A Journey from the Hells to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Lu Huanmei, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. This account reflects upon her spiritual journey and her eventual rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on November 29, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Lu Huanmei speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I feel so ashamed; I truly have no face to see the Buddha. Before the Buddha, I prostrate and kowtow continuously, feeling that I have not done enough and that I have failed the Buddha.

The Weight of Karmic Debt

In truth, I was initially hesitant about whether I was worthy to come to the Western Land. In my heart, I constantly felt that I lacked the qualifications. Having fallen into the hells and created so much karma, how could I possibly have the face to stand before the Buddha? It felt impossible.

While under the care of Practitioner Su, I chanted Namo Amituofo and repented every single day. I did not stop for even a single second, yet my heart remained heavy with regret. I am so deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for saving me. She allowed a spirit like me, burdened with such heavy karma, to finally escape the hells. I am eternally grateful to Practitioner Su—the compassionate Practitioner Su.

Reflections on a Life of Suffering

I did not raise my children well, and because they created karma, I also bear the guilt. I did not conduct myself well either. It is not that I committed any heinous or monstrous acts, but I feel that my own personality was flawed. Every day I lived in the world was, in reality, a life of suffering. I did not know the Buddha, and there were no Causal Conditions that allowed me to properly study the Dharma. I simply used my own limited methods to endure those bitter days.

I now realise that the family I was born into and the people I became related to were all due to Causal Conditions. We had connections in the past, and we met again in this lifetime. While listening to the sutras in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I sometimes see my own past, and only then did I realise how much karma I had created. Throughout my many lives, I have harmed far too many people. All of that must be repaid.

The Law of Cause and Effect

I do not complain about my family, nor do I complain about my fate, because I know that everything is governed by the laws of karma and cause and effect. It is what I deserved to endure. It is only a pity that in this lifetime, I did not have the opportunity to change my fate and my karma, and I did not have the opportunity to save my children.

I know that it is very difficult for my children to study the Dharma. They are older now and have many of their own ideas. However, I still want to tell them: whenever you have the chance, please chant Namo Amituofo. Only the Buddha can save us.

A Final Debt of Gratitude

Finally, I must thank Chunming. Chunming saved his aunt. Without Chunming's help, I would certainly still be suffering right now—suffering so terribly, so terribly!

Now that I have seen the Buddha, I am so happy, though my heart still feels a sense of regret. I will practise diligently here, calm my heart, and no longer dwell on the past. I will follow the Buddha, and in the future, when the Causal Conditions arise, I will also be able to help other beings.

With deepest reverence, Lu Huanmei."

Namo Amituofo.