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

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Lu Sujun, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition from the cycle of rebirth to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 1, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Lu Sujun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. When I first beheld the compassionate countenance of the Buddha, I could not hold back my tears. It was a profound stirring that welled up from the very depths of my heart. I knelt before the Buddha, offering my deepest gratitude. In that singular, transformative moment, I saw clearly that for many lifetimes I had made the vow to follow the Buddha. Now, in this life, I have finally attained the Causal Conditions to return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I spoke to the Buddha at length, pouring out my heart, my repenting, and my overwhelming sense of gratitude. My heart was racing with emotion, but once that intensity subsided, I began to feel the profound serenity and stillness of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am so deeply grateful to the Buddha, and I am so grateful to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

The Agony of the Wandering Spirit

I am Lu Sujun. In this world, I once held a place—a role, a position—but that place vanished the moment my life ended. All that remained were those who missed me and a collection of fading memories. In the past, I clung to these memories so tightly because I was terrified of losing them. Yet, in the end, I could hold onto nothing. This left me feeling incredibly insecure after my death. I drifted through space, unable to go anywhere, and even more unable to communicate with anyone. I felt utterly helpless. This was the state I remained in until I finally arrived before the Buddha-land.

The Light of Protection

Upon arriving at the Buddha-land, the brilliance before me—the Buddha-light shining upon me—was the Buddha protecting me. It allowed my fearful heart to finally find peace. As I grew calmer day by day, I was finally able to see everything clearly; I was able to see life for what it truly is. I realised that all the things I had clung to so tightly, all the things I had spent my life pursuing, were ultimately impossible to keep.

A Mother's Final Guidance

Seeing my children still struggling and suffering as they strive to make a living, my heart aches with compassion. But as a mother, I cannot do the work for you. You must experience and realise the truths of life for yourselves to truly gain wisdom. My hope for you is that you will have the opportunity to listen to the sutras more often. Through them, you can find the true reliance for your hearts and avoid taking so many unnecessary, painful detours in your own lives.

Gratitude and Peace

If not for the help of the Buddha and Practitioner Su, my spirit would still be wandering in the void. Please, on my behalf, express my deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su. I hope that you will all take the time to understand the principles the Buddha has brought to us. Use these teachings to help others, to bring peace to more hearts, and to help stabilise this chaotic society. That, in itself, is a great good deed.

If you have the chance, please tell our relatives that both your father and I are now in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Tell them to be at ease. I am so grateful for this magnificent Causal Condition.

With palms joined in reverence, Lu Sujun."