A Journey from Emptiness to Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhang Yi, 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 life and his profound journey to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on December 12, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Yi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have finally arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and the sight before my eyes is truly breathtaking—it is a brilliance that I could never have imagined. I remember how people used to talk about the descriptions of this place in the scriptures, but to see it for myself? It is beyond words! After spending some time in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I came to understand that the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is a magnificent realm, a place that everyone in the universe yearns to reach. I felt that same longing in my heart. I made a vow right then and there: 'I want to go to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to follow Namo Amituofo.' It sounds like such a vast distance from the human world to the Western Pure Land, but in truth, I arrived in a single instant."

The Emptiness of the Human World

"Looking back on my life, I experienced so many ups and downs. While there were many good moments, now that I am here, I realise that everything I clung to in the past was not truly real. I used to live within the confines of my own little world, a narrow circle consisting only of my family and friends. My heart was not yet expansive enough to comprehend the vastness of the Dharma realm of emptiness. I had not yet witnessed the wonders of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I was completely unaware of the infinite realities that exist beyond our daily lives.

"Although I considered myself a 'good person' while I was alive, my heart never truly felt genuine happiness. Looking back now, I recognise that what I felt was a deep, pervasive emptiness—a void that I could never quite fill. It seems to me that everyone else was much the same; it is so difficult for people in the human world to truly open their hearts to the truth."

A Debt of Gratitude and a New Beginning

"I am filled with such immense gratitude toward my daughter and my son-in-law for remembering me and seeking Chao Du on my behalf. They are truly blessed individuals. If I had only studied the Buddha’s teachings while I was still alive, I believe I could have practised very well, and perhaps my life would have taken a completely different path. But things are not bad now; I have already arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, so let us consider this a brand-new life, shall we? I am ready to learn anew, to walk firmly and steadily on the path of the Buddha.

"In the human world, there are always so many gains and losses to worry about. Even though I always tried to remain optimistic, my heart would still flutter with joy at a gain and sink with sorrow at a loss. These attachments held a certain weight in my heart; they were impossible to ignore, and they clung to me like shadows. But now, all of that has vanished."

The Light of Deliverance

"During that period immediately after my passing, although there was no light—only a grey, dim obscurity—I did not feel profound sorrow. I never believed that I would remain in that state forever. And indeed, I was right to wait, for that brilliant light finally appeared. It appeared because there truly is a place in the human world where the Buddha resides. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for Namo Amituofo, for Practitioner Su, and for my family!

"For those who wish to study the Buddha’s teachings, I encourage you to come directly to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia to witness the truth for yourselves. Come and verify what the true Dharma is, and verify that I am truly here. When I was in the human world, I never truly let go of my attachments, but now I can say with certainty that I have truly let go. My entire being feels so light, so incredibly light. I hope that everyone is well, and I hope that everyone comes to know the Buddha; if you do, your life will not have been lived in vain. Thank you all! Namo Amituofo."