This is a record of an interview with Guo Jianmin, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition from the human world to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on September 10, 2021.
Lay Practitioner Guo Jianmin speaks:
"(Weeping) I have reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! I have reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! I am filled with gratitude to the Buddha, and I am filled with gratitude to Practitioner Su.
I truly do not know how I could have been blessed with such immense merit to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! Before this, I did not understand. Many people mistakenly believe that rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is a simple matter. They do not realise that if one has not truly let go of the world, and if one has not diligently practised chanting , it is impossible to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss; it is only through the grace of someone like Practitioner Su, who possesses the to guide souls, that one can truly arrive here.
The Hidden Reality of Samsara
No one knows this, but while I was still living in the human world, my three hun souls and seven po souls had already drifted away. My had been seizing me for a long time. Even my own physical body was unaware of this. I continued to go about my daily life, though I suffered from various illnesses and often felt mentally drained. I did not realise that this was because my soul was no longer anchored in my body; I had long since been replaced by my karmic creditors.
When I first arrived at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I still longed deeply for my family in the human world. Having left the world so suddenly, the idea of letting go was simply impossible. I had lived for decades, and the emotional attachments were strong; I was incredibly reluctant to leave them behind. I sat upon my lotus seat and wept, wondering what my family was doing at that very moment. As I sat there, I would try to listen to Practitioner Su’s talks, but in the beginning, I truly could not take them in. That period was filled with such profound suffering.
The of the Spirit
After several months had passed, I began to slowly accept the reality that I had passed away. I found that I could listen to the Dharma talks more effectively; I could absorb more, and I could listen with greater focus. In this past month, I have even found myself laughing naturally. My heart is now filled with gratitude toward Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su for rescuing the spirit of Guo Jianmin.
Over these past few days, I have often laughed at myself, wondering how I could have been so foolish to remain attached to the world. Now that I see clearly that everything in the human world is illusory, I realise just how foolish I truly was.
A Message to My Loved Ones
I want to tell my family in the human world: I have departed, and I have reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. You do not need to worry about me; I am doing very well now—far better than I ever was while living in the human world. Although I was once deeply concerned for all of you, I have now let go of those attachments, and I am fully committed to following Namo Amituofo. Here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I will study the Buddha’s teachings diligently. Studying the Dharma is truly wonderful; by walking this path, one no longer needs to be reincarnated. The cycle of rebirth is truly filled with suffering. I have seen so much of it over these past few months, which is why I made the firm decision to follow the path to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
I also want to say to my wife: Thank you, and I know how hard you have worked. Several months have passed, and you should be more accustomed to things now. I no longer possess that old body, and I am beginning to change, becoming less and less like my former self. This is a natural transformation that occurs as the spirit listens to the Dharma, chants Namo Amituofo, and engages in practice. Please take good care of yourself, and remember to chant Namo Amituofo and listen to the Dharma talks. I am here waiting for you."
