Awakening from the Dream of Samsara

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Feng Huanchao, the mother of Lay Practitioner He Zhi-niu. She sought deliverance 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 her transition from the cycle of rebirth to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa-xi, on March 11, 2022.

Lay Practitioner Feng Huanchao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. This is truly a joyous moment for me. Not only do I have the opportunity to send a message back home to my family, but I have also arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Looking out at these vast, golden grounds and the indescribable, infinite beauty of the scenery here, I am filled with such profound happiness."

A Life Transformed

"My life in the human world has come to an end. Looking back, all the events of the past feel just like a dream, yet they remain etched within our hearts. To my children and my daughter-in-law: thank you. I truly must thank you from the bottom of my heart. Because of your efforts, I was able to secure the opportunity for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It was all worth it! Before I passed away, I had no idea that the cycle of rebirth was so incredibly painful. Even though life was difficult back then, I still clung to the world with greed and attachment. Now that I have truly experienced death, I have finally felt the agony of passing and the deep, pervasive suffering within the cycle of samsara."

From Darkness to the Lotus Seat

"I will always remember the day I was rescued from the darkness. I saw a vast expanse of brilliant light, and I saw people helping me. Suddenly, I felt a sense of lightness wash over me. It happened so quickly—before I could even see clearly, I had already arrived here, sitting upon a pure lotus seat. Upon arriving, I began to learn how to practise. I started to chant Namo Amituofo and listen to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. I do not know how much time passed before I truly awakened. I saw my past—not just this lifetime, but lives from long, long ago. Seeing all of this made me so sorrowful, and it was then that I truly sought genuine liberation and the rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."

A Final Plea to Family

"I am so deeply grateful to this place for helping me. It allowed me to wake up from a long, confusing dream. Who would have expected that the feeling of coming home could be so wonderful! My children, I hope that after you read this message, you will understand the goodness of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. You must also realise the suffering you are currently enduring within the cycle of rebirth. Please, remember to seek purity and seek liberation—that is the most important thing of all."

"The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia is a place of absolute purity. If you could also come to this place, my heart would finally be completely at ease, without a single worry left."

A Heart of Gratitude

"We must all keep gratitude in our hearts. I am grateful to Namo Amituofo, grateful to Practitioner Su, and grateful to every single Venerable. It is this place that saved us and allowed us to leave suffering behind."

"With deepest gratitude and bows, Feng Huanchao. Namo Amituofo."