This is a record of an interview with Zhu Dongde, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his recent transition. Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui, on November 7, 2025.
Lay Practitioner Zhu Dongde speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Zhu Dongde. Hearing the Venerable speak so kindly of me, I feel truly humbled. To be able to ascend to the second level of the heavenly realms is something that seems quite rare in this world. During my time in the human world, I simply tried to fulfil the duties expected of a person. I witnessed so much suffering in the lives of others, and it was always my sincere wish that they might be spared from such pain. This desire grew within my heart from the time I was a young boy, and as the years passed—through marriage and becoming a father myself—this intention only deepened; it never once diminished.
A Life of Quiet Duty
I always felt that if I could ease the burden of another, my own life would have meaning. It was not about grand gestures, but about the steady, quiet practice of kindness. I see now that this simple adherence to my responsibilities was the seed that allowed for this incredible outcome. Think about it—who would have expected that a simple life lived with a heart for others would lead to such a magnificent destination?
Yufeng, my daughter, thank you so much for helping your father receive this Chao Du. At the assembly held at the temple today, the compassionate Practitioner Su guided us directly into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. The light here is even more brilliant than what I experienced in the Western Land of Dharma Nature at the temple. I could never have imagined that the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss would be such a wondrous place. If I had not come here myself, no matter how much was written or said about it, I would never have been able to truly grasp the perfection of this realm.
The Truth of Cause and Effect
When I was living in the human world, I rarely thought of myself; I was always considering the needs of others. As a result, I was able to receive a good reward, which perfectly validates the old saying: 'Goodness begets Goodness, and evil begets evil.' This is the very essence of the Universal Principles, Truth, and the Right Path that I so often heard Practitioner Su teaching during the Dharma talks at the temple. It is the foundation of Ethics and Morality that guides us all. Because I lived by these principles, I did not suffer great hardships during my life. Now, I feel younger and more vibrant than ever before. I believe this is the result of being constantly bathed in the Buddha-light, receiving the strength that Namo Amituofo has bestowed upon us.
A Father’s Gratitude
This place is the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and it is infinitely better than the heavenly realms I once knew! I am filled with such immense to be here. I know that many beings in the celestial and divine realms live comfortable lives, yet they are aware that Namo Amituofo is present in the human world. Many of them long to chant Namo Amituofo, hoping that the Buddha will take them to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I never imagined that I would be one of the fortunate ones to be chosen. This is the result of Yufeng’s filial piety toward her father, and I have received it with all my heart.
I am deeply grateful for everything. Thank you to Namo Amituofo, thank you to Practitioner Su, and thank you to all the Venerables and lay practitioners at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Namo Amituofo."
