A Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss: The Testimony of Lay Practitioner Chen Zhongyi

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Chen Zhongyi, who sought deliverance 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 from the cycle of rebirth to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on February 23, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Chen Zhongyi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am filled with such immense gratitude to the Greatly Compassionate Namo Amituofo, and to Practitioner Su. I am so grateful, truly, so grateful. If Practitioner Su had not reached out to guide us, how could my wife and I have ever had the chance to arrive here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss? We are smiling so brightly now. This Western Land is truly magnificent, so incredibly beautiful. I wish more than anything that I could show my children and grandchildren this place, but alas, they cannot see it. Yet, I want to tell them: we are doing wonderfully now, so please, do not worry about us."

The Weight of Karmic Debt

"In my life, I was not a bad person, but creating karma is almost unavoidable. It is the same for so many people. From the moment we are born, we begin consuming meat, and the more meat we eat, the heavier the karma we create. All of these debts must be repaid; we carry them upon our own shoulders. Even before we pass away, these karmic creditors can emerge to seek their revenge, manifesting as illness in the body. And even after we die, they continue to pursue us for what is owed."

The Clarity of the Dharma

"When we arrived at the place where Practitioner Su resides, I listened to the Dharma talks with great sincerity. Practitioner Su’s teachings are truly brilliant. I lament that I never had the opportunity to hear such wisdom while I was alive. Fortunately, after we passed away, my wife and I were able to reunite. Together, we were saved by Practitioner Su and brought to the Western Dharma-Nature Land to listen to the teachings. Every day, our faces are filled with smiles—my wife, in particular, is even happier than I am."

The Compassion of Namo Amituofo

"Although we do not speak much to one another, I know that my wife shares the same deep gratitude in her heart that I feel. Every day at Practitioner Su’s centre, we could see Namo Amituofo. Such a vast, magnificent Namo Amituofo is always present. We never knew before that Namo Amituofo was so filled with great compassion. Now, seeing Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su working together to save beings, it is truly, deeply compassionate. We both just keep chanting Buddha's name, chanting without ceasing. We are so grateful to the Buddha."

A Final Message to Descendants

"I want to thank my son for saving us two old souls. Regardless of whether people believe it or not, I must let my son, my other descendants, and all my relatives and friends know that we two old ones have truly arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su are truly extraordinary! You must learn the Dharma and have faith in the Buddha. Do not be led astray by this world. You must chant Buddha's name, for the world is full of illusions. When the time comes to leave, most people have no idea where they are going. Only by chanting Buddha's name can you come to the Western Land to see us both, to be with the Buddha forever, and to never again have to suffer in the cycle of rebirth."

"Chen Zhongyi bows in reverence. Namo Amituofo."