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

This is a record of an interview with Shi Zhiren, 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 from the Heavenly Realm to the Buddha's land. It was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on November 1, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Shi Zhiren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have so many words I wish to express, for my heart is truly overflowing with gratitude. If not for this magnificent Causal Condition today, I would never have been able to reach Namo Amituofo. Now, I, Shi Zhiren, have finally entered the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, the glorious kingdom of Namo Amituofo.

A World Without Afflictions

In this magnificent world, there is not a single trace of affliction. Everyone you see wears a radiant smile. The events of my past life now feel as though they have nothing to do with me anymore. Like so many others who have arrived here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, my entire body is emitting light, and I feel incredibly light and buoyant. The sound of Namo Amituofo’s Buddha-name is constant, filling my heart with a warmth and satisfaction I have never known before. I am deeply grateful to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su for allowing Shi Zhiren to attain everything I see before me now.

Throughout my life, I always felt that there was not much worth fighting for in this world. I believed that what was meant to be mine would come to me in time. Because of this, I always lived each day with a contented heart.

Reflections on a Simple Life

My life in the human world certainly had its share of hardships and toil, but once a day passed, it was over. It was very simple. My only real wish was for my family to live smoothly and well. I could feel my body growing weaker with each passing day, yet I continued to work whenever I was able. That simple way of living kept me from having too many unnecessary worries. Before I departed from the human world, I saw a brilliant, luminous light, and I naturally walked toward it. I never expected that this would lead me into one of the levels of the Heavenly Realm.

Life there was certainly better than in the human world; there was no need to eat three meals a day. Sometimes, I would look down to observe what was happening in the human world, and I would watch over my family. I discovered that society is becoming increasingly chaotic, and everyone’s life is becoming harder and harder. Because of this, many people’s hearts are filled with more calculation and dissatisfaction than ever before. I wanted so much to help them, but I found myself unable to do anything at all.

The Path to Deliverance

While I was in the Heavenly Realm, I had vaguely heard of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I even saw celestial beings seeking rebirth there. Now that my own Causal Conditions have matured, I have been able to follow Namo Amituofo through the process of Chao Du. I feel incredibly fortunate, and I am deeply thankful to my daughter for arranging this deliverance for me.

My dear daughter! Please tell my family for me: I am now with Namo Amituofo. Namo Amituofo has taught me so much, but the most important thing is that your father will no longer be reincarnated in the cycle of samsara.

A Final Wish for My Family

Father hopes that you can truly understand that you must not continue to be reincarnated. The cycle of rebirth leaves no one in control of their own destiny. I hope you will help yourself, and that you will also find the opportunity to help our family to properly recognise the Buddha, to keep a mental note of the Buddha-name, and to follow the Buddha. Only the Buddha can save us. It is my sincere hope that we will all have the opportunity to meet again in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss in the future."

Shi Zhiren, with palms joined in reverence.