The Liberation of Ma Jinfan: A Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Ma Jinfan, the late father of Lay Practitioner Zheng Xiaoyun, 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 journey through the cycle of rebirth and his eventual liberation. It was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on July 31, 2021.

Ma Jinfan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Xiaoyun, thank you."

"I have finally arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I want to thank Practitioner Su on my behalf. Without Practitioner Su's help, I could never have reached this place. It is magnificent here—so bright, so beautiful. You cannot find such beauty in the human world. I am overjoyed to be here. My entire being feels at ease; the agony I once endured has completely vanished. I am no longer suffering."

The Endless Cycle of Suffering

"To be honest, my mind was not very clear at first. After I left you, I went through life and death countless times. I was trapped in the cycle of rebirth as an insect. It was my karmic creditors who dragged me into that existence. When I was an insect, I forgot who I was. I did not remember any of you. It was as if I were living in a world where nothing existed, a world of total ignorance. My life as an insect was so short—I would die in an instant, only to be reborn as another insect. I do not know how long I spent in that cycle, until not long ago, when Practitioner Su rescued me."

A Path to Clarity

"Even after I was rescued, my head was still foggy. I knew some things, but others remained a mystery. However, I knew I had arrived in a wonderful place—a place that was safe, gentle, and filled with light. Practitioner Su calls it the Western Land of Dharma Nature. Every day, I sat on a lotus seat and listened to the Dharma talks. My head felt heavy, and I did not understand most of what was being said, but I listened with all my heart. I knew how much I had suffered. It was that very suffering that gave me the impulse to seek the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I hesitated a few times, but this time, I finally decided to go."

A Message to My Daughter

"Xiaoyun, life is truly full of suffering. We struggle so hard just to survive. Because we did not know the Buddha, we did not realise that life does not have to be so difficult. You have great blessings; you are able to listen to Practitioner Su's Dharma talks now. I am only here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss because of your blessings. I am doing well now. My heart is no longer burdened by pain. I have let go of the past—everything is behind me now. You must learn from your father: do not dwell on the past. Just chant Namo Amituofo and keep moving forward. That is the right path."

"You must listen to Practitioner Su's Dharma talks every day. That is what I did, and that is why I was able to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss so quickly. You must understand that letting go is crucial. Only by listening to the Dharma will you know how to let go. I will continue to listen to the Dharma here in the Western Land. It is truly wonderful. You must be diligent, open your heart, and be sure to study the Buddha's teachings and chant Namo Amituofo. Only then will your life become easier."

"Xiaoyun, the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is right before your eyes. Your mother and I are both here, waiting for you."

"Namo Amituofo."