A Journey Home to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Tan Zhu, 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 recent transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on February 6, 2026.

Lay Practitioner Tan Zhu speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. My name is Tan Zhu. Before I say anything else, I wish to bow three times to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su to express my deepest, most profound gratitude.

To have arrived in such a magnificent Buddha-land—the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss—fills my heart with a complex mix of emotions. I am truly overwhelmed. I never, ever imagined that I would be able to come to a place like this. I have often asked myself: I was never a great philanthropist, nor was I a person of tremendous blessings, so why am I so incredibly fortunate?

Reflections in the Western Land of Dharma Nature

While I was residing in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I pondered this question more than once. Of course, I had been listening to the lectures given by Practitioner Su, so I knew that my Buddhist affinity must have been exceptionally deep. It turns out that I had actually visited this beautiful Buddha-land once before in a past life, but after returning to the human world, I became lost in the cycle of rebirth and never managed to find my way back until now.

This time, it was all because of my daughter in this lifetime, Tan Meiling. She possesses such tremendous blessings that she was able to connect with the only temple in the entire world capable of guiding beings to rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss: the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. There, Practitioner Su resides. Practitioner Su is an awakened being who has realised her true nature; she possesses the extraordinary ability to travel back and forth to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss at any time in her spirit form.

A Message of Gratitude to My Daughter

Therefore, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. Since arriving in this world, I have not felt a single trace of affliction. I only wish to send a message of peace to my family and to say a heartfelt thank you to my daughter. Thank you for the wonderful Causal Conditions we shared in this lifetime, and thank you for your immense dedication. I hope that from this day forward, your life will only get better and better. Although you are getting older, there is still so much you can do; there are still so many areas where you can contribute!

Of course, what I most desire to see is the Buddhist education of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre promoted to the entire world. I want everyone to know that there truly exists a state of being that is 'not grow old, not get sick, and the spirit does not die.' I hope this truth can reach every corner of the globe, allowing all children to know that life can take a different path—that one can be completely transformed and find true, lasting happiness.

The Path to True Liberation

My daughter, your father knows that his personality was not always the best, and because of that, my life in the human world was not particularly happy. As for the days after I passed away, there is no need to describe them—I was simply drifting through a grey, dim world. In truth, most people are just like I was.

This is why I am so deeply moved by the tremendous blessing of being able to come to this place. I am eager to share this news with everyone; for every additional person who learns of this, there is one more person who can be saved. Of course, I also understand that all of this depends on Causal Conditions. Those who are meant to believe will naturally believe, and for those who do not, there is nothing one can do to force it.

I am also pleased to tell you that I have seen your mother here; she, like me, has already transitioned from the Western Land of Dharma Nature into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. My daughter, do not forget to register yourself to participate in the Chao Du ceremonies held by the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre for the deceased. When your time comes to leave this world, you will need to come to this place as well. Whether you can rely on your own strength or not, never forget to keep the Buddha in your heart. Practising the skills of the Buddha is the best thing you can do. If you find it difficult at times, do not be discouraged. Keep going! Namo Amituofo."