The Journey of Lay Practitioner Guo Xiyong to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Guo Xiyong, 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 transition from the celestial realms to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on January 13, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Guo Xiyong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I, Xiyong, kneel and kowtow in gratitude to the Buddha. The magnificence of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss fills me with such profound Dharma joy. I am deeply grateful for this Causal Condition, and I wish to thank my daughter, Lizhen, for helping her father receive Chao Du.

A Life of Simple Intentions

Throughout my life, I did not accomplish any great deeds. My only hope was to contribute whatever small strength I had to help those around me. I never imagined that such a simple, sincere heart would eventually become the very thing that helped me in the end.

After my spirit departed from my physical body, I arrived in a place of brilliant light. To my surprise, I found myself within the celestial palaces, having become a celestial being in the first heaven. I was even preparing to stand in line to be appointed as a deity.

The Call to the Western Land

I was standing in the queue, only three spots away from being called to take on the duties of a deity, when I heard a voice calling our names. Before I could even react or process what was happening, I was suddenly transported to a place far more radiant and luminous than the celestial palaces I had just left.

In this place, I heard the true teachings of the world that transcend the cycle of rebirth. I came to understand with absolute clarity that one must seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The suffering of samsara became increasingly apparent to me, which is why I made the firm decision today to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Beyond my own rebirth, I truly hope that the friends and family who shared karmic affinities with me in this life will also have the opportunity to realise the vital importance of seeking the Western Land.

A Message to My Daughter

Lizhen, I am so grateful for the filial heart you showed in helping your father. Seeing that your father has successfully been reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you now know for certain that the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly helping people. I hope that you will follow the path of this centre and begin your own journey of Buddhist practice. Human life is far too short; it passes in the blink of an eye. Grasping the present moment is the most important thing you can do.

When I was alive, I used my own actions to teach you to be good and to do good. Now, I hope you will prepare yourself well. Please share this important truth with our family and my friends. Whether they believe it or not, do not be attached to the outcome; just do your best.

Looking back on this life, I feel it was worth it. Tell our family to live their lives well. Your father is doing very well, and I am truly happy. Namo Amituofo."