The Light Beyond the Cycle of Suffering: The Journey of Xie Zhenghuan

This is a record of an interview with Xie Zhenghuan, the grandmother of Lay Practitioner Wang Chunming. She sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her spiritual transition and her gratitude for the deliverance she received. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 22, 2023.

Xie Zhenghuan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I never knew that such a brilliant, radiant world could exist. In this place, there is not a single trace of affliction. I have arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I have been completely transformed by the warmth and the profound sense of peace that permeates everything here.

Before this, my spirit was drifting aimlessly, and my mind was clouded and unclear. I was lost in a haze until a brilliant light shone directly upon me. For a moment, I could not even react—I was simply caught in that light and led into this luminous Buddha-land. Here, there is the Buddha, and there are so many practitioners. The magnetic field is absolutely magnificent, and it has allowed my spirit to gradually become light and unburdened. I went from a state of intense tension and rigidity to one of complete relaxation. It is the compassionate power of this Buddha-land that has allowed me to finally find stability."

A Radiant World Beyond Suffering

"Since arriving in this Buddha-land, I still find myself occasionally thinking of the past. I recall that unstable, insecure life I once led, and my heart still feels a flicker of fear. In that environment, everyone was restless, and everyone was suffering. Several scenes from my past life have played out right before my eyes. I accidentally started to dwell on even more memories, but then I received a power of purification, as if a voice were telling me to let go. In the past, I was so accustomed to clinging to the feelings in my heart, to the suffering within, but now the Buddha seems to be telling me that everything is in the past. My life has ended, and my future is now one of infinite light.

Once my mind became a little clearer, I began to listen to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. I saw the venue filled with countless spirits, all listening intently. Many of them were weeping as they were moved by the teachings, and I was deeply touched as well. From that moment on, I waited every single day to listen to the Dharma."

Awakening Through the Dharma

"As I listened to one Dharma talk after another, I began to see myself throughout the cycle of rebirth. I saw that I had been an animal, a grain of sand, and even a soldier. It was through the turning of various Causal Conditions that I finally arrived at this human body in my most recent lifetime. All these connections were like a play that had been destined long ago. At that moment, I woke up. I decided that I must be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

However, I had not yet saved my own karmic creditors and the sentient beings with whom I had karmic affinity. Fortunately, my granddaughter performed Chao Du for me, allowing those karmic creditors who were willing to leave to be liberated. It is truly shameful to admit, but without a human body, I was no longer able to make amends for my past actions myself."

A Message to My Descendants

"I wish to counsel my descendants. Now that I have become your ancestor, I want to urge you not to be attached to this human body. Life is incredibly short, and you must use it wisely. If you have the opportunity to learn the Dharma and realise the path to liberation, that is a sign that you possess good roots. The cycle of rebirth is far too painful! I hope that all of you can come to understand the true nature of life, and more importantly, learn how to let go.

I am so grateful for this magnificent Causal Condition. I am grateful to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo. Xie Zhenghuan, with palms joined in reverence."