A Journey Home to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Tan Rong, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. This account reflects upon his transition from the human world to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on December 19, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Tan Rong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I, Tan Rong, this old man, have finally arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! During my time in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I have been able to feel very clearly that I must have visited the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss in a past life. In this lifetime, I must have had a deep Buddhist affinity to have the opportunity to return to this place. My heart is filled with gratitude and peace. Finally, this heart of mine no longer needs to be troubled by the various afflictions of the world; it can be so calm and tranquil. I am so grateful to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. Thank you both—it is because of you that we are now here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! People often say that the Buddha's grace is difficult to repay, and now I see that it is truly the case!"

The Burden of Lingering Attachments

"When I was in the world, I was considered a respected elder. I lived a long life and experienced everything there was to experience. However, my only regret before passing away was that I had not fully let go of my family. I wanted to take one more look at this, to stay a little longer for that. To put it plainly, I had attachments. I had emotional entanglements that I had not yet released. I could not let go of my sick body, and I was still clinging to all the experiences and details of this physical form. Even after I stopped breathing, I remained guarding the space where I had passed away for a long time. I could not bring myself to admit that I had already died, that this body had truly broken down. I am only now able to speak these words from the bottom of my heart to you all."

A Transformation Through Buddha-Light

"But the me of today is completely different. It is truly miraculous. Ever since a beam of light brought me to a Buddha-land called the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I have been completely renewed. The power of the Buddha-light and the Buddha-name is truly extraordinary. Initially, I was trapped in that space, stubbornly holding on, suffering, yet unable to do anything. But the moment I arrived in this bright and luminous world, my entire spirit was revitalised. I opened my eyes wide, certain that this was not a dream, and certain that the soul that had been reborn was real and authentic. At that moment, I was so happy, so incredibly happy!"

The Deep Affinity with the Buddha

"The Western Land of Ultimate Bliss has Namo Amituofo, and the Western Land of Dharma Nature also has Namo Amituofo, as well as Practitioner Su. These are things I never even dared to imagine in the past, yet they have truly come to pass. I truly have such a deep Causal Condition with the Buddha that I could return to His side! For this, I must thank my family. My granddaughter knew of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and Practitioner Su, and she was able to arrange for my Chao Du. When I heard my own name being called during every session of your Thrice Yearning Ceremonies, I felt a sense of great honour—not just for myself, but for my family as well. What a tremendous blessing it is to be able to know the Buddha!"

A New Perspective on Reality

"Only after arriving here did I realise with a start that all attachments are false. Looking back at the world from here, it truly feels like watching a dream. No person or event is of any importance anymore. I only know that the most important thing now is to follow the Buddha and to practise diligently here; that is enough. I hope to encourage my family, and I hope that you, too, can return to the side of the Buddha as soon as possible. I am grateful for the compassion of Namo Amituofo, and I am grateful for the compassion of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."