A Journey to the Western Pure Land: The Testimony of Luo Ping

This is a record of an interview with the late Lay Practitioner Luo Ping (also known as Luo Tanjin), the father-in-law of Lay Practitioner Feng Meilan. He sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his transition into the light of the Buddha. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on July 7, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Luo Ping (Luo Tanjin) speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am truly overjoyed to have this opportunity to stand here today and share my innermost thoughts with all of you. Seeing that my descendants are now living much better lives, I feel that all the struggles and hard work I endured during my own lifetime were not in vain.

The days of the past were truly arduous. In order to survive and provide for my family, I suffered many losses and faced countless hardships. But all of that is behind me now! We must learn to cherish what we have in the present moment rather than fixating on what we lack. Only by doing so can one's heart remain upright and steady.

Reflections on a Life of Hardship

I have always been a simple, honest man. However, because life was so difficult back then, I was driven by the desperate need to earn more money, and in that process, I feel I committed many karmic transgressions. That is why my later years were filled with such misfortune. You do not need to worry about the correct spelling of my name; it is of no consequence now. Whether you call me Luo Ping or Luo Tanjin, that identity no longer defines who I am today.

I have now arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Having seen the cycle of my own past lives and the suffering of samsara, I wept as I repented before the Buddha. I have now made a firm resolution to let go of everything. I truly hope that all of you can also learn the profound wisdom of letting go.

The Path to Liberation

While I may not fully grasp the technicalities of what 'practice' entails, I know deep in my heart that this path is magnificent. By engaging in practice here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you all have the potential to come and meet me in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am deeply grateful to my daughter-in-law, Meilan, for helping me receive Chao Du. She has such a kind and compassionate heart, and this Causal Condition we share is truly wonderful.

I hope that everyone who reads my message can set their minds at ease. Please do not worry about me any longer; I am doing very well now, and I sincerely wish for all of you to live well, too. The cycle of rebirth is truly too painful—life after life, we drift in suffering. Now, only by coming to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and following the teachings of Namo Amituofo can one truly put an end to all this misery.

Do not let this precious opportunity slip through your fingers. This is far more important than the daily struggle for survival. I hope that everyone can attain liberation, and I will be waiting for all of you in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss so that we may be reunited.

With deep bows, Luo Ping (Luo Tanjin). Namo Amituofo."