A Message to the Japanese Pure Land School

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Tanaka Kakuei, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his transition from the spirit realms to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on February 14, 2026.

Tanaka Kakuei speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Tanaka Kakuei, the former Prime Minister of Japan. I am now a spirit residing upon a lotus seat in the Western Dharma-Nature Land at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where I listen to the teachings of the Buddha.

From the Depths of Hell to the Pure Land

During my life in the human world, I was not a Buddhist. However, I am aware that many people in Japan are devout followers of the Buddha. Now, here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, I have come to understand the greatness of Namo Amituofo. You see, after I passed away, I fell into the hell realms to undergo retribution. It was Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su who rescued me and brought me to the Western Dharma-Nature Land at this temple. Here, my spirit has been restored, and under the illumination of the Buddha-light and the celestial music of the Buddha-name, I am able to elevate the quality of my spirit.

I am now conveying this message to you from my state as a spirit. I know that there are many people in Japan who believe in the Pure Land Dharma Gate. Previously, I did not realise that you were such blessed and wise people, capable of having faith in such a supreme Dharma. Through Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I have witnessed the inconceivable power of this 'Namo Amituofo'. When Practitioner Su uses his awakened Dharma Body—manifesting in hundreds of billions of forms—to save sentient beings from many countries, including Japan, he uses this very 'Namo Amituofo' to deliver them. This has truly broadened my horizons. I never imagined that a human being could reach such a level of practice, that this Buddha-name could be so inconceivable, or that one could learn such profound skills by following Namo Amituofo!

The Buddha Abides at Hsiang Kuang

From this perspective, you are indeed very wise to know that you must follow Namo Amituofo. Now, I, Tanaka Kakuei, wish to share this good news with those in Japan who are practising the Pure Land Dharma Gate: 'Namo Amituofo is residing at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.' It is true; the Buddha is currently residing at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. In the spiritual realms, it is clearly visible: the towering, magnificent form of Namo Amituofo stands upon this very land, continuously emitting golden light. I hope that you can come to see the Buddha as soon as possible, for the Buddha can answer all of your questions.

If you have the opportunity to listen to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks, that would be the best thing possible. In this way, you would be able to understand the mission of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, as well as the Buddhist education taught here by Namo Amituofo. However, as there does not seem to be a Japanese version available yet, perhaps someone will need to take the initiative to translate these teachings. Regardless, I know that in terms of the Buddha's teachings, there is immense respect for those who have realised their true nature. For instance, Master Shandao, the Second Patriarch of the Pure Land School in China, is revered as the First Patriarch in the Japanese Pure Land School. Master Shandao was an awakened being, recognised as one of the thirteen patriarchs of the Pure Land School. Today, during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony at the temple, I could see the Western holy assembly, including Master Shandao, right in front of the Buddha hall, accepting the prostrations of the crowd. I believe this must be a very joyful and inconceivable experience for those who study the Pure Land School in Japan.

A Call to the Practitioners of Japan

To the Japanese Pure Land practitioners who see this letter, I, Tanaka Kakuei, hope that you can approach the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre with the most open attitude. This is a bodhimanda where Namo Amituofo resides, and it is home to Practitioner Su, who has practised the Pure Land Dharma Gate and realised his true nature to attain Buddhahood. Practitioner Su has truly realised the goal of being free from aging, free from illness, and ensuring the spirit does not die. This is difficult for many in the world to believe, but it is because Practitioner Su has completely let go of the 'self' and exists only for the sake of sentient beings, reaching the point of awakening. This is something that anyone who visits the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in person can easily verify.

Regarding the Pure Land Dharma Gate, it advocates for purity and Goodness. Beyond chanting the six-character name 'Namo Amituofo', the pure and virtuous magnetic field of the environment is also extremely important. As a spirit, I can see that the Pure Land practice centres in Japan certainly have their merits, yet they are still filled with many ghost deities and various other types of spirits. However, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, because Namo Amituofo is emitting golden light 24/7 above the temple, illuminating the space surrounding it, the magnetic field of the temple has been purified. Furthermore, the temple grounds span four hundred acres and are located in the countryside of a small town; it is truly a genuine forest bodhimanda, which is extremely rare and precious for those who are determined to practise.

In Japan, the practice standards for monks are not as rigorous as they are in China, which is due to the influence of government policies. However, I can see that among the current monks in Japan, there are indeed those who possess a heart to save the world and are truly determined to practise. I hope that those of you who see this letter will be able to come and take a look at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. If you are able to practise here, it will be your great blessing, and it will be able to fulfil your aspirations to help the world.

Tanaka Kakuei"