A Lesson in True Practice: The Journey of Lay Practitioner Hu Liming

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Hu Liming, 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 journey of transformation and deliverance. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on January 30, 2026.

Lay Practitioner Hu Liming speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lay Practitioner Hu Liming. When I hear myself addressed as 'Lay Practitioner,' I feel a profound sense of shame. This title represents the identity of one who studies the Buddha's teachings, yet I am only here because Namo Amituofo—my greatest Teacher—has guided me to this place.

Before I begin to share my experiences, I wish to express my deepest apologies and gratitude to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. I hold you both in the highest reverence. Furthermore, I must express my heartfelt thanks to two very kind fellow practitioners—Zhang Yunni and Zhu Yanmei. They were my friends when we studied the Buddha's teachings together. Because they discovered the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and registered me for Chao Du, I have been granted this precious opportunity to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."

The Reality of Karmic Retribution

"I was not a 'bad' person by worldly standards, yet after I passed away, I fell into the hells. You need not be surprised by this. If you look at the process of my aging, my illness, and my eventual death, I can now see clearly that I was already suffering the consequences of my karma while still in the human realm. It was only after arriving at the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre that I truly understood how this happens. People fall ill because they have failed to align themselves with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This is something Practitioner Su often mentions during Dharma talks, and I am the living—or rather, the dying—example of what happens when one ignores these truths.

Why did I study the Buddha's teachings yet fail to achieve rebirth in the Western Land, and instead fall into the hells? To put it bluntly, I never truly changed my personality. My habits of arrogance and my rigid attachments had a devastating impact on my physical body. This, in turn, attracted countless karmic creditors who came to seek revenge. Everything was a direct result of my refusal to change. My illness—cancer, and not just one, but two types—was not a coincidence. Everything has a cause, a condition, and a fruit. It is all clear and logical. My life serves as a cautionary tale for all of you."

The Necessity of Genuine Faith

"From my experience, you should understand that to study the Buddha's teachings, one must be sincere, honest, and truly believe. Do not merely go through the motions. True faith means believing in Namo Amituofo and believing in Practitioner Su. You must believe in yourself and be determined to change your ways; only then can you truly be in sync with the Buddha. If you claim to study the Buddha's teachings but show no change—if your face remains filled with worry or your heart remains burdened by afflictions—then you have not even stepped through the Buddha's gate.

This is my most sincere advice: to study the Buddha's teachings, you must truly cleanse the filth from your heart. When your heart changes, your appearance will naturally change, and even your emotions, your mood, and your temperament will follow. This is the initial reward one should receive from practice. If you have been studying for a long time and yet there is no change—if your family still lacks confidence in you or views you with skepticism—then you must reflect deeply, work harder, and change your ways."

A New Beginning in the Western Land

"Today, I have been truly guided by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Although I had many shortcomings and acted in ways that were not in accordance with the Dharma, the Buddha has been so compassionate as to accept and forgive me. I do not wish to dwell on the past any longer. Now, I am single-mindedly following Namo Amituofo. There are no more evil thoughts in my heart, and I no longer cling to my own opinions or views. Since arriving here, I am determined to practise diligently, for I owe the beings of the six realms far too much.

You should understand this better than I do: at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, everyone is so clear and knowledgeable about the mysteries of the body and the beings that dwell within it. This is the most precious Wisdom that Practitioner Su, this true Buddha, has brought to all of you. In closing, I want to tell everyone that being able to know the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Namo Amituofo, and Practitioner Su is a tremendous blessing. Please cherish this, study the Buddha's teachings earnestly, and work for the benefit of all beings. One day, we shall meet again in the Western Land.

Namo Amituofo.

Hu Liming"