A Grandfather's Journey to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with Lin Ren, also known as Lin Zhongshi, the grandfather of Lay Practitioner Li Jianping. He 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 his life and his journey to liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on April 18, 2025.

Lin Ren (Lin Zhongshi) speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have now arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am filled with boundless gratitude to the Buddha, and I am deeply thankful to Practitioner Su for this deliverance.

If it were not for this karmic connection, I would still be trapped in a dark, lonely space of suffering. That kind of agony is something no one else could help me with. I was all alone, drifting through that desolate space, enduring endless torment. No matter how I tried to escape, I could not find a way out. It was only when the immense power of the Buddha intervened that my fate was changed, and I was finally led to safety and peace.

From Agony to Clarity

Since arriving in this Buddha-land, I have become increasingly clear-headed. The heavy, negative thoughts and the turbulent emotions that had piled up in my heart for so long have simply vanished. I feel so incredibly blessed to have had the fortune to encounter the Buddha. It is a grace I cannot fully express in words.

In my past life, I did not have many choices. I had to follow the path that fate laid out for me, whether I liked it or not. In those times, I had no control over my destiny. In truth, all I ever wanted was a sense of peace and stability. I carried so many suppressed feelings, things I never dared to tell anyone, but now, that heavy burden has completely dissolved. I feel light, as if a great weight has been lifted from my soul.

Letting Go of the Past

Coming to this Buddha-land feels as if my entire past life was just a dream. Although I once tried so hard to cling to it, I found that I could not hold on to anything. It was only then that I truly realised: my name, my identity, and the family I cared for so deeply no longer belong to me. I am left with only my light, drifting spirit, yet I have not fully let go of everything just yet. There is still so much to learn in this place of infinite wisdom.

This time, the opportunity for Chao Du has been a miracle. I am so deeply grateful to my granddaughter, such a filial child, for making it possible for me to reunite with your grandmother. Together, we are now reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. In that life, I failed her; I did not take good care of her, and I carry that regret. But now, being able to choose to follow the Buddha alongside her, I have no more regrets. And to your mother, I know I caused her suffering as well, but now we are both moving together toward the light.

A Final Message of Faith

Beyond my gratitude to the Buddha, I hope that you will continue to nurture this kind heart of the Buddha and help even more people. You must also remain firm in your faith in following the Buddha and serve with a single-minded heart. Do not let the distractions of the world pull you away from this path.

Finally, I offer my gratitude once more. In this brilliant light, I will continue my purification and keep chanting Buddha's name. Namo Amituofo. Lin Ren (Lin Zhongshi) bows with folded palms."