A Father's Journey to the Western Pure Land
An Interview with the Spirit of Lay Practitioner Xiong Shuzhong
Recorded by the Chief Writer, Fa Ning, on February 13, 2026
This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Xiong Shuzhong, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition after passing away and his newfound peace. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on February 13, 2026.
Lay Practitioner Xiong Shuzhong speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Xiong Shuzhong. I offer my deepest gratitude to my Buddha, Namo Amituofo, for His boundless , and to the compassionate Practitioner Su! I, your disciple Xiong Shuzhong, have finally arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Standing before Namo Amituofo, I have formally performed the three prostrations to the Buddha. Everything that has happened is truly, truly inconceivable. That my son and daughter-in-law were able to encounter Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, and that they found their way to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre—this is a blessing so magnificent and so rare that it is beyond words. I had always assumed that when a person’s life ended, it was truly the end—a final, absolute darkness. I never imagined that even while I was trapped in that dark, desolate world, there could be such a miraculous turning point. I am so grateful for the Buddha’s compassion, and I am so grateful to my wonderful children for their devotion!"
A Miraculous Turn of Events
"In truth, I have been in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss for less than a single day, yet my spirit feels as though I have known this place for an eternity. Everything here feels so familiar, so natural. This must be a place I have visited in the past, a place I have vowed, throughout my many lives, to return to. It is only a pity that in this lifetime, I did not study the with enough diligence, nor did I have the capacity or the sincerity to follow the Buddha’s path before my time came to an end. But I am incredibly fortunate. Because of the magnificent Causal Conditions created by my family, I was able to connect with the Buddha, and only then, after my passing, was I able to be with Him. It is not too late, and for this, I am filled with gratitude. I have no other thoughts now; I only wish to continue learning from the Buddha with a focused heart. Once I have achieved success in my practice, I will certainly return to the human world to save all sentient beings with whom I have a karmic affinity."
The Reality of Life and Death
"My dear children, let me tell you: the world after death is not a place you would ever want to experience. It is truly impossible for a person to live without studying the Dharma. Otherwise, no matter how glorious, comfortable, or prosperous your life in the human world may have been, the days that follow death are inevitably desolate and filled with suffering. While listening to the sutras and hearing the Dharma in the , I have come to understand many truths. Especially when Practitioner Su speaks on the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Sutra), she always mentions this phrase: 'We are born alone and we die alone; we come alone and we go alone; the suffering and the are ours alone to bear.' This is truly the most accurate reflection of human life! Life is a mixture of bitterness, sweetness, sourness, and spice; once it passes, it is nothing but the sorrow of parting and the joy of reunion. How can there be anything in this world that is truly lasting or eternal?
I hope that while you are still healthy and have the ability to study the Dharma, you will grasp this magnificent opportunity! I truly hope you do not walk the same path your father did. To spend one's entire life studying the Dharma and seeking rebirth in the Pure Land—that is the most precious, most difficult-to-attain treasure of all!"
A New Life in the Pure Land
"Your father feels so refreshed now. I sit upon my lotus seat, or I wander through the golden grounds, chanting the name of the Buddha. The very air is filled with the sweet, ethereal fragrance of lotus flowers. I can listen to Namo Amituofo expounding the Dharma at any moment, or listen to the Buddha-name whenever I wish. There are no more afflictions, no more worries. The human world feels very distant to me now, but I will never forget all that I have experienced. I sincerely hope that one day, I will be able to return to the human world to save the sentient beings with whom I have a karmic affinity. That is why, at this very moment, I must be even more diligent and strive even harder in my practice!
Well, I have said enough for now. I hope you can understand what your father is trying to express. I am so grateful to you all! I am grateful to my Buddha, Namo Amituofo, for His compassion, and I am grateful for the compassion of Practitioner Su! Namo Amituofo."
Xiong Shuzhong
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library