The Long-Awaited Return Home

This is a record of an interview with Chen Liangren, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his journey to liberation, recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on September 8, 2023.

Chen Liangren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chen Liangren. I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and to all the venerable monastics. It is only through their compassion that I have been granted this opportunity for liberation—a chance I never dared to dream of during my lifetime. My heart is overflowing with a gratitude that words can barely express.

A Chance for Liberation

During my life in the world, I never had the fortune to encounter the Dharma. It was only because my granddaughter, Lay Practitioner Dai Shaoyan, embraced this path that I have been given this precious opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. My heart is filled with such profound emotion. The Western Pure Land is truly magnificent; it is more beautiful than any place in the world I have ever known. I am so incredibly happy to have finally arrived here.

The Moment of Meeting the Buddha

When I finally stood before the Buddha, I did not expect to break down in tears. I could not control them; they just kept streaming down my face until my cheeks were completely soaked. I looked up and saw the Buddha—He was so tall, so majestic. His eyes were looking at me with such infinite compassion. Then, I heard Him speak softly, 'My child, welcome home.' I could no longer contain the surge of emotion within me, and I wept bitterly. I do not know why my heart felt so heavy and sorrowful in that moment, but after a long time, I finally began to settle.

Returning to My True Home

The Western Pure Land is truly my home. I had been away for far too long, and I had completely forgotten that this was where I belonged. The Buddha is so compassionate; He has been waiting for me all this time. So, this is what true liberation feels like! Shaoyan, you have studied so well. You must persist on this path. Your grandfather thanks you from the bottom of his heart for bringing me home.

A Final Plea to My Descendants

My heart is now at peace. As I listen to the celestial music of the Western Land, I continue to chant Buddha's name. I know that I still carry many impurities—stains I picked up while I was reincarnated in the world. I must undergo purification to return to my true, original nature. Looking back now, my past life was so full of suffering. The suffering came from not being awake, and from forgetting the path back to my true home.

To my children and grandchildren still in the world, please listen to my words: do not hold onto any attachment. In this life, there is nothing more important than liberation. You must follow Shaoyan’s example and learn from her. This Dharma is real! I will be waiting for all of you in the Western Pure Land. Now, I must return to my chanting.

I am filled with gratitude to Namo Amituofo, to Practitioner Su, and to all the venerable monastics. Namo Amituofo.

Chen Liangren bows in reverence."