The Mother's Journey to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Li Jingfen, the mother of Lay Practitioner Shu Tan, who sought deliverance 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 cycle of rebirth to the Western Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on February 3, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Li Jingfen speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Li Jingfen, the name I carried in that lifetime. To have arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is the greatest blessing I could ever hope for. Without Namo Amituofo and without Practitioner Su, we spirits would have had no chance of being saved, and our descendants would never have known where we were. It is truly a miracle of the Dharma.

A Beauty Beyond Words

Now, I have truly arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Practitioner Su guided me here so quickly. I am so happy, so filled with Dharma joy! This place is so beautiful—it is so breathtakingly beautiful that I even forgot to chant Namo Amituofo for a moment. I had to quickly start chanting again. I knelt before the Buddha to express my gratitude for saving me, and I am deeply thankful for Practitioner Su’s compassion in leading me to this Western Land.

The Weight of Past Sins

My physical body was sought out by my karmic creditors long ago. They were a group of people I had harmed terribly in the past. After they died, they would not let me go; they insisted on seeking revenge. Now, as I look back, I see them standing beside me, each one gnashing their teeth in hatred. Some were holding me down, others were grabbing my limbs. They simply would not let me be; they wanted me to suffer. When I witnessed this scene, I wept. My heart ached so deeply. I did not realise that my past sins were so heavy, which is why I had to endure such karmic retribution. I am willing to make amends, and I hope to save all the beings I harmed in the past.

A Plea for Forgiveness

Being able to come to the Western Land today, I also hope that my karmic creditor Bodhisattvas can come as well. Before the Dharma assembly began today, I was calling out to them, kneeling and repenting to them, begging for their forgiveness. I sincerely repented to them, telling them that today we have the opportunity to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Many were truly willing to let go, but there are still many who harbour hatred toward me. I will continue to repent. Today, there is still a chance. I beg them to let go soon, to leave suffering behind, and not to continue reincarnating and suffering because of hatred.

A Mother's Gratitude

Thank you to my child for saving me and for saving my karmic creditor Bodhisattvas. Although we did not spend much time together in that lifetime, our karmic connection is very deep. I will never forget that it was my child who helped me reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I also hope that he will diligently chant Namo Amituofo and follow along to return to the Western Land.

Namo Amituofo."