This is a record of an interview with Huang Qingxue, the mother of Lay Practitioner Ma Yiling, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on October 20, 2023.
Huang Qingxue speaks:
". Yiling, my dear daughter, it is Mother. Thank you for always keeping me in your heart. You have worked so hard for such a long time to help me achieve Chao Du. I have been watching from the -Nature Land at the temple, and my heart is truly moved by your devotion. It is a feeling beyond words, a warmth that permeates my entire being.
There are so many things I have been wanting to say to you, that have been stirring within me since I arrived here. Yiling, I must be honest with you: I was not always the most capable mother, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. There were many times when I simply did not know how to do better, and I struggled with my own limitations.
Reflections on a Life of Imperfection
My deepest wish for you and your siblings was always for you to find stability and a clear direction for your future. Looking back, I realise that I did not always provide the best example for you to follow, and for that, I feel a deep sense of shame. Yet, despite my shortcomings, you have remained so kind-hearted. You never held my mistakes against me, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
The fact that you were willing to persist for so long, to dedicate yourself to this process until I was finally guided to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, shows me that you have developed a profound faith in Namo Amituofo. You understand now, as I do, that the Buddha truly has the power to save us—to save me from the depths of suffering. It is a miracle that we must both cherish with our whole hearts.
The Truth About
Although your current Causal Conditions have taken you away from the temple, I pray that your heart for learning the Dharma and chanting the Buddha-name never wavers. The Buddha has truly, tangibly helped me; He reached down into the darkness of the hells and pulled me out. We must both be filled with gratitude for this deliverance.
Yiling, I want to share something important with you. I know that you have a strong personality and that you hold firmly to your own convictions. However, I hope you can learn to listen more to the perspectives of others. Every person we encounter can serve as our teacher, and we all have so much left to learn. You must listen to the Dharma talks more often and be willing to change; remember, changing yourself is the greatest way to help yourself. Having resided in the Buddha-land for some time now, I can see the human body so clearly. Every single person is surrounded by their karmic creditors. Whenever you become stubborn or let your personality flare up, those karmic creditors begin to vibrate with energy, preparing to collect their debt. When they are ready, they manifest as illness in your body, causing you to suffer and endure the fruits of your past actions. If you truly wish to resolve the conflict with your karmic creditors, you must rely on yourself—on your own willingness to soften your heart and become gentle.
A Final Plea for Spiritual Growth
Please, remember everything I have told you. Do not let anger take root; keep your heart calm and level. Do not be overly insistent on your own way; learn to be flexible. Whenever you have the opportunity, serve other beings. Use whatever capacity you have to practise Generosity and to perform Chao Du for others. All of these actions are ultimately helping yourself. I have no material gifts to give you, but I offer you this sincere counseling, and I hope with all my heart that you will take it to heart.
I am currently enjoying the peace of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is incredibly cool and refreshing here, and the Buddha is so compassionate. I spend my time within my own lotus, listening to the Buddha-name and hearing the Buddha expound the Dharma.
You must work hard, my daughter. Keep your heart firm in your aspiration to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. You have encountered the Buddha in this lifetime; you must grasp this opportunity with both hands. Do not fall back into the cycle of being reincarnated. The Buddha is right there within your heart—keep the thought of the Buddha alive in every moment. Remember this!"
