Awakening Beyond the Physical Form

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Guo Jiechun, the cousin of Lay Practitioner Guo Lirong. He sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his recent transition from the human realm. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on February 28, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Guo Jiechun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, both my father and I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am filled with such profound gratitude to Practitioner Su for saving us both. It is only through her intervention that we were able to reach this Western Land and finally escape the endless cycle of being reincarnated.

The Illusion of Kinship

In this lifetime, my father and I were father and son. Yet, it is startling to realise that once our spirits departed from our physical bodies, we became two distinct spirits with no inherent connection. We only remember that we had the karmic affinity to be father and son in this life. It was the result of countless Causal Conditions from the past that brought our physical bodies together in this way, but at the level of the spirit, there is no actual bond.

So many things become crystal clear only after the physical body is gone. When we possess a body, we are trapped in the space and the world of that body. We live entirely within our own personality and our own karma. Looking back at those days now, I truly do not know what I was doing. Everything was so foggy and unclear. It turns out that the world is truly an illusion, but when you are living in the midst of it, how could you possibly know it is false? Even if someone tells you that the world is an illusion, it is very difficult to truly feel it, because you are living right inside of it. How can you perceive it as false when it is your entire reality?

The Clarity of the Spirit

However, now that I no longer have a physical body, everything I once cared about, everything I was attached to, and everything I possessed has truly vanished. Even the people I was related to—whether through family ties or friendships—none of that matters anymore. It is all gone.

I have finally awakened. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have this clarity. I knelt before the Buddha, kowtowing repeatedly, repenting for all my past deeds. Namo Amituofo is so compassionate; He continuously shone His Buddha-light upon me. I could not stop my tears; I felt such deep gratitude and was so moved by His mercy.

A Final Message to the Living

I want to thank Lirong for saving my father and me. We are so grateful to you in our hearts. You must follow the Buddha closely and continue to diligently chant Buddha's name.

Although the physical body is an illusion, it is also incredibly precious. I did not know how to cherish mine, which is why I departed from the world so quickly. I feel such deep regret, but it is already too late for me. You still have your body, so you must seize this opportunity while you can.

With deepest reverence, Guo Jiechun."

Namo Amituofo.