A Daughter's Gift: Rebirth in the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Zhang Shulan, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition from the celestial realms to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Haize, on November 15, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Shulan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zhang Shulan. I have arrived, and I am ready to share my story.

I am profoundly grateful that Namo Amituofo has come to this world—specifically to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This place is a true Pure Land on Earth. It is only because Namo Amituofo is present here, along with the presence of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju—whom everyone at the temple refers to as 'Teacher'—and the presence of Practitioner Su, that this sacred ground could be established. It is precisely because Practitioner Su is here that we have had the opportunity to undergo the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies for Chao Du. It is through the success of Practitioner Su’s practice and his ability to guide those of us seeking Chao Du that we are led to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

From Celestial Realms to Ultimate Bliss

The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is where I reside now. I am incredibly happy, incredibly joyful! This place is so magnificent—it is far, far better than the celestial realms. When I was alive in the human world, I did manage to do some good deeds and helped a few people. Because of that, when I passed away, I was received by the celestial light of the heavens and entered the first level of the celestial realm.

Being in the first level of the heavens was already quite good. From there, I could look down and see the events unfolding in the human world. When you are in the midst of human life, you often do not realise the depth of your own suffering. But in truth, from the perspective of those in the celestial realms, the suffering of humanity is truly unbearable. To be able to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the deepest wish of so many beings. Now that I have arrived here, it is a blessing I could never have dreamed of. It was my daughter, Ren Xiaojing, who performed this act of Chao Du for me. What a truly wonderful daughter she is! There are many Dharma assemblies in the world, but unless the practitioner possesses true attainment and virtue, they have no way to guide a spirit to such a high destination. Being delivered to the celestial realms is considered quite an achievement, but to be delivered all the way to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? I had never even heard of such a thing. Yet, I am one of those who have been blessed with this. I suppose my success in living a virtuous life provided the conditions for this opportunity.

A Message to My Daughter

Xiaojing, my dear daughter, Mother thanks you. This place is infinitely better than the celestial realms. It is so bright, so vast, and so expansive. The Buddha-name 'Namo Amituofo' resonates like heavenly music—no, it is even better than heavenly music. It is incredibly melodious, and I can hear it at every moment.

Xiaojing, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a precious land; it is a rare treasure that one can only encounter through immense good fortune. Studying the Dharma is the most important thing one can do. Being human is full of suffering. Even though we lived relatively comfortable lives, there are so many impoverished people living in such bitter hardship. We have the opportunity to study the Dharma, while they, struggling just to survive, have no such chance. You must cherish this opportunity of having a human body in this lifetime. It is essential to do good deeds, practise Generosity, and perform acts of kindness while you are in the world. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a wonderful place for everyone to cultivate both blessings and wisdom. It is the best investment you can make for your own acts of kindness and Generosity. You must cultivate blessings, wisdom, and merit for yourself so that you will have a wonderful destination in the future.

A Precious Land of Deliverance

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to Namo Amituofo, to Practitioner Su, and to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Your merit is truly immense—it is beyond measure! Especially during the Dharma assemblies, I have seen many celestial beings and deities coming here to seek Chao Du, which shows that this place is no ordinary location; it is a truly precious land. Ha, I am actually at a loss for words; I do not know how to fully describe or express the gratitude in my heart. All I can do is tell everyone to constantly chant 'Namo Amituofo'."