A Final Journey to the Western Pure Land: The Testimony of Lay Practitioner Mao Shiyi

This is a record of an interview with Mao Shiyi, 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 journey after passing away, as recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on January 16, 2026.

Mao Shiyi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I, Mao Shiyi, have finally reached the day of my rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Under the resonant sounding of the qing by Practitioner Su, in a single, glorious instant, I was transported to the Western Pure Land, a realm permeated by infinite light.

A Profound Debt of Gratitude

I am filled with gratitude toward the great compassion of Namo Amituofo and toward Practitioner Su for her boundless compassion. I offer my most sincere and humble prostrations, touching my forehead to the feet of the Buddha to express my deepest thanks. This is a practice I learned while residing in the Western Land of Dharma Nature; it is called 'prostrating to the Buddha’s feet.' Ha! Who would have thought? In my later years, I did not study the Buddha’s teachings, yet after I passed away and became a spirit—what people in the human world call a 'ghost'—I encountered the true Buddha. I have learned of the Buddha’s compassion and the vastness of his mind-capacity. It is truly an inconceivable experience.

I do not know how I came to possess such tremendous blessings, but I see clearly now that it is not just about one's own well-being. True, great blessings come when everyone is well. That is why, when I heard I was to be interviewed by the temple, I was incredibly excited. I have been waiting to share more, to contribute as much as I can to the propagation of the Buddha’s teachings.

The Burden of the Physical Body

As I reached old age, my illnesses became more frequent. Beyond the physical toll, the burden on my spirit was even heavier. I felt that this body was nothing but a cumbersome weight, yet I could not simply discard it. It was only after I died and arrived in the Western Land of Dharma Nature that I realised this body actually has a profound purpose. One can manifest countless manifestations, just like Practitioner Su. This is what we call the 'technology of technologies.' Wow! It is truly the technology of technologies! It is absolutely extraordinary, Meiju—if only I could capture this on film to show you, your jaw would drop to the floor in astonishment.

While you still possess your physical body, do not tell yourself that you are already old. You must seize the opportunity to follow the Buddha. Who knows? Perhaps one day you, too, will be able to fly through the heavens, traverse the earth, and travel across mountains and seas just like Practitioner Su. Of course, this is not for sightseeing or tourism, but for the purpose of 'saving' sentient beings. That is truly a meaningful existence.

The Inconceivable Splendour of the Pure Land

I know that the Amitabha Sutra and the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra) both describe the beauty of the Western Pure Land. But let me tell you all: do not for a moment think that the realm created by the great Namo Amituofo is limited to those descriptions. The dignity and beauty of the Western Pure Land cannot be fully captured by words or language; it is beyond all imagination. There are lotus flowers flying through the sky, lotus flowers blooming in the water, and even golden trees growing in the lakes. The scenery manifests according to the heart of the resident of the Western Pure Land—whatever kind of scenery you wish to see, it is there.

A Message to the Living

Now that I have become a member of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I can easily see what you are thinking and what you are doing. Do not cling tightly to the things of this world. Seize your time to diligently study the Buddha’s teachings and to chant Namo Amituofo. Most importantly, you must quickly introduce the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia to everyone you know.

The human world is not a place of true joy. Remember to make the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo is waiting for everyone there, and he is also here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, ready to lead you back to the West.

Namo Amituofo."