This is a record of an interview with Yin Shuwen, the great-aunt of Lay Practitioner Lei Hulan. Having sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia, she now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account, recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on October 15, 2021, reflects upon her spiritual journey and her profound gratitude toward her great-niece for guiding her to the path of liberation.
Yin Shuwen speaks:
". I am Yin Shuwen. Looking back at my life and the path that brought me here, I am filled with such immense gratitude. I want to speak about my great-niece, A-Lan, or as you know her, Lay Practitioner Lei Hulan. A-Lan is such a kind-hearted child. From the time she was very small, she possessed a remarkable ability to endure hardship and remain resilient. She was never one to complain or voice her troubles to the outside world; she would always keep her burdens locked away in her own heart, suffering in silence until she simply could not bear it any longer."
A Kind Heart Amidst Life's Struggles
"Watching her struggle over the years, my heart has always ached for her. I know that her decision to study the and follow the path of the Buddha was her way of seeking a true refuge for her weary heart. She wandered through so many different paths, searching for meaning, and it brings me such —as her elder—to see that she has finally found this radiant, luminous Pure Land. She found Practitioner Su, and in doing so, she found the light. My heart is truly at peace knowing she has arrived here.
My dear child, you must learn to let go of all the suffering you have carried. From this moment forward, all the bitterness of the world is gone. You must realise in your heart that you are a resident of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. By joining the Amitabha Village, you are preparing yourself for a higher purpose, so you must adjust your heart and mind accordingly. The life you lived in the past was merely a series of Causal Conditions and a fleeting drama. At this very moment, everything has been settled and balanced. Do not let your mind wander back to the past; it no longer holds any power over you."
Finding the Light of the Pure Land
"I am deeply grateful to A-Lan for helping me receive Chao Du. It was only through her efforts that I was granted the opportunity to be liberated and to come here to practise. During these days of practice, I have felt such profound joy and serenity. The world here is incredibly peaceful, unlike anything I ever experienced in the human realm. The sutras explained by Practitioner Su are truly magnificent to hear. With every lecture I attend, my heart learns so much and continues to grow in wisdom.
A-Lan, you have chosen this path of practice so well! You must continue to persevere with steadfast determination. You must also learn to constantly adjust your inner state and transform your heart."
A Message to My Children
"I also wish to speak to my own children: in this lifetime, your mother no longer has any attachments or worries. The only thing I truly want you to know is that you must come here to seek the Buddha. It is not merely for the sake of religious belief, but for the sake of finding true peace within your own hearts. The process of this life is not long; it passes in the blink of an eye. Now that I know there is this stable, secure path, I hope with all my heart that my children will also come to know it. Come here, and seek the true purpose of life.
I am so thankful to A-Lan. It was you who saved me, and I know that you have also saved many of our other family members. I am also deeply grateful to Practitioner Su, such a compassionate and truly great practitioner. I am filled with gratitude. Namo Amituofo."
