This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Cheng Liao Yi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her life and her transition to the Western Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on December 24, 2021.
Lay Practitioner Cheng Liao Yi speaks:
". Ah E, I have arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss! I am so incredibly grateful, and I am so happy! It is so beautiful here. Your father is here with me as well, and he is completely transformed—he looks so dignified and radiant. We kneel together before the Buddha, offering our deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su for this deliverance.
A Life of Quiet Endurance
Looking back at my life, no matter how much suffering I endured, I never really felt it. I just kept working, and working, and working. I was very resigned to my fate; I felt that this was simply what life was—that to be born into this human world meant one had to toil. I gave birth to you children, and my only focus was to take care of you, to ensure you grew up safe and sound. I felt that if I could do that, I would have no regrets.
After I left the human world, I wandered through the cycle of rebirth alone. Only then did I realise how foolish I had been. Life is truly full of suffering, and the cycle of rebirth is even more painful. But I had become so accustomed to enduring—I suppressed all my pain until I did not even know what suffering was anymore. Even when I listened to Practitioner Su’s talks and learned that the cycle of rebirth is filled with agony, and that one could leave suffering behind by being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I still did not dare to go. I did not even know what I was waiting for. Perhaps that is just my personality—I was afraid of change. I felt that it was safer to just stay where I was, so I kept putting off the decision to go to the Western Pure Land.
The Courage to Choose Liberation
This week, I finally made the decision to come to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. For me, that required a great deal of courage. I thought about it for a very long time. I watched as everyone around me left for the Western Land one by one, yet I remained hesitant. Finally, I thought to myself, 'It is time to go. I should not let my juniors worry about me anymore.'
Ah E, our Ah Bin is doing so well here. He is such a talented practitioner, so dignified and composed. Every time I see him, my heart is filled with —I am so happy that I have a grandson who has left the home life to save the world. You must support him, and you yourself must also practise the Dharma. Both you and your husband must learn to follow the Buddha’s path. Only by coming to the Western Pure Land can the heart truly find peace, for it is only here that one can attain complete liberation.
A Message of Hope
I am doing very well now. Ever since I was saved by Practitioner Su, I have been getting better and better every day. I listen to the sutras and participate in the Dharma assembly every day, and I am so happy. I also chant Namo Amituofo very loudly, hoping that everyone can be saved as I have been.
If one does not learn the Dharma in this life, it is truly a life of suffering. There are so many people like I was—suffering so much that they do not even realise they are suffering. I hope that Ah Bin can continue to give Dharma talks and save people in the future; this is so important. Grandma knows that you can do it.
Alright, that is enough. I do not have that many words to say. Just do it—just practise, and chant Namo Amituofo! That is the only way."
