A Father's Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhou Demu, 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 transition and his message to his family. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on October 6, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Zhou Demu speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have already arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I never imagined that the Western Land could be so beautiful—it is truly magnificent and filled with such dignity. Being here makes my entire being feel so light, so incredibly comfortable. I perform prostrations to the Buddha, offering my deepest gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su.

The Agony of Being Lost

If Practitioner Su had not reached out to guide my spirit, I would still be trapped in suffering right now, helpless and alone. It was truly a miserable existence. I want to tell my children in the human world: you must learn the Dharma and follow the Buddha closely. While we are alive, we can be together, living as a family, but once we pass away, it is impossible to stay together in the cycle of being reincarnated.

I am so incredibly fortunate that my child performed Chao Du for me, allowing me to be saved by Practitioner Su. I remember it clearly—I suddenly heard someone calling my name from within the space I was trapped in. It was such a loud, clear voice. I did not know what was happening at first, but the next thing I knew, I had arrived here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to meet Practitioner Su.

The Truth About Our Bodies

Every day, I listen to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks. I had never heard teachings like these before. After listening, I finally realised that the body I used while I was alive was not actually under my own control. Who was really using my body? I looked closely and saw that my entire body was covered in karmic creditors. Not a single one of them was willing to let me go; even while I was alive, they were already seeking their revenge against me.

Everyone is just like me. As long as one does not resolve their past karmic debts, they will be hunted down by their own karmic creditors, which is why people fall ill. I truly hope my children will listen to these Dharma talks more often. Only by listening to the teachings will one know how to change their ways. It was only after I listened to these teachings that I finally woke up to the truth.

The Illusion of the World

This world is truly an illusion. Once you die, there is not a single relative by your side to accompany you. No one knows where you are suffering, and no matter how loudly you scream, no one can hear you. It is not just me who experienced this; every single person goes through this after death. Therefore, you must learn to let go and diligently chant Namo Amituofo. Only then can you help yourself achieve liberation from being reincarnated and stop the endless suffering.

With deepest reverence, Zhou Demu. Namo Amituofo."