The Journey of Lay Practitioner Shi Juying to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Shi Juying, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition and current state of being. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on October 4, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Shi Juying speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I must admit, I was incredibly nervous at first. I was terrified that I would be unable to walk, that I would be left behind and fail to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. But the moment Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body reached out to take my hand, I arrived instantly. It was only after I reached the Western Land that I realised my legs were completely healed. All my ailments were gone; my entire body felt brand new. I felt like a young person again—so light, so agile, and my whole body felt absolutely wonderful."

The Compassion of Namo Amituofo

"I am filled with such profound gratitude for Practitioner Su. It is only because of his help that I was able to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and finally behold Namo Amituofo—the Greatly Compassionate Namo Amituofo. I know now that I no longer have to endure the cycle of reincarnation. I do not have to suffer anymore. I can finally dedicate myself to learning the Dharma here. Every single day, I listen to the teachings of Namo Amituofo, and I can also listen to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. I am free to do as I wish, and I am truly, deeply happy."

"Once I was without my physical body, it felt as though the distance between me and the human world became vast. After I entered the spirit realm, I began living a completely different life in another world. I rarely think about the past anymore; it feels like a story that happened a very, very long time ago."

The Power of Filial Piety and Deliverance

"I later realised that it was my daughter and my descendants in the human world who helped me. They performed the Chao Du for me, and that is how I was saved. They all cared for me so deeply, wanting to rescue my spirit and help me attain liberation so that I would no longer have to suffer. Thank you, thank you—it is only because of their help that I am here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today."

"While I was with Practitioner Su, I listened to many sutras. Beyond conducting the Dharma assembly, Practitioner Su spends his time giving Dharma talks. I followed along, listening to the teachings and participating in the Dharma assembly. In my heart, I learned to constantly chant Namo Amituofo. Every day there, I could see Namo Amituofo—such a magnificent, towering presence. I was so moved. I am so grateful to the Buddha for giving me the opportunity to sit upon a lotus flower. My heart is so calm and peaceful. I never imagined I would have such immense blessings."

A Message for Future Generations

"Following the Buddha is truly the best path. I hope with all my heart that my descendants will all learn the Dharma and eventually return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. However, I have also learned to follow the Causal Conditions. Now I understand that every person has their own unique Causal Conditions and karma; one cannot force these things. So, I have let go. I no longer hold onto those attachments. My only hope is that they never forget the Buddha and that they keep the Buddha in their hearts always."

"With deepest reverence, Shi Juying bows in gratitude. Namo Amituofo."