A Journey from the Shadows to Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Lay Practitioner Zhang Yuchan, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition from the spirit realm to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on June 6, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Yuchan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have seen Namo Amituofo—I have truly seen Namo Amituofo! Ever since I was saved by Practitioner Su, I have struggled to believe that this is real. I never imagined such a thing could happen. How could someone like me ever have the opportunity to see the Buddha?

A Life in the Shadows

I have been away from the human world for a very long time; I can hardly remember the events of my past life. In the spirit realm, I had my own existence, living a very ordinary, unremarkable life. My mind was blank, as if I were in a daze every single day, never truly clear-headed. Yet, I did not feel that there was anything wrong with this; I simply continued to drift through that same existence, day after day.

However, when I suddenly saw a brilliant golden light and heard someone calling my name, it was as if I had been jolted awake. Before I could even react, I was taken away. I had no idea where I was being led, but very quickly, I found myself standing in the Western Dharma-Nature Land at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where Practitioner Su resides.

The Clarity of the Dharma

I had absolutely no idea what was happening. Ever since I lost my physical body, so many things were beyond my control. I did not know where I would be reincarnated next, and I certainly never expected to be here. But while I was with Practitioner Su, my mind seemed to become clearer and clearer, unlike the hazy, confused state I had lived in within the spirit realm.

Later, I began to listen to Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks. Of course, at first, I could not understand them at all. During my life, I did not know the Buddha, and I had never heard the sutras. It took me a long time to adapt and finally begin to grasp the meaning of the teachings. Gradually, I came to know Namo Amituofo. I was particularly struck by the fact that the Chao Du performed by Practitioner Su was something learned directly from Namo Amituofo. I have such deep admiration for Practitioner Su.

Gratitude and Final Deliverance

I often saw Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su working together to help sentient beings. Every time I witnessed this, my heart was filled with gratitude—gratitude that Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su were there to help spirits like us.

Now, I have truly returned to the world of Namo Amituofo, the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Here, I can be with Namo Amituofo forever, and I will never have to be reincarnated again. My heart is so full of joy and gratitude! I want to thank my granddaughter in the human world for performing the Chao Du for me. Although we have never met, the karmic connection we have forged this time is very deep. I am so grateful to her; thank you so much.

Namo Amituofo.

Zhang Yuchan bows in reverence."