This is a record of an interview with Li Xiao, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on August 19, 2022.
Lay Practitioner Li Xiao speaks:
". To be perfectly honest, my life has passed by in the blink of an eye. Today, I have made the firm decision to go to the Western Pure Land, and the reason for this is my daughter. My daughter has a deep aspiration to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and she wanted us—her two elderly parents—to accompany her on this journey. My daughter is a filial child, and we, as her parents, have always listened to her. Today, we have decided together that we will all go to the West.
The Limitations of the Ancestral Realm
While residing within the ancestral memorial tablets, I have had the chance to watch my descendants as they each lead their own separate lives, and this has allowed my heart to finally settle. Within the ancestral tablets, during the festivals and holidays, our descendants show us great respect. They offer us sacrifices and pay their respects, which allows us to have a full meal. Although I have always wanted to protect my entire family, to ensure they are all safe and successful, I have come to realise that I simply do not have the power to do so.
Every person’s Causal Conditions are different. Some of my descendants live smooth and easy lives, while others encounter great difficulties. As an elder, I could only pray—constantly praying that everyone would be safe and successful. But now, I understand the truth: hoping for success is not as effective as teaching one's descendants to accumulate merit, to perform acts of Goodness, and to help others. Only then can they truly secure their own .
The Wisdom of the World and the
I have experienced so much throughout my life, and through the natural course of events, I came to understand many principles of how to be a good person. These principles were useful while I was alive, but after death, they simply dissipated. Now, I have a much deeper realisation of the principles that transcend this world. Perhaps some of my younger descendants do not yet understand the importance of transcending the cycle of rebirth. They are busy and hurried every single day, and before they know it, their lives have been completely used up.
Today, my wife, my daughter, and I are all being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is entirely due to the of the Buddha, and it is thanks to Fengzhi—my filial granddaughter—who helped us facilitate these Causal Conditions. I truly hope that this good cause can allow those who have not yet encountered the Buddha, or those who do not yet understand the Buddha deeply, to realise how magnificent and compassionate the Buddha truly is.
A Final Message to the Family
I also wish to express my gratitude to Practitioner Su of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Practitioner Su explains life and the Buddha’s teachings in such a direct and clear way. I sincerely hope that my descendants will also have the opportunity to follow the Buddha.
Fengzhi, thank you for helping your grandfather, your grandmother, and your mother receive Chao Du. You must understand that life is very short. Whatever needs to be let go, let it go. Follow the Buddha diligently, introduce the Buddha’s teachings to others, and ensure that in the future, our whole family will be reunited in the Western Pure Land. That is the only thing that truly matters.
