A Grandfather's Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Takeo Watanabe, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition from the spirit realm to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on September 15, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Takeo Watanabe speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. It is truly wonderful here—it is truly wonderful! I have never witnessed such a magnificent place in all my existence. Even our home in Japan cannot compare to this; it is like a celestial realm. They call this the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I could never have dreamt of such a place in my wildest dreams, yet now, I have actually been given the opportunity to arrive here.

A Reunion in the Pure Land

I am deeply grateful to the compassionate Practitioner Su for taking my spirit by the hand and leading me to this Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I have even seen my son here! He looks so young and handsome—he resembles me so much, though he looks much better than I do right now. I have not yet transformed into my younger form, but seeing him brings me such immense peace.

Time passes so quickly; I did not even realise that I had been dead for so long. My granddaughter-in-law is so filial. She knew that my spirit was suffering, and she arranged for Practitioner Su to save me. It was only through her efforts that I was able to go to Practitioner Su and listen to the Dharma for quite some time.

The Illusion of the World

I truly have no lingering attachments to the world of men anymore. After all, I have been gone for many years now. After listening to the Dharma, I see things much more clearly and understand that there is nothing in the world worth clinging to. All the events that happened in my past life have played out before my eyes like a theatrical performance. In the end, it was all nothing left—it was all an illusion.

A Plea for a Struggling Descendant

I was only able to be saved this time because my granddaughter-in-law reached out to help me. I see that she has a kind heart, though her temper is a bit fiery. If she could just temper that spirit, she would be a truly excellent person. My grandson, however, does not have the same level of blessings as his wife; he has never understood the importance of practising the Dharma throughout his entire life.

Looking at him now, he appears haggard, thin, and is suffering greatly. His karma has come to collect its debt, and there is nowhere for him to hide. This grandson of mine is actually very obedient and honest. I pray to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to save him and provide him with the Causal Conditions to learn the Dharma. However, I see so many fish and various sea creatures surrounding his head, gnawing at his stomach, intestines, and bones. They are all unwilling to let him go; they refuse to let him come to this Buddha-land.

It all depends on whether he still has enough blessings, or perhaps if his wife can accumulate enough merit on his behalf to allow him to come here to perform Buddhist services and dissolve his karma. I do not have much more to say. Life is simply like this. Now that I have been liberated, my entire being feels light and comfortable. Thank you, Practitioner Su, for saving me and guiding my spirit to the West.

Namo Amituofo."