment is always pleasant, with gentle breezes and beautiful light. Without a physical body, my spirit is vibrant and youthful. I have shed the heavy baggage of my old personality and habits, and I feel incredibly light.
- I have forgotten the need for mundane concerns like eating or sleeping.I do not experience illness of any kind; even the smallest ailment is unknown here.I am completely free from the burdens of insomnia or restlessness that once plagued my human life.
A Call to All Living Beings
Li Zhen, my dear daughter, you have brought your parents to the Western Pure Land, and you have proven that all the love we gave you was well-deserved. If it were not for the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the infinite of Namo Amituofo, and the guidance of Practitioner Su, we would not be where we are today. Please share this message with our family, our friends, and everyone you know. Help them understand the path so that they, too, may learn to chant Namo Amituofo and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
You must all come here! We can be reunited in this place of eternal peace. Please, do not let this opportunity pass you by.
Namo Amituofo
This testimony was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library