A Father's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Tang Shimin, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition from the spirit realm to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on January 23, 2026.

Tang Shimin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I truly have arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss! It is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Here, I see the towering, magnificent, and dignified form of Namo Amituofo—the very same Namo Amituofo that all beings speak of. To witness such a scene, to be in this presence—I never, ever thought I would have the karmic fortune to experience this! I have truly immigrated to this world! I am filled with gratitude for Namo Amituofo, and I am deeply grateful for the guidance of Practitioner Su!"

A Miraculous Arrival

"I had heard the name of Namo Amituofo before, but I had never heard of Practitioner Su. When I first heard the name, I thought, 'Is this a Buddha with the surname Su?' While I was in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I was initially quite confused and did not fully understand where I was. Later, after making some inquiries, I realised that Practitioner Su is truly a Buddha in the human world! This was a complete eye-opener for me. To think that our Earth has actually produced a Buddha—Practitioner Su—who follows the teachings of Namo Amituofo, and that is why the Western Dharma-Nature Land exists.

I stayed in that realm for several weeks. At first, I thought it was already a wonderful place, and I did not feel an urgent need to go to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss because I simply did not understand the difference back then. However, after listening to more Dharma talks, I gradually came to realise the vital importance of rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and that is when I made my vow. From then on, I chanted Namo Amituofo more diligently than ever. I chanted and chanted, with the singular focus that I must be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss to truly learn from the Buddha. And now, I have truly arrived!"

A Daughter's Filial Piety and Wisdom

"At this moment, I must express my thanks to my kind and filial daughter, Ruyu. She registered for Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre for both her mother and me. It was Practitioner Su who performed the deliverance for us. When we were spirits, we lived in a world that was grey, dim, and unclear. It was not necessarily filled with extreme suffering, but it was a world without light and without direction. We lived day by day, and looking back, it felt as though we were just wasting our existence—there was nothing there.

In truth, it was not much different from the human world. After all, when a person dies, everything is left behind. One's past experiences become nothing more than memories, but in reality, nothing remains. The only things that stay with you are the good and bad deeds you have committed. These laws of karma and cause and effect are inescapable. My daughter is so intelligent; she surely understands this principle better than I ever did. Seeing her find the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and find Practitioner Su, I know she must have tremendous blessings in this life. To think that my own daughter possesses such wisdom—it truly brings a father so much comfort!"

A Father's Final Advice

"Speaking of this, looking at you now, my daughter, is like looking at my own younger self back in the human world. We were both good people, but we lacked true Buddhist education. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has filled that void for us. Because what Practitioner Su teaches is the true Buddhist education—the education that truly allows one to transcend the cycle of rebirth and be reborn in the Western Pure Land. You have encountered such an opportunity, and our entire family has been saved! You must cherish this dearly! I believe you will. You are a good child. You must learn diligently from the Buddha, and do as much as you can. Whether it is for the propagation of the Buddha’s teachings or for your own future achievement in saving other beings, your daily practice must be solid. Chanting Namo Amituofo, making prostrations, and reciting the Sutras—in my view, these are all essential; none can be omitted. If you truly put in the effort, you are the one who will reap the benefits.

Well, I have said enough for now. I must get back to my chanting! Listening to Namo Amituofo give Dharma talks here is also a very important matter. Remember what your father has said: whenever you have doubts in life, come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre! Ask the Buddha, ask Practitioner Su, and only then will you be able to obtain a truly complete and perfect answer."

"Namo Amituofo."

"Tang Shimin"