A New Beginning in the Western Pure Land

This is an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhang Dongsheng, the cousin of Lay Practitioner Zhang Yunni. Having 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 profound gratitude for the deliverance he received. Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on November 9, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Dongsheng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zhang Dongsheng. At this very moment, I find myself in an inconceivable place—a place known as the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I have come to realise that the end of one life is merely the beginning of another. I never could have imagined that I would be granted such a beautiful new start. Regardless of how my past life unfolded, my heart is now overflowing with gratitude. This world is truly, magnificently beautiful.

Yunni, thank you so much for arranging this Chao Du for me. So many things in this existence depend on Causal Conditions, and this has been a truly special encounter and opportunity. All the little bits and pieces of my past have now faded into history, for I am here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Guidance of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su

I was guided to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. While at the temple, I had the privilege of listening to Practitioner Su deliver Dharma talks, and they were absolutely brilliant. It is truly remarkable that there are practitioners like Practitioner Su in this world—not only do they save spirits like us, but they also teach us profound Truths that we had never heard before. When I heard that in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, one no longer has to suffer through the cycle of rebirth, I fell to my knees and kowtowed in gratitude to Namo Amituofo. This is the most important thing of all! The Buddha has relieved us of the suffering of samsara, the most critical burden of all beings. I no longer have to be reincarnated! It is simply wonderful!

Witnessing the Power of Deliverance

When I was first brought to the temple by the Buddha-light, I did not understand what was happening. It was only after I calmed down and listened during the Dharma assembly that I heard Practitioner Su call out my name, as well as yours, Yunni. That was when I finally understood the magnitude of it all. During the Dharma assembly, I witnessed Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su performing Chao Du for countless beings, and I was deeply moved. This is a world filled with such warmth and compassion.

A Legacy of Compassion in Australia

On this land of Australia, Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su are silently and tirelessly saving beings, performing Chao Du for an incredible number of souls. This work is profoundly meaningful. I have realised that a human life can be lived in such a vastly different, noble way. Seeing Practitioner Su, at eighty-two years of age, dedicating himself to saving so many lives, I am filled with immense admiration. I am honoured to be one of those he has saved.

This time, it was my turn to be guided to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I wanted to share these feelings from the bottom of my heart, filled with gratitude: gratitude to Namo Amituofo, gratitude to Practitioner Su, gratitude to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, gratitude to you, Yunni, and gratitude to everyone."

Namo Amituofo.