Awakening from the Dream of Samsara

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Chen Bai Jian-ai, the grandmother of Lay Practitioner Chen Xiang-bin. She sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition from being reincarnated to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa-xi, on March 18, 2022.

Lay Practitioner Chen Bai Jian-ai speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chen Bai Jian-ai. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Buddha for His infinite compassion, and to Practitioner Su for his immense mind-capacity in helping all beings escape the depths of suffering. I never imagined that one day I would be here, engaged in such magnificent practice. Everything here fills me with such profound joy; this place is truly a Pure Land. I am filled with gratitude, and I cherish every moment of this existence with all my heart.

The Darkness of the Afterlife

Before I arrived here, I existed as an elderly spirit, and in truth, I had very little strength left. After I passed away, I found myself in a dim, desolate space. I continued to live my days there, but they were dark, dreary, and repetitive—one day bleeding into the next. I did not even know that I needed to wake up. My heart was still tethered to my family; I was simply unable to let go of this world. Before I was summoned by Practitioner Su, I felt as though I were trapped in a long, unending dream. I have no idea how much time had actually passed.

Awakening Through Compassion

It was only after I arrived at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia that I felt a different kind of power—the compassionate blessing of the Buddha. It was this light that allowed me to finally wake up from that long, dark slumber. I was so moved, I could not help but weep! At first, I saw my life in this lifetime, and I cried bitterly because I missed my family so deeply. However, as time passed and my spirit underwent purification, I began to see the families I had in my past lives as well. My heart began to undergo a profound transformation.

I realise that throughout my many lives, I have taken on countless different identities. Now, I have finally awakened from being reincarnated. I know now that I must seek liberation; I no longer wish to be stubbornly attached to the dust and turmoil of this world.

A Message to My Descendants

My dear grandson, thank you for helping your grandmother receive Chao Du. This entire process has been made possible through the blessing of the Buddha's power. Because I am now able to attain liberation, I know that you, too, will be able to attain it in the future! Please, come quickly to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia; this place can truly help you! I want to tell my family from my past lives: if you can see this message, please know that I am doing very well. I have attained liberation and have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. The practice here is truly magnificent, especially when one is guided at this centre. Only when you wake up from being reincarnated do you realise that all these lifetimes were nothing more than a series of dreams.

It is my sincere hope that we can all be together in the end. Let us make a pact to reunite in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

I offer my most sincere gratitude to the compassion of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo.

With palms joined, Chen Bai Jian-ai."