A Mother's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Peng Wengjin, the mother of Lay Practitioner Peng Nianci, who sought Chao Du 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 ghost realm to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 10, 2021.

Peng Wengjin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am so deeply grateful, truly grateful to Practitioner Su. It was my husband who first made the decision to go to the Western Land, and it was only because of his choice that I, too, decided to follow that path.

In the blink of an eye, I had arrived. The air here is so fragrant, so incredibly fragrant! My heart is filled with such immense joy. I have been told that this world is called the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and it is truly, breathtakingly beautiful."

A Sudden Transition to Light

"After I moved from the dark, cold ghost realm into the Dharma-Nature Land, I spent all my time watching the brilliant light that fills this place. At the very beginning, I did not fully understand the sutras I was hearing, but I could clearly see that everything here is dedicated to helping others.

It was only after some time had passed that I realised it was my son, Nianci, who had helped me receive Chao Du. My dear son, thank you. It was because of you that your mother was finally able to stop suffering."

The Terrifying Reality of Samsara

"The cycle of rebirth is absolutely terrifying! Think about it—if you had not saved your mother, after my time in the ghost realm ended, I would have been forced to be reborn as a chicken to pay off my karmic debts. That was a debt I owed; there was no way to hide from it or escape it. But thankfully, I do not have to face that now. Now, the Buddha is right before my eyes—the compassionate Namo Amituofo. The Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is my home. I no longer have to suffer in the human world, and I no longer have to worry about anything, or worry about you children anymore.

My son, I am telling you this because I want you to understand that the cycle of rebirth is something every single person must face. No one is exempt. In this lifetime, you have encountered the Buddha, and you must seize this opportunity with all your heart."

A Mother's Final Advice

"I can see that your mind is far too cluttered, my son. Do not think so much. All these things you are worrying about, you cannot take them with you when you go. It would be far better to simply empty your mind and chant, 'Namo Amituofo.' You have not seen it, but as I chant this name, I have even become younger! It is truly inconceivable.

I originally had so many things I wanted to say to you, but now that I think about it, it is better to just share the most important things. I am no longer by your side, so I hope you will take good care of yourself. I know that you have been listening to the sutras, and that is wonderful. The great truths that Practitioner Su speaks of are so useful; many of them are things we never understood before. I know you cherish these teachings. Please thank Practitioner Su and everyone at the temple on my behalf. Without them, I would not be here in this beautiful Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today.

You must remember what your mother has told you: follow Practitioner Su closely, keep your heart empty and clear, and I will be here in the West waiting for you.

I am truly so grateful to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."