The Liberation of Lay Practitioner Zeng Qingxian

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zeng Qingxian, the wife of Lay Practitioner Zhu Fuqing, 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 from the human world to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on March 1, 2024.

Zeng Qingxian speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zeng Qingxian. I offer my deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo, to the compassionate Practitioner Su, and to the entire Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. As I kneel here, my heart is overflowing with thanks. If it were not for the boundless grace of Namo Amituofo, and the tireless efforts of Practitioner Su and everyone at the Centre, I would never have had this precious opportunity to be saved.

Before I arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I must confess that I was deeply hesitant. I was torn, wondering if I truly wanted to come here. I knew in my heart that this place was magnificent, but my mind was still so tethered to the mundane world. I kept thinking of my family back in the human realm. I could not let go of them because I loved them so dearly. It was a heavy burden to carry, even as a spirit.

The Radiance of the Western Pure Land

After listening to the Sutras for several days at the Centre, I spent a long time in deep reflection. I finally realised that the best path for me—and for my family—was to go to the Western Pure Land. I knew that my family would want me to be liberated, to reach the side of the Buddha, so that they could finally be at peace knowing I was safe.

Now that I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I am struck by how much more beautiful it is than anything I could have ever imagined. I am deeply moved. The moment I arrived, I beheld the Western Trinity, surrounded by countless pure and vast Bodhisattvas. There were so many beings from the Western Pure Land everywhere I looked. The entire realm is filled with golden light and precious jewels; it is truly, breathtakingly beautiful.

A Message of Peace to My Loved Ones

My heart feels so comfortable and at ease here. Upon arriving in this world, I finally understood that I have truly passed away. I am separated from my family, and we now exist in different worlds. I know my family must still be missing me, but I want to tell them: 'I am doing very well. Please, do not worry about me. I am in a state far better than I ever was in the human world.' Here, my body is free from all illness and pain. I am so happy, and I can travel freely to enjoy the scenery, which is more magnificent than any landscape I have ever seen. I am wearing white robes now, and they are so elegant. Here, we call this state of being 'dignified.'

Now, I am ready to begin my own life here. I will follow the Buddha closely, chanting Namo Amituofo and listening to the Sutras every single day. When I wish to explore, I shall wander through these beautiful lands, and when I feel like singing, I will sing the Buddha-name.

Escaping the Endless Cycle

I am so grateful to the Buddha for giving me this chance. If I had not come here, I would have been trapped in the cycle of rebirth, life after life, forever wandering. While I was at the Centre with Practitioner Su, I listened to the Sutras for several days and witnessed many suffering spirits seeking Chao Du. If I had become like them, my family would surely have been even more heartbroken. Thankfully, I had the blessings to encounter the Buddha at this very moment. I am truly liberated; I no longer have to endure the cycle of rebirth.

I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Namo Amituofo, to Practitioner Su, to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and to my children. Thank you all. Namo Amituofo."

Zeng Qingxian bows in reverence.