A Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss: Lay Practitioner He Guangqiang

This is a record of an interview with He Guangqiang, 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 transition and his gratitude. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on May 30, 2025.

Lay Practitioner He Guangqiang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am He Guangqiang, and I have now been guided by Practitioner Su to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

I have been in a state of constant repenting. I feel such deep remorse because I know my personality was poor. When I was in the presence of Practitioner Su, I did not even dare to lift my head.

A Heart Full of Repentance

I am so grateful that Practitioner Su did not look down upon me. She still took my spirit and led me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I want to thank my younger sister for arranging my Chao Du. If she had not done so, I truly do not know where I would have ended up in the cycle of reincarnation, suffering endlessly.

In the presence of Practitioner Su, whenever she gave Dharma talks, I listened with the utmost sincerity. I did not dare miss a single word. I knew my personality was flawed, so I had to listen to the teachings to change my personality traits; otherwise, I would have failed Namo Amituofo and failed Practitioner Su.

The Power of Listening to the Dharma

Practitioner Su often speaks about the necessity of changing one's personality traits. Every time I heard that, my heart would tremble. I do not know if that was just my own thought, but I could physically feel a vibration within me.

I know why I felt that way. It was because I felt so ashamed. I was the one with the most difficult personality, the one who needed to change my personality traits the most.

Reflections on Past Lives

While at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I was able to see my past lives. I had practised Buddhism before, but I never reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I quickly fell back into the cycle of reincarnation. However, I did perform many good deeds over several lifetimes, accumulating a significant amount of Blessings and merit. Perhaps that is why I was able to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today.

I am now kneeling before the Buddha. I say to Him with the utmost sincerity and devotion: I will cherish this Causal Condition of returning to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I will practise diligently and work hard to change my personality traits. If there is ever an opportunity to return to the worldly realm to save others, and if Namo Amituofo deems me capable, I will certainly be willing to do so.

A Message to Loved Ones

I want to thank all the family members and friends I knew in this life. My departure was so sudden; that was my karma. My karmic creditors used that method to take my life. I dare not complain, because I saw so many beings waiting to claim me from that moment on. They are still suffering now, and I will continue to chant Buddha's name to help them, hoping they can leave suffering behind soon. I also want everyone to know that I am doing very well now. Every day is peaceful, and my heart is calm and settled in meditative concentration.

I am grateful to Namo Amituofo, grateful to Practitioner Su, grateful to my sister, and grateful to everyone.

Namo Amituofo."