From the Shadows to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Ma Deyuan, the father-in-law of Lay Practitioner Yi Ying, who sought deliverance 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 journey from the darkness of the underworld to the light of the Buddha. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on January 7, 2022.

Lay Practitioner Ma Deyuan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Ma Deyuan. It has been a long, winding road—a journey through countless twists and turns—but I have finally, truly arrived at my destination. I never understood the cycle of reincarnation before, but now I understand it completely. I realise it with absolute clarity.

Before I came to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I did not know the Buddha. I had no idea how important it was to practise the Dharma. I lived a typical, worldly life, thinking that everything was fine, but I never expected that after death, I would find myself in a grey, dim underworld, completely cut off from the light of the sun.

The Darkness of the Underworld

In that dark realm, I did not even fully realise the extent of my suffering. It felt as though I had entered a strange, different world where I was just drifting along, not knowing what I was doing or why I was there. I lived like that, day after day, in a state of profound confusion. It was only when Practitioner Su called out my name that I was finally able to leave that place. I was then brought to a place of brilliant light, known as the Western Land of Dharma Nature. There, I was given a lotus seat, which allowed me to sit and listen to the sutras.

At first, I did not quite understand the sutras that Practitioner Su was teaching. I listened to them over and over again, every single day. As I continued to listen, slowly but surely, the meaning began to dawn on me. I was so happy! Sitting on my lotus seat, I not only listened to the teachings but also participated in the Dharma assembly. The Buddha-light was shining upon me at every moment, constantly working to purify my spirit. As The Head became clearer and brighter, my vision seemed to sharpen, and it was then that I finally understood what the cycle of reincarnation truly is.

The Fear of Samsara

If I had not been brought to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I would certainly have been forced to continue in the cycle of reincarnation. It would not have been limited to just the underworld; I have been reincarnated throughout my many lives as an animal, as a poor person, and I have even suffered in the hells. I have caught glimpses of these past lives, and seeing those scenes has made me realise just how terrifying the cycle of reincarnation truly is.

Therefore, I am incredibly grateful to have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I, Ma Deyuan, kneel in gratitude to Practitioner Su for saving me. I also want to express my deepest thanks to my wonderful daughter-in-law. Without her help, Practitioner Su would never have known of my existence. Now, I feel so light and at ease; I feel young and full of vitality again. I will continue to practise diligently here, so please, do not worry about me any longer.

Namo Amituofo. Ma Deyuan, with palms joined in reverence."