From the Hells to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss: The Testimony of Lay Practitioner Lin Xianting

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Lin Xianting, a friend of Lay Practitioner Liu Minxian, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on June 16, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Lin Xianting speaks:

"Liling, I have arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. You might find it hard to believe that such a place exists, but I am truly here, standing right beside the Buddha.

This was the singular wish of my entire life—to follow the Buddha. I never imagined that it would be Brother Liu who helped me realise this dream. He personally provided the funds to assist with my Chao Du, and it is only because of his kindness that I am able to be in this world of such profound peace and freedom from all worry.

The Illusion of Worldly Success

Reflecting on my life, I had fame, I had wealth, and I was constantly caught up in the busyness of living and the pursuit of my own achievements. You and our children have always been my greatest pride. I pursued and attained all the markers of success that people in this world strive for; yet, in the end, my physical body could no longer bear the weight of it all.

In truth, I had always known that illness is a manifestation of spiritual obstacles. That is why I persisted in dedicating the merits of my daily practice. However, I now realise that my efforts were insufficient, and my sincerity was not deep enough. That is why I still had to endure the agony of physical suffering. But honestly, I do not complain about it now.

Confronting the Shadows of the Past

Only now do I see clearly that a group of dark karmic creditors had been following me all along, watching me at every turn. Those karmic creditors were people I had deeply harmed in my past lives, which is why they harboured such intense resentment toward me. Here, I offer them my deepest, most sincere repenting. I truly hope they can be released from their suffering.

Liling, how are you and the children doing? I know that many times you have had to put on a brave face, but you really do need to allow yourself a moment to rest. As for the children, please do not worry too much. After all, everyone has their own unique Causal Conditions. Worrying will not truly help them; in the end, there are many paths that they must walk for themselves.

A Warning from the Depths

I hope that you and the children will take good care of your health. I also hope that you will keep your thoughts pure and your perspective clear.

When I first passed, I was actually rescued from the hells. I myself could hardly believe that I had ended up on that path, but now I understand the reason. In this life, there were many moments where I unintentionally harmed others through my own stubbornness and the things I said. In those moments, I was only concerned with immediate victory and personal gain, never considering the broader impact. This is the reason I had to undergo such retribution, and I accept it willingly.

Thankfully, all that pain is now in the past. I have arrived in this magnificent place, and I truly hope that my family, my friends, and everyone I have known will have the Causal Conditions to study the Dharma and follow the Buddha to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am here, waiting for you all.

With palms joined, Lin Xianting."