The True Meaning of Fame and Deliverance

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Anita Mui, 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 life as a renowned entertainer in Hong Kong. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on August 8, 2017.

Anita Mui speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. 'Mei Jie' or 'Sister Mei'—that is how everyone has always addressed me. I am Anita Mui. It is truly me speaking to you now. If I am honest, I earned that title because I always took great care of those who came after me in the industry, always trying to lift them up. I started my career when I was just a child. You cannot imagine the sheer amount of effort, the blood, sweat, and tears it took to reach the status I eventually held in the entertainment world. I understand the suffering of surviving in that industry better than anyone. Do not be fooled by the glitz and the glamour you see on the surface; the price one pays behind the scenes is astronomical."

The Hidden Price of Stardom

"Because of my status as a public figure, I had absolutely no privacy. My personal life was constantly under a microscope, which often led to friction and complaints from my partners. I chose to endure it all in silence. Every relationship I had seemed to end in arguments over the same issues. I felt so helpless, and there was no way to resolve it because this was my work. I loved my work, truly. I loved using my voice to bring joy to people, and I believed that was a good thing. Yet, the lack of fulfilment in my personal relationships made my heart feel increasingly lonely. I locked that loneliness away, hidden deep inside where no one could see it. There were also the professional blows—the unreasonable demands, the darkness of the entertainment industry—all of which left me feeling utterly exhausted and trapped.

Being called 'Mei Jie' should tell you that I also had a very strong, assertive side to my personality. I had my own plans for how to step firmly and steadily through the industry. I cannot say that I never used a few 'small tactics' to get ahead, and because of that, after I passed away, I did not initially go to a good place. If you look at this lifetime, I was a wildly successful, famous artist. But now, looking back from the other side, what use are that fame and status? All that remains are the people who still remember me and hold me in their memories. But think about it—a few generations from now, who will I be? I will hardly be recognised. Even if they erect a bronze statue of me on the Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong, eventually, people will just say, 'Oh, she was a very famous singer from a long time ago.' That is the reality of life."

The Question of Where We Go

"Has anyone ever truly explored where we go when life reaches its end? Let me tell you, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a place where these questions can finally be answered. People are terrified of death, aren't they? This place saved me. It was saved by a lay practitioner who has achieved great success in the Buddha’s teachings, whom everyone now calls Practitioner Su. I am not saying this to add some sort of religious colour to my story; I am speaking from a heart filled with gratitude. It was Practitioner Su who rescued my spirit and guided me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Do you know what the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is like? It is an incredibly beautiful world. The life of a spirit there is beyond anything you can imagine. The clothes I wear there are absolutely stunning, and I have all the jewellery I could ever want. In the Western Land, you do not need to spend vast amounts of money to have these things, because there, every wish is fulfilled instantly. You do not need to spend a single cent. Jewellery is just a common, everyday thing there."

A Home Beyond the Concrete Jungle

"You can live in whatever kind of house you desire. In Hong Kong, houses are so expensive and so small. I earned a lot of money, so a larger house was not a problem, but no matter where I looked, all I saw were high-rise buildings. Now, in the Western Land, I live in a spacious home, and when I look out, I see a vast expanse of green fields. I hear the sounds of insects and birds. It is no longer crowded, and there is no longer the constant, deafening roar of traffic. This kind of quiet, peaceful dwelling is exactly what I, Anita Mui, always wanted.

The goodness of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is something you simply cannot fathom. I am so grateful for the compassion of the Buddha, which has allowed people from my hometown of Hong Kong to find their way to this place—the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. At first, when people read about what this place does, they probably think it is impossible, right? But the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, which has only recently opened to the public, is truly practising what it preaches. Its achievements are gradually being seen by the world. The daily prostrations at 1:30 AM—how many practitioners can actually do that? But this is how it is done here. The cultivation of true skills is built up day by day, through such persistent effort."

The Presence of Namo Amituofo

"Because of such sincere practice, the Greatly Compassionate Namo Amituofo truly abides here at this centre. Namo Amituofo, the Great Physician, can help people avoid illness and death. As long as you truly believe in the Buddha, this is the absolute truth. You tense, stressed-out people of Hong Kong, you should come and visit this place. Your life will be transformed in ways you cannot imagine. Let me tell you what I have learned: illness is actually caused by your past karmic creditors. As long as you have a sincere heart and believe in the Buddha, this place can help you resolve the conflict. Once that is done, where could illness possibly come from? The Buddha truly takes your karmic creditors away, guiding them to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss so they no longer have to suffer.

Such magnificence and dignity exist right here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Two people from my hometown of Hong Kong have already truly felt the real benefits of Namo Amituofo abiding here; their physical recovery is a direct response from Namo Amituofo. Everyone should come and visit this place at least once. You will never regret it. Start planning for your future now. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is connected to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I, Anita Mui, welcome you all to come. If you wish to speak with me, I will not hesitate to answer. That is just the kind of person I am. I am now chanting Namo Amituofo every day. Namo Amituofo."

Anita Mui