A Journey from the Shadows to Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhang Aixian, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition from the cycle of rebirth to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 26, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Aixian speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am so deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su for allowing me to be here now in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. My entire body feels so light, and I feel so young again. It has been such a long time since I have felt this sense of ease and freedom.

I am well aware that I still carry many memories of my past and that there are people I simply could not let go of. Even though my physical body suffered for so many years and brought me endless trouble, I kept thinking that if I could just live one more day, I could spend one more day with my family. That was the only thought in my heart, and it was that very attachment that led me into the dark and gloomy realms of the afterlife."

The Darkness of Attachment

"The darkness of that place made me crave the care and warmth of my family even more. I clung tightly to those emotions, and so I remained trapped in a corner of that dark realm for a long time. I stayed there, lost and longing, until a warm, brilliant light descended and guided me to a place of radiance. This place is known as the Buddha-land.

When I first arrived in the Buddha-land, my heart and mind were still fixated on my home and my family. I wanted to see them, to check on them. But it was not long before the light of the Buddha-land began to purify me. It calmed my heart, which had been so frantic and chaotic for so long."

The Clarity of the Buddha-Name

"I began to follow the chanting of the Buddha's name. Each and every sound of the Buddha-name helped my heart to gradually become clear and bright. A relaxed, genuine smile began to appear on my face for the first time in years.

As I chanted the Buddha's name over and over again, I felt the light growing stronger, and that light illuminated my very being. It was then that I finally understood: in this life, I should have sought liberation all along. Only by doing so could I truly honour the effort my niece, Yunni, put into arranging this Chao Du for me."

A Message of Peace

"Yunni, thank you so much. It is because of your help that your aunt was finally able to wake up. After I regained my clarity, I made a sincere vow to follow Namo Amituofo. Today, I have attained rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Now, I am here in this beautiful realm, and my whole body feels so cool, refreshed, and filled with joy.

Please, pass this message on to my family: I am doing very well now. I am safe, I am at peace, and I will be here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, watching over you and sending you my blessings.

With palms joined in gratitude, Zhang Aixian."

Namo Amituofo.