The Journey Home to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Liu Yudi, the father of Lay Practitioner Liu Jinfu, who sought 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 transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on June 6, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Liu Yudi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo! I have grown so accustomed to chanting Namo Amituofo that it has become the very rhythm of my existence. It is a constant, comforting presence that fills my heart with peace.

When I first arrived at the Buddha-land and began to chant the name of Namo Amituofo, the chronic pain that had plagued my spirit simply vanished. It was as if a heavy, suffocating weight had been lifted from my soul. As I continued to chant, my entire body began to feel incredibly light, as if I were floating on a gentle breeze. Namo Amituofo, now when I chant, my whole being is suffused with a brilliant, golden light, and I feel a strength I have never known before. During my life in the human world, I had heard people speak of Namo Amituofo, but I never truly took it to heart. Who would have expected that I would eventually be given the precious opportunity to truly know and understand the Buddha?"

A Father's Regret and Gratitude

"My son, I am so deeply moved by your filial piety. It was you who reached out and guided me here, leading me to this path of salvation. I am truly sorry for the hardships you and your mother endured when I passed away. Looking back, I feel a deep sense of regret for the burdens I left behind for you. Today, however, I am filled with such immense gratitude that your mother and I can follow the Buddha together, returning to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. My heart is finally at peace; I have no more regrets.

I am struck by a profound sense of reflection. I have left the human world, and your mother has left as well. I think of our old neighbours and my dear friends from those days—they have all departed, yet where have they gone? They themselves do not know. It is a heavy thought, and it makes me realise how fortunate I am to have found this path."

The Path of Goodness and Honesty

"I am so incredibly grateful to be following the Buddha now. I have come to understand that it is only through Goodness and honesty that one can create the Causal Conditions to meet the Buddha. Therefore, my son, you must remember your father's words: strive to be a kind and honest person. Do not be overly concerned with petty disputes or haggling with others over trivial matters. Please, pass this spirit of Goodness down to your children and grandchildren. Consider this your way of helping your father to repay the Buddha's kindness.

The Buddha has truly saved me. I hope that you will take the time to sincerely know the Buddha, to follow his teachings, and whenever you have the opportunity, to listen to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. Without the compassionate intervention and help of Practitioner Su, I would never have been able to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."

A Final Message to My Son

"Now that I have shared these words with you, I will spend my time in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss in quiet contemplation. I will continue to chant Namo Amituofo and follow the Buddha in my studies, growing ever closer to the truth.

I am eternally grateful for the Buddha's compassion. Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo."

Lay Practitioner Liu Yudi, with palms joined in reverence.