A President's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, 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 life and his transition into the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on May 2, 2026.

Jimmy Carter speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su for their guidance, which allowed me, Jimmy Carter, to officially arrive at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss yesterday. I wish to convey my heartfelt words to the people at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This is something I never imagined could happen! Furthermore, I am incredibly thankful to Lay Practitioner Xu Lin, who registered me for Chao Du. Although we have never met, your compassionate intention moved me deeply. That you would hold such respect for what I have done in my life—it truly touches my heart, and I feel quite unworthy of such honour!"

A Surprising Arrival in the Pure Land

"As one of the few Americans to be interviewed by this temple, and indeed the first American President, this identity is one that everyone is very familiar with. But in truth, the words 'President of the United States' do not hold a simple meaning for me; rather, it is an identity that fills me with a thousand emotions and deep reflection. I lived for one hundred years, spanning an entire century. Yet, in that long span of time, I only served as President for four years. People will always remember my various political achievements, for better or for worse. In the eyes of the Americans at that time, I was certainly not a qualified President, which is why I only served for four years and could not continue for a second term.

However, this was not the most satisfying or brilliant time of my life. Being the President of the United States was never something I aspired to be from childhood. Yet, along the way, after I fought for the rights of the people in my hometown and received their strong support, I stumbled onto the path of the presidency. I truly did not have such grand ambitions when I was a child."

A Shift in Worldview

"Today, through the guidance of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, I have gained a completely different worldview and have come to know a world entirely unlike the one I knew before. During the one hundred years I lived as Jimmy Carter, the Buddha’s teachings did not leave a deep impression on me. I was a devout Christian my entire life. In the final decades of my life, I even served in the church as a pastor or teacher, preaching the scriptures to others every week. Therefore, I had always regarded the Buddha’s teachings as a distant Eastern religious culture, believing it to be a practice of worshipping many god-like statues. In Christianity, the image of the Lord is not presented in the same way as in the Buddha’s teachings, where there are so many vivid statues or paintings that allow everyone to see what the Buddha looks like.

The reason I did not have a profound impression of the Buddha’s teachings at the time was that Christianity and Buddhism seemed worlds apart. In my heart, the image of the Lord was something beyond human comprehension. Moreover, I spent my life believing that Christianity spoke of only one Creator, one Lord who decides every aspect of our lives and established this world."

The Realisation of True Equality

"However, I was never a blind religious fanatic. I was a very pragmatic person throughout my life; I only thought about how to prevent the loss of life and how to ensure greater protection for human existence. This is how future generations have evaluated me—as a primary advocate for the protection of human rights.

Today, Jimmy Carter has a vastly different perspective on Buddhist education, especially the teachings brought to us by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Throughout my life, I strove to maintain peace between nations and equality between people, hoping that war would never happen again and that everyone could live a life of equality and well-being. But I never expected that the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, where I have now arrived, is the true equality—a level of equality and compassion that I could never achieve no matter how much I gave or fought for it during my life. This is because the Buddha has transcended all the afflictions and constraints that ordinary people in the world possess. When one is liberated from these constraints and purified to become a Buddha, there is no longer the discrimination between 'you, me, and him,' and only then can one achieve the true 'oneness' and equality. This is the greatest shock and revelation the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss has brought me."

The Power of the Ultimate Vows

"I have only been in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss for a little over a day now. But my experience here, and listening to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su speak on the *Infinite Life Sutra*, has shown me that the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss described in the sutra is exactly what I see before my eyes. The fact that Namo Amituofo made the Forty-eight Great Vows to establish this world was, at first, very novel to me, because such a thing had never appeared in my worldview. Later, I discovered that every single Great Vow made by Namo Amituofo shook my heart. The peace, benevolence, and compassion I had always wanted to uphold were far exceeded by the scope of these vows. So, this is what it means to be a Buddha, an awakened being—because there is no 'self,' because the 'self' has been completely let go, and because the vow to achieve the salvation of all beings has arisen, only then can one make such soul-stirring vows."

Reflections on a Life of Service

"In the life of Jimmy Carter, deep in my heart, I always hoped to promote many good things. Of course, I tried my best in my later years, especially in the decades after I left the presidency, to actively promote various peace mediations and negotiations in the world, hoping that nations would not use force to solve problems but would instead use peaceful negotiations. But there were too many things in my life that I could not bring to true perfection. This is because the difference between me and the Buddha is simply too vast. The reason the Buddha can be said to be truly equal and perfect is that the Buddha has no 'self,' whereas I still had a 'self.' Thus, I always did good things, but sometimes I would inadvertently do bad things while meaning well, or cause some harm for the sake of certain interests. There were indeed some stains in my life.

I am grateful to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su for their guidance, and I am also grateful to Lay Practitioner Xu Lin for registering me for Chao Du. Thank you for your respect for me, which has allowed me this opportunity for rebirth to arrive in the Buddha-land, to no longer suffer the pain of the six realms of rebirth, and to have this chance to speak these words from my heart to the world. Your merit is boundless. Thank you, thank you!"

Life as a Wandering Spirit

"Before I arrived at the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I was indeed a lonely soul—what Westerners call a 'ghost.' This ghost lived in my hometown, on the plains of the American South. However, my hometown was no longer bright; it was grey and dim, and it felt truly different from the life I once knew. In the year or so since I could no longer see the light—from the end of 2024 when I left the human world, until I arrived at the Western Land of Dharma Nature not long ago, and now here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss—this year as a ghost has left a deep impression on me. So this is what the spiritual realms are like! The number of people who become ghosts after death is truly staggering!

In my hometown on the plains of the American South, the world of ghosts is very complex and extremely crowded. In that space, I could see ghosts of all kinds—white, black, and Native American—all living in that space. We did not interfere with each other's lives, but there was a faint level of communication.

In the spiritual world, everyone seemed to have long forgotten this former President, and not many people recognised me. Therefore, unlike when I was alive in the human world, I did not have people coming up to greet me or smile at me wherever I went because they recognised me as a former U.S. President. I did not need security agents around me to ensure my safety, which actually made me feel quite relieved, haha!"

The Unchanging Nature of the Soul

"However, the world of the ghost realm is much more boring. I felt as if I could not be the master of my own actions; I could not decide what to do or what not to do. I just had to 'go with the flow.' Whatever all the other ghosts were doing, I would naturally follow and do the same things.

I even served as a Christian teacher in the ghost realm. This was something I discovered I could do for the beings in the spiritual realms after I began to find my footing in that world. It was exactly the same as what I had done for decades in the human world, only the audience was different. The audience here was diverse, with all kinds of people. Everyone knew that I was skilled at explaining the teachings of the Bible, so I would give a few words to everyone in the ghost realm at fixed times. It is quite special to think back on these things, isn't it?

I once thought that after I died, I would go to heaven; at the time, the scriptures often spoke of the difference between heaven and hell. But because I still had many attachments that I had not let go of in my life, and because my life in my later years was a mix of merits and faults, I had many things I regretted deeply—things I wanted to change but lacked the power to do so.

Of course, I also made quite a few mistakes. On the international stage, I stood in the wrong place and supported people I should not have supported, especially regimes and tyrants who were unkind and cruel to the people. When I had to take a stand, sometimes I chose the wrong side, or I was forced to stand on a certain side, which led me to not truly follow the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way as spoken of in the Buddha’s teachings, and I became biased. This also left me with many regrets in my life. Perhaps I can speak a little more about these trifles when I talk about my life experiences in a moment! Namo Amituofo."

"In any case, during my time as a ghost, after I finally found a glimmer of purpose, I was blessed with even greater fortune—I was guided to the Western Land of Dharma Nature, a true Buddha-land. While I was still lecturing within the ghost realm, a golden light suddenly appeared above my head. A compassionate elder was calling out the name 'Jimmy Carter' in human Chinese. It wasn't because I understood Chinese at that moment; rather, in the ghost realm, language barriers simply do not exist. Even though the person was speaking Chinese—a language I was not familiar with during my life—I immediately understood that the person being called was me, the former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter.

Following that call, I stepped into a beam of light and arrived directly in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. I saw a lotus flower appearing beneath me—a lotus that belonged solely to me. It seemed remarkably similar to the lotus flowers described in Buddhist texts. When Namo Amituofo appeared before me, I recognised Him instantly. This is the Buddha! It felt as if my entire mind had suddenly become clear and bright. Without the Buddha needing to say a word, I knew that the majestic golden light standing before me was Namo Amituofo, accompanied by the living Buddha from the human world, Practitioner Su, who had invited me here. Everything became clear to me in an instant, and my heart felt profoundly serene. Ever since then, I have held a heart of gratitude, wishing to repay this kindness and eager to learn new things, as I have gradually settled into the Western Land of Dharma Nature.

The Resonance of the Buddha-Name

Here, the chanting of Namo Amituofo is played continuously. At first, I was slightly resistant because it was different from what I was accustomed to with Lord Jesus; we did not constantly chant his name. But here, we truly and continuously chant the name 'Namo Amituofo.' The Buddha, in His great compassion, explained to me that after Namo Amituofo attained Buddhahood, He wished for everyone to follow in His footsteps and attain Buddhahood as well. Thus, He bestowed this name upon all beings, allowing us to chant it together to awaken the Buddha-nature and true self that has always existed within our hearts.

The moment I heard this, especially the words 'Buddha-nature and true self,' tears streamed down my face. Jimmy Carter, in fact, had a Buddhist affinity long ago. So, when I learned of the Buddha's compassion and realised that I, too, had the opportunity to be like the Buddha—to realise my true nature and attain Buddhahood—it was truly a shock to my heart! The equality found in the Buddha’s teachings is truly based on the foundation that all beings are Buddhas, and it is from this that a genuine heart of equality unfolds.

The Universal Principle of Equality

This is something you would likely never find in any other religion in the world. Here, there is no god who is 'greater' or 'lesser,' nor are there beings like animals who are considered smaller or more fragile. Because the true self within every life is equal; it is only our karma that differs, our causal conditions that vary, and thus the forms we manifest are different. Of course, every person and every animal has the potential to realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood. I was filled with such joy! Having reached the end of my life, I arrived in this world only to find a new goal: to be like the Buddha, to attain Buddhahood, and to save all beings!

Jimmy Carter is filled with immense joy. I know that attaining Buddhahood must be a truly magnificent thing. Because once you become a Buddha, you can, like the Buddha, help people—helping them move from a world of darkness into a world of light. This is something every Buddha can do after realising their true nature. I feel that I have come to the Buddha’s teachings far too late. Having studied the Bible for a lifetime—nearly a hundred years—and with my family and myself being devout Christians, I never had the opportunity to encounter the Truth, the Right Way, and the Universal Principle that the Buddha’s teachings speak of.

A Higher Perspective on Faith

This is not to say that Christianity is inferior to Buddhism; Jimmy Carter would never have such a thought. I believe that all of this is simply the different ways in which Buddhas and Bodhisattvas teach beings according to their capacity. The peace and love spoken of in Christianity also adhere to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, though they are perhaps not as ultimate or complete as the Buddha’s teachings. People having different faiths is, in fact, just a change in causal conditions. Later, I even learned that God and Jesus had once stayed in the Eighteenth Heaven and were later guided by Practitioner Su to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Now that I am in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I can say that if I wish to see them, I only need to move a mental note, and I can see God and Jesus immediately. This is truly a miraculous thing!

I never imagined that after believing in God and Jesus for my entire life, I would meet them in the Buddha-land. I truly wish to share this with all my American friends and relatives, so that everyone can know the vastness and compassion of the Buddha’s teachings. Although there are many things I do not know how to express, now that I am in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I feel there is so much I can say!

Reflections on a Presidential Life

If you were to ask me to dissect the story of my life in detail, for most people, it would always revolve around my four years as President. Indeed, in the eyes of many, that is the only time I, Jimmy Carter, was truly known. Every action I took and every word I spoke while serving as President left a deep impression on the world; that is something I cannot change. However, I must say that those were the four most twisted and struggling years of my life.

I was originally just a state senator in the South, and later, a governor. The American South, specifically Georgia, was where I grew up and where I first served my country. When I was born, America was still a deeply divided society. By 'divided,' I mean that as a white person, the worlds of white and black people were completely separated. In my simple, young heart, because I knew that everything Jesus taught was based on peace, equality, and love, I was always puzzled: Why must white and black people be separated? Why must the toilets we used, the schools we attended, and even the cinemas we went to be segregated? Even the water—the public drinking water—had to be separated.

What saddened me even more at the time was that if a black person accidentally entered a 'white' area, they would be harshly driven out, and some were even beaten; yet, if a white person accidentally entered a 'black' area, nothing would happen. Why on earth was this so?

The Seeds of Change

There was a time in my childhood, in my most innocent world, when I thought that the reason black people's skin was black was because they were infected with a disease, and therefore, in any place, they had to be separated from white people to protect the white people from getting sick. That was just my own conjecture. At the time, my concept of race was almost zero; my parents did not give me a very accurate understanding.

Later, as I grew older, I learned that my father was strongly opposed to white and black people engaging in activities in the same place. In other words, he firmly supported the racial segregation policies of the time in America. He wanted white and black people to be completely separated in everything they did, even down to the most basic acts of using the restroom or eating. This hurt my heart a little when I was young.

After I understood the concept of race, I became more firmly convinced that people should not be divided, especially not by skin colour. It is truly a tragic thing! I never imagined that the American South, where I grew up, was indeed a place that had been very conservative for generations, where white people firmly believed they had to be separated from black people and could not provide them with equal treatment or job opportunities. It was almost as if they treated black people as second- or third-class citizens, or even worse, like the days of old, treating them as slaves.

When I was in my teens, I gradually understood these things, and my heart was filled with pain. But this firm conviction had already sprouted in my heart; no matter what my father said, I would not follow it. At the time, my father did not know my thoughts, and I did not dare to reveal them to him. I silently hoped that perhaps one day, when I had the power and ability, I could do something to change the lives of black people.

From Governor to President

Years later, I actually encountered that opportunity. Step by step, I rose through the ranks and was eventually elected Governor of Georgia. Before I even became governor, I had already publicly expressed my firm opposition to racial segregation policies, and I hoped that the American people could become more united, regardless of skin colour. I also actively worked in the positions I held to ensure that black people could receive equal employment opportunities and equal chances for development. I wanted to prove to everyone through my own actions that white and black people are one family.

Therefore, after I was elected governor, I had even more opportunities to vigorously implement these policies, allowing black and white people to live together and ending the policies that separated them. I slowly led the previously rigid racial segregation policies toward the open policies of today. This is the thing I was most proud of in my youth. Before I was elected President, I indeed received the support of many black voters, and I worked hard to ensure that everyone had a fair opportunity to vote.

Before I became President, my life experience was indeed very rich and exciting. I was accepted into the military academy I had dreamed of, and I learned a lot during my military career. As someone who later served as a naval officer, my time in the military had a profound impact on my later life, making me a disciplined person who knew how to analyse problems calmly. Namo Amituofo."

I also served as a nuclear engineer. During a nuclear disaster, I led a small team into a hazardous zone to dismantle a nuclear reactor. In this high-risk operation, we relied on immense perseverance and a spirit of cooperation to successfully resolve the crisis, an achievement for which I was highly commended at the time. This experience solidified my conservative stance on nuclear energy for the rest of my life. I was unwilling to develop related products because I had a very practical understanding of the impact of radiation on human health. Having been a victim myself, I remained extremely cautious about it.

A Life Partner in Kindness

Our family originally ran a peanut business, but it once faced decline. At that time, I married my wife, Rosalynn. She was a very kind and empathetic woman who accompanied me through the ups and downs of my life. Many times, when I had to choose between politics and the benevolence in my heart, she would firmly walk with me on the path of kindness. This is what I cherish and admire most about her; I will never forget her resilient spirit for as long as I live.

After my father passed away, I retired from the Navy and returned to my hometown to help revive the family peanut business, which we successfully achieved. However, I did not indulge in it for long. Instead, I chose to run for Governor of Georgia, which gave me a better opportunity to pursue my initial life ambition: to firmly oppose racial segregation and do my utmost to promote fairness and equality among people.

The Rebel in a Segregated World

At that time, the white population generally shut me out. In many voting activities, my wife and I were the only ones among the many white people who supported the abolition of segregation policies. The verbal abuse directed at me in society was immense, and white people kept their distance from me. In the white world, I was the rebellious one because I did not support policies that granted white people privileges and inequality. The journey was certainly not easy, but my faith always told me that this was the firm path I had to walk.

I was once an idealist, believing that if I were elected President of the United States, I would have the ability to change many things. Although the U.S. President's actions are constrained by Congress in various ways to maintain a balance of power—meaning that the bills I hoped to pass could not be completed by my name alone but required the support of a vast number of legislators—I truly believed that I could lead the country toward a more equal and harmonious society as President.

The Hidden Rules of the White House

During those four years as President, I witnessed firsthand the rules of the game passed down through generations in the White House—the many hidden rules that leave people bound and unable to act independently. To put it bluntly, most of these hidden rules do not conform to the Right Way of the Universal Principle; they are often secret exchanges made to gain benefits or achieve specific goals.

Many past presidents often pushed bills in this way, perhaps by spending huge sums of national funds to win the approval of legislators or by securing the support of specific parties to push through their ideal policies. I firmly opposed this approach, but it resulted in many policies stagnating, which led to public disdain. It was truly a helpless situation.

A Different Vision for America

People always thought I was a weak president, and in the eyes of many Americans, that may have been true. I did not believe in the ideology of American supremacy. Although I had deep feelings for this land and wanted to repay the country as much as I could, I did not believe that the United States had to step on others' shoulders or sacrifice the interests of other nations to achieve its own dominance. This is a policy I have seen the United States pursue for a century; one could say it has been the case for every president. After pushing against segregation, I deeply felt that people should be able to cooperate and complement one another. Everyone has different strengths, and we should use our own strengths to make up for the shortcomings of others. Only by moving forward on the path of cooperation can we bring true peace, stability, and strength to the country.

At the time, it was not that I was unaware that these dark, internal realities were happening, but I truly did not expect that my various moral convictions would prevent me from achieving many things I believed should have been done. In that era, U.S. presidents seemed accustomed to using coercive means to interfere in or participate in the affairs of other countries, especially during the Cold War, when the United States and the Soviet Union were in a state of complete opposition, with their respective camps in total confrontation.

Seeking the Right Way

I secretly hoped that the Cold War would end early, allowing countries to move toward a true multi-state system where multiple major powers could speak for the people of the world simultaneously. But in the end, I discovered that whether the pressure came from within the United States or from outside, various constraints left me at a loss, not knowing how to truly follow the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Maintaining moral foundations without sacrificing the interests of smaller nations for the sake of American interests was certainly not an easy task.

The first thing I did when I became President actually caused a lot of dissatisfaction at the time. During the Cold War, the United States supported the southern battlefield of the Vietnam War and sent many young soldiers to the front lines. However, many American youths, resisting the war or lacking the courage to step onto the battlefield, chose to flee and leave the military. Many of these people fled abroad, and because they were blacklisted by the government, they could not establish themselves back home.

I held a sense of sympathy for them. I knew many were forced by circumstances, and resisting war itself is a psychological state that hopes to promote peace. Therefore, I thought about releasing these people, allowing them to become effective members of the workforce rather than letting them live out their lives in sorrow in foreign lands—a waste of opportunities for many talented individuals. I quickly issued a policy to redress the grievances of those who had evaded military service and remove them from the blacklist.

A Legacy of Peace

This caused a great backlash at the time, with many believing these people were betraying the country and acting selfishly. But I understood that most were forced by various constraints and reasons. Without an absolute right or wrong, I decided to release these people to serve the country. Many of my policies throughout my life were actually despised by the American people at the time because they were vastly different from the mainstream thinking of that era, just as the policy on racial segregation was.

People of that era had a huge difference from modern people: they placed great importance on the superiority and self-esteem of being white. This intense self-consciousness caused great harm to many and left more black people scarred by the coercive means of the white population. This is the issue of racial discrimination that has existed in American society since ancient times; white people have discriminated against black people for hundreds of years. I wanted to use my status and prestige as President to gradually alleviate the hatred in people's hearts and let them truly see the good in one another.

We must realize that the United States does not belong solely to white people; it belongs to the indigenous Native Americans. It was only after the British arrived and took root that the fact of white rule over this land came to be. Therefore, I firmly believe that we should respect the indigenous people here and allow everyone to have more equal opportunities.

My four years in the White House were like walking on thin ice. Because the majority of people did not support my policies or could not accept them from the bottom of their hearts, I struggled to open this path, only to eventually give up due to my own perceived incompetence. Perhaps the achievement I am most proud of in my life was my effort to maintain regional peace—specifically peace in the Middle East—by helping two countries reach a peace agreement. At the time, Israel and Egypt were two very hostile countries in the Middle East. Their influence was not small, and the United States had provided massive military aid to Israel for a long time, while other countries led by Egypt were on the opposite side of Israel. Whether due to territorial wars, regional power issues, or energy problems, they often erupted into wars over very small matters, leading to countless casualties. Therefore, I invited the President of Israel and the Prime Minister of Egypt to the White House to mediate and negotiate for both sides.

I did not want to use the flames of war to solve problems. I believe that as long as we have the ability to communicate, we can resolve everything in the most perfect way. As long as we can communicate thoroughly, everyone can fulfill this mission. I spent thirteen days at that time getting the leaders of both sides to decide not to wage war against each other, and we negotiated this peace agreement. In my heart, this agreement was very precious. Perhaps my inner joy far exceeded that of the leaders and the people of those two countries. I was truly happy for them because with less war, there is less senseless loss of life and injury.

Throughout my political career and even after retirement, I have often gone to the front lines to negotiate with national leaders to reduce wars between countries and resolve problems through peaceful means. The most famous example is perhaps when I was older and traveled to North Korea to meet with President Kim Il-sung. I hoped he could have further consultations with South Korea, and I did my best to help them resolve the predicament of heading toward the battlefield. I know that many times, when national leaders want to start a war, they know deep down that it is unwise and will bring great pain and casualties to the people. Why do so many presidents still choose this path? I did not understand at the time. But I always felt that with my own small ability, I could persuade everyone, soothe them, and perfectly resolve the wars that were about to break out. Namo Amituofo.

Until now, as I look back from the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss upon everything I once did, I have finally realised that every time I sincerely generated a thought of Goodness—wishing to help the nation and its people reduce war and resolve conflicts through peaceful means—there were always many benevolent spirits surrounding me, supporting and helping me complete every single one of those peace negotiations.

Even after I was no longer president, I travelled to Haiti to face the local dictatorial government. I hoped to persuade him to step down, allowing the people to restore the nation's political situation through more democratic and peaceful means. This was also to avoid the massive invasion that the then-US President Bill Clinton was planning, which would have put the lives of the vast Haitian population in grave danger. These various events actually demonstrate that this was not something I could have achieved by my own strength alone. Rather, once this thought of Goodness was emitted, because it affected the lives of millions, it attracted the protection of many deities, benevolent spirits, and even Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to safeguard world peace.

The Power of a Pure Heart

Because of this thought of Goodness, the demon nature within the hearts of the demon crowds—those who wanted to incite war—and the minds controlled by these demon crowds, found no place to stand. This allowed the situation to be eased and resolved. Now that I have discovered the truth behind all of this, I am truly amazed!

There was once a trace of arrogance in my heart, thinking that it was my own ability that had achieved so many international peace negotiations. In reality, that was not the case. It was not within the scope of my own ability, but rather the positive energy attracted by the emission of a kind heart. If I had not encountered the Buddha’s teachings, and if I had not come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today, I, Jimmy Carter, would not be able to bring everyone this crucial message: that a kind heart and kind thoughts are the key to changing the magnetic field of the world.

If one can maintain purity and absolute Goodness in the heart, one can contribute to world peace. One does not need to overwork the brain, nor does one need to exhaust the people and drain the treasury to wage war or conduct unnecessary mediation. As long as this thought of Goodness naturally flows from within, it can allow the positive energy to advance peace and help the demon crowds to surrender or calm down. Jimmy feels a thousand emotions at this moment. It turns out that all of this is truly inconceivable; I was in the midst of it all yet did not understand the underlying reasons. But it was a good thing after all, and this allowed me to walk on a path of benevolence and moral foundations throughout my life, even though my merits and demerits were balanced.

Reflecting on Political Regrets

During my presidency, there were many policies that violated the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, causing exhaustion of the people and waste of resources, or supporting regimes that inflicted immense violence upon humanity and their own nations. At the time, while maneuvering between major powers, I often did not know how to stand my ground or how to align with the side of justice. Perhaps the most famous example was my support for the then-brutal Cambodian government because I wanted to establish diplomatic relations with China. This stance remains a stain on my political career.

At that time, millions of people in Cambodia lost their lives because of that brutal regime, the Khmer Rouge. In order to achieve the diplomatic interests of my own country, and because of the belief I held in my heart that I 'must sacrifice the minor righteousness to achieve the greater righteousness,' I supported this government in continuing its rule in Cambodia. At the same time, I indirectly allowed many people to suffer. For this, I feel deeply sorry and guilty; it has always been an indelible stain in my heart!

I must also admit my own cowardice and ignorance. Many times, under the pressure of numerous cabinet ministers or congressmen, the peaceful mediation I originally intended to pursue was ultimately changed to the violent means most commonly used in American tradition to solve problems. Although it did not result in casualties in the end, the policies and means established therein had already violated the Universal Principle.

I must say that my four years as president left me with much joy, but also many regrets. Regarding politics, there were actually many facts I could not accept, and I could not condone myself or my close subordinates walking down this dark political path.

The Hidden Darkness of Power

There is much hidden darkness in American politics, and this may be similar to other major powers. Especially since the United States has held absolute power worldwide and become the international leader after the First and Second World War, the unilateral policies adopted toward many small countries are actually entirely oriented toward the economic interests of our own country. Whether supporting or not supporting a certain regime, it is all to consolidate the energy interests of our own people and to consider the future development of domestic enterprises.

Although I strongly denounced these practices and did not like this far-right approach of sacrificing the interests of other nations' people to pursue the economic interests of one's own, it was a very difficult matter to grasp. At the time, there were too many things I wanted to resolve but felt powerless to do so. I always wanted to find a middle ground, keeping everyone in a position where they could equally receive the benefits they deserved, but this was not an easy task.

Therefore, I could only do my best to maintain a larger goal of 'reducing casualties' and 'promoting world peace and development.' In this process, it might be necessary to sacrifice some minor righteousness or minor interests; this was unavoidable. If I wanted to facilitate the greater righteousness, to enable people to grow and live in an environment with human rights and freedom, and to allow the people of various countries to communicate through more transparent means, I did indeed sacrifice much, and I was unable to reach a state of perfection.

Of course, when the greater righteousness of my own country was at stake, sometimes I would also sacrifice the interests of my own country to promote true equality, enabling small countries to obtain truly equal opportunities.

The Panama Canal and the Concept of 'Self'

At the time, people strongly opposed one thing I did: returning the control of the Panama Canal in the small country of Panama to the nation and people of Panama. This matter was despised by many high-level US government officials and the public at the time.

The Panama Canal was originally built by the United States within that country many years ago. It was excavated to make it more convenient for people of all nations to cross the Atlantic during commercial or various shipping activities. At the time, the United States had complete control over the Panama Canal, but I believed this was very unreasonable. Since the canal had been built in Panama for many years, the control should have been returned to Panama.

If the United States insisted on fighting for these rights, it would seem to the world that the United States wanted to dominate and occupy a position of power over other nations. Therefore, I worked hard to facilitate the return of the Panama Canal to the hands of its people. I must admit that this decision was also based on considerations of my own country's interests. I was worried that the country would be exhausted by this canal, or that it would be subject to many attacks and unfair criticism. To ensure that the compatriots stationed there could be safe and unharmed, this was the only thing that had to be done.

Therefore, my reflection when I was president was indeed: there is no absolute good or bad in many policies, but regardless, one must always prioritize the interests and benefits of the vast majority of people. If a policy can only help a few while sacrificing the interests of the majority, then it is not a good policy.

Later, as everyone knows, I failed to be re-elected. People were dissatisfied with many of the policies during my term, labeling me as incompetent, cowardly, or believing that these policies did not prioritize the interests of the American people. I indeed failed to exert the full power of a US president to protect the nation and its people, and I made some mistakes—this was certainly true during the Iran hostage crisis. I must admit that I could not take care of the big picture, causing many people to suffer, and I deeply apologize to everyone here.

After failing to be re-elected, although the world did not know it, I seemed to feel a sense of relief deep in my heart. The political pressure of those four years was simply too great. Carrying the weight of every single issue, from internal to external, was like squeezing my soul dry. It prevented many things I wanted to do from being realized, and I saw that every matter actually has two sides.

In the political world at that time, everyone was oriented toward their own interests. When one wants to take care of everyone's benefits and interests as a president, it is almost impossible to achieve. Unless there is a willingness among all parties to compromise, to let go of this 'self,' and to let go of their own interests, there is no way to reach more equitable policies for everyone to execute. This is the realization I had after seeing through the true face of human nature.

The Illusion of the Self

Now in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I see all of this even more clearly: it is the same between nations and between people. As long as there is a 'self,' it is impossible to truly accommodate the other party or place them in one's heart. Besides Practitioner Su, who has realised his true nature and attained Buddhahood, who else is without a 'self'? I see that it is truly too difficult, too difficult. As long as there is even a tiny, minute existence of 'self,' one will inevitably be oriented toward oneself a little more, and consequently sacrifice others a little more. How can such a heart reach perfection?

The world is unaware of the concept of 'self,' nor do they know what the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way mentioned in the Buddha’s teachings are regarding this aspect. Therefore, everything Americans have experienced from the past to the present is based on infinitely magnifying the word 'self,' and school education is the same. Children are instilled from a young age to seek self-worth and a foothold, to be oriented toward themselves in everything, and to let their lives shine to the fullest; but where can we even begin to talk about the personality traits that grow from this, and the infinite comparison and competition that require stepping on others' shoulders for the sake of this?

During those four years as president, I understood in my heart that I might not have been a suitable candidate for president. Therefore, after leaving office, I was only in my fifties and still in very good health. My wife and I had unique insights into international affairs and wanted to help people solve problems in their lives or existence in the most peaceful way. Therefore, my wife and I decided to use our savings, as well as the funds obtained from writing books and other aspects throughout our lives, to establish the 'Carter Center' foundation, to speak for many marginalized people in the world, and to devote our efforts to mediating peace. Namo Amituofo.

After retiring, I experienced the most fulfilling and joyful days of my life. The establishment of the Carter Center and the ability to mediate and negotiate peace for various nations brought me immense satisfaction whenever these efforts bore fruit. Although I was a private citizen, I still carried the aura of a former president in my work, which earned me the respect and support of many. Since I was doing good work, I was able to receive some security protection from the state as a former president, allowing me to move forward straightforwardly without any worries.

Regarding the marginalized people of the world, I always held a heart of justice, hoping to fight for a little more for them so that they could live better lives. In the United States and several other countries, building homes for the poor to provide them with shelter from the wind and rain was something I took great pleasure in. Since I was a child, I have always been someone who liked to work with my hands. After becoming an engineer, I had many opportunities to do things myself. In the later stages of my life, to have the opportunity to build houses with my own hands—and for such a meaningful cause—filled my heart with great joy. I participated in numerous house-building projects, working alongside everyone on the construction site every day, never tiring of it. The peace and stability in my heart were truly beyond words. Compared to the immense pressure I faced every day as president, this was a truly beautiful time. I took advantage of the time when my body was free from illness and pain, and while I still had the strength to do more, so those thirty or forty years were the happiest times of my life.

Addressing Global Crises

I also participated in resolving infectious diseases or viral outbreaks in several parts of Africa. At that time, there were many seemingly complex and obscure viruses or parasitic infections affecting the lives of millions in Africa. Because they could not access clean water, they were forced to drink water containing parasites, which caused many to fall ill and even leave the human world prematurely. These causes of illness led us to conduct many scientific experiments and plans to help resolve these parasite or bacterial crises, which won us the applause and affirmation of many, and even led to a Nobel Peace Prize at one point.

If you were to ask me whether the word 'I' was mixed in when I was doing these good deeds, I must honestly tell everyone: yes, it was. After all, I am a mortal. In every glorious good deed I performed, there was actually a mix of 'I'—at least a small component of it. I hoped to be affirmed by the world, and I hoped the world would forget the stains caused by the wrong policies or helpless policies during my four years as president. I hoped to make amends for the mistakes I had once made, so I used my greatest efforts to promote health and peace for people. There was still a sense of selfishness and a desire to save face, but at least within the scope of my abilities, I always tried hard to walk on the side of moral foundations.

The Burden of the 'Self'

It was this subtle 'I' that I did not even notice myself that meant, although I did many good deeds, I still inevitably fell ill and became weak in my old age, eventually leading to the elements separate and death. Although I lived to be one hundred years old, in the last few years of my life, I was indeed weak and powerless, having to spend my time in a wheelchair to finish out that life.

At that time, I was already very grateful in my heart that I could do things for society while I was still alive and had the strength to do so. This was a gift from Heaven. At the time, I was very grateful to God and Jesus for giving me a healthy body and a clear mind to do these things. Therefore, in front of God and Jesus, I was always humble and modest, not daring to take credit. However, amidst the praise of the general public, I could not help but feel a sense of pleasure and the presence of the 'I'. Yes, that is why, although I accumulated these blessings, I also consumed some of them during my presidency. In the offsetting of these various matters, although I lived to be one hundred, I was unable to escape aging, sickness, and death, or avoid becoming a spirit in the spiritual realms, which is why I did not attain spiritual elevation.

A Life of Contradictions

Jimmy's life is a true reflection of many people—that is, I had a kind heart and a heart that wanted to do good. I was also a devout Christian, relying on Christ and the teachings of Jesus, wanting to walk on a righteous path. But forced by many helpless situations, and because my own personality had not truly changed, I inevitably created some karma.

This life of both merits and faults meant I would not go to hell to suffer, but I also could not attain spiritual liberation. In the world of the ghost realm, I also once sighed, wondering why I could not go to heaven to meet Jesus. For most of my life, I spent a lot of time actively explaining Christian doctrines and providing answers to the doubts of the world. But this merit, or hard work, still could not allow me the opportunity to meet with God and Jesus after death.

Many of the questions and doubts in my heart were answered one by one after I arrived at the Western Land of Dharma Nature. It can be said that the layers of clouds were gradually cleared away, allowing me to better understand the truth of everything in this universe, and to see more clearly all the contradictions and imbalances in my heart when I was in the world.

The Limits of Human Effort

Why could many things not be resolved? Why could I not get a concrete answer?

No matter how hard I tried to do good, I would always accidentally do a few bad things while doing ten good deeds. Of course, there were reasons for this, including the pressure of the external environment, as well as the personality and ego-attachment deep within my own heart at work.

Later, I discovered that when I sincerely wanted to do things for people, regardless of nationality or race, and just hoped to promote peace, there were indeed many benevolent spirits surrounding me. Just as I described earlier, my life's journey was always like this. I am very grateful for this blessing, or perhaps the universal principle, which allowed me to turn danger into safety many times.

In times of crisis, although I could still rely on my own strength to promote peace between two countries, I dared not have a heart of arrogance. Especially after coming to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and seeing all this more clearly, I sincerely want to attribute these things to the Buddha or Bodhisattva and the benevolent spirits who guarded me. Although I did not have any faith in them and did not know them, there was always this force supporting me. They were not just supporting Jimmy Carter himself, but were supporting this cause that could bring peace to people. When beings have requests, the Buddha or Bodhisattva responds—it is truly so!

The Path to True Liberation

Looking back on my past life, all the things I fought for had both good and evil, and every single one could not escape the Law of Cause and Effect. I was just doing my best under these Causal Conditions to reduce casualties and suffering. However, the fundamental cause and effect, karma, or the fundamental difficulties people face, I was still unable to resolve with the power of the human world.

This is why there were always successes and failures in what I did. Because with my own strength, before realizing my true nature and attaining Buddhahood, the sentient beings I could help and the problems I could solve were indeed limited.

This is a completely different concept from how Practitioner Su can realize his true nature and attain Buddhahood because of 'no-self', and can freely travel to and from the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to help immeasurable and boundless sentient beings attain liberation. What I helped with was people's physical bodies, giving them a chance to reduce suffering, but I could not bring any sublimation or purification to people's spirits. This was not a perfectly complete matter.

If Jimmy Carter could have known the Buddha’s teachings and been in sync with the Buddha at that time, perhaps many things could have been rewritten. With the Buddha or Bodhisattva present, Jimmy's heart would have been very stable, and I would have known the difference between those who have realized their true nature and those who have not. What those who have realized their true nature can do is something that those who have not cannot do, and often cannot understand. Because this is something performed after transcending the limits of the human body and completely restoring the original nature of the spirit, it is not something that can be observed by the physical eyes of people, nor can it be understood by the heart of a mortal.

This is the state of mind of the Buddha or Bodhisattva, truly placing the interests of all sentient beings in their hearts without any discriminations, and proceeding entirely by following conditions and respecting the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This kind of Wisdom (Prajna) is not something thought out by using the brain, or something that can be made up for by any acquired plans, thinking, or reasoning. All of this is just as the Buddha’s teachings say: 'the natural state within nature'.

The Buddha naturally knows what kind of method is most suitable for helping sentient beings, and can teach and act according to the capacity of the beings. Under the true respect for the Universal Principle, helping people to be liberated from suffering, leave suffering behind and gain happiness, and attain spiritual elevation—this is the realm of the Buddha or Bodhisattva. Jimmy Carter admires this immensely, and hopes that now that I have come to the Buddha-land, I can learn the skills of the Buddha. This has truly broadened my horizons.

Most of what I thought about in my life was with a kind heart, but it could not be truly exerted. Now I finally know the reason: it is that I was still very far from the heart of the Buddha or Bodhisattva. If I could have known these truths earlier, it would have been a very beautiful thing, but there are no 'ifs'. Now that I have come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, my heart is filled with nothing but gratitude.

Now, Jimmy Carter is in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. After these few weeks of purification in the world of the Buddha or Bodhisattva, I see all the big and small matters of my country, the United States, more and more clearly. I also know that if the people of the United States want to truly stand up and do some good for the world, rather than putting themselves first, they must follow the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way as spoken in the Buddha’s teachings. Namo Amituofo.

In observing this, I see that the most prominent characteristic in the hearts of the American people is greed. This single word, greed, has driven everything that the government and the people have done for over a century, often violating the universal principle and causing harm not only to their own country but to people across the globe.

Do you all still remember the global COVID-19 pandemic from a few years ago? Although the United States was not hit hard by the virus at the very beginning, as the pandemic slowly spread, it eventually became one of the most severely affected places in the world, with the highest death toll. This was clearly visible in New York, the largest city in the United States. The tragic scenes of death and injury everywhere caused many people to wail in agony and suffer beyond measure!

The Greed of Great Cities and the Interference of Demons

The larger the city, the greater the greed in people's hearts; this is the interference of demon nature. Furthermore, when a material society develops to its extreme, the greed in people's hearts becomes even more exposed, and the resulting harm is even more widespread. This is precisely why the demon crowds are able to strike with such force. People in large cities are driven by their own interests, and the situation of selfishness is extremely severe.

At that time, I did not know the truth behind this pandemic; I only knew that using scientific methods was the only way to solve it. However, I never expected that many years ago, Practitioner Su of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre had already attained Awakening. With the help of Namo Amituofo, she was able to see the true cause of the COVID-19 pandemic and took on the heavy responsibility of leading the people of the world toward alleviating the pandemic. In particular, the people of the United States, without their knowledge, received a great deal of help from Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, which is the only reason the pandemic was able to subside after a period of time. Otherwise, this pandemic demon would only have continued to grow, causing immeasurable loss of life to the American people and potentially leading to a gradual decline in national strength, making it impossible to recover the prosperity and flourishing state of the past.

The Hidden Truths of the Spiritual Realms

Seeing all of this now, I cannot help but sigh. There is such a place in this world—the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre—doing so much good for the people of the world. Yet, people generally cannot know about the interference from the spiritual realms. Often, a single subtle thought can allow many beings to attach themselves to people. This is even more true for the demon crowds, who strike at people with hearts full of vengeance and destruction. This is also what people’s own karma attracts; it is only when one’s thoughts are corrupted that such things can happen. My experience—my short few years in the ghost realm and my current experience in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss—has allowed my eyes to see many truths. I hope the vast American public can believe in everything I see at this moment.

Furthermore, speaking of the greed of the American people, beyond the greed in the hearts of the individuals, I have also seen the greed within the various institutions of the high-level government. Over generations, because of this greed, countless demon crowds have been attracted into the various highest institutions of the United States. Beyond the White House where the President resides, and the places where Senators and Representatives gather, which are filled with immeasurable demon crowds, there are many other agencies. In particular, the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), which most frequently conducts secret operations around the world to persecute many people, is also among them.

The Roots of Inequality and Policy

I can see that the reason the American people have gradually walked down this path is, in fact, due to the critical role played by the policies set by the nation over the past few centuries, as well as the education that has guided everyone. This can be seen in the racial segregation policies against Black people that I mentioned earlier. The reason this policy was so widely implemented for hundreds of years without being stopped, or without enough people believing it was wrong, is that over a hundred years ago, an unequal policy was established that placed white people as supreme and Black people as slaves. This was the greed in people's hearts—the desire to grasp power and obtain all enjoyments—which led step by step to the consequences we see today.

The earliest people hoped to use the labor of slaves to serve white people. In the upper echelons of American society at that time, every household had Black people performing cleaning and other chores for them. While these people wanted to enjoy themselves, they refused to acknowledge the rights and status of Black people. Because white people wanted to monopolize this power, they kept Black people in service to us forever. Because this greed was nurtured, it was gradually controlled by demons step by step, and the negative karma caused thereafter is truly immeasurable and boundless! Many years ago, I already felt deeply that this policy of inequality was wrong, but I was unable to articulate it as thoroughly and clearly as the Buddha’s teachings.

The True Face of War and Interest

There have been no shortage of wars within the United States, not to mention the wars the U.S. government has deployed around the world—some visible to the physical eyes, others conducted in the shadows. Why exactly are these wars fought? In the end, it is to protect the interests of one's own country and the interests of one group of people. The word interest is simply greed! A massive greed is at work, corroding generation after generation of Americans, making them enjoy the feeling of supreme power and the status of their own citizens acting superior, while ignoring the basic needs and hopes of the minority populations and ethnic groups in so many other countries.

I, Jimmy Carter, say a deep apology to the people of the world here. Although many things were not within my control, as a representative of the American people, I must say I am sorry to everyone. People all over the world have been influenced by the United States to a greater or lesser extent. Whether it is the destruction caused by war or the influence of cultural erosion, it has had a great impact on people's bodies and minds. This is a fact I must admit.

Speaking of all the greed in war, it is actually a hidden rule passed down from generation to generation since the expansion of American power: that American interests must be the primary guide. No matter what price other countries have to pay for this, it is not something the U.S. government actually considers.

A Reflection on Conscience and Karma

This is why, during the Cold War, many small countries suffered greatly because of the direction and policies of the major powers. In war after war, the United States sometimes even appeared to be helping other countries establish peace, but in secret, it was actually using unscrupulous means for its own purposes. Whenever something was related to American economic or military interests, the United States would stand on that side without hesitation and condemn the other.

When I, Jimmy, gradually discovered that this seemed inappropriate, I felt very guilty and uneasy. Therefore, people regarded me as a president who cared very much about human rights and humanitarianism. In fact, that is not wrong. When I supported any side, in most cases, I was still able to rationally stand with countries that valued human rights more; for those regimes and governments that were not good to their civilians, I would always offer criticism.

However, I was only one person, and what I could do was very limited. When the legislators could not generally support me, many policies could not be implemented. This is also where everyone's collective karma lies.

Regarding this matter of collective karma, it was only after I witnessed the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and the Western Land of Dharma Nature that I gradually understood that there are too many things happening in the world—both good and bad, virtuous and evil—and that there is karma that the physical eyes cannot perceive influencing the overall situation. Throughout my life, I was always attached to what I considered to be good and virtuous, but in reality, I often did not know that I was also under the control of karma, unable to be the master of my own fate.

In this life, I was able to act with virtuous thoughts most of the time, which allowed me to live to be one hundred years old. Although I had illnesses, I did not suffer too much, and I was able to pass away peacefully at home, accompanied by my family and loved ones. This was also my own good condition, allowing me to enjoy those one hundred years of beautiful time.

The Value of Honesty

I did not have the blessings to receive education in the Buddha’s teachings in my life. As a Christian, the teachings of Christianity actually brought me many good influences. The greatest influence was that I could never bring myself to lie throughout my life. This is perhaps rare among American presidents, because I had a firm spiritual cleanliness. Whenever I was in a position where I might have to lie, I would become very nervous and tremble, knowing that this was something that should not be done, and naturally, I could not speak a lie.

This made many people at the time feel puzzled: as a president, how could I so honestly account for everything I did, or everything I saw and heard? Indeed, this point won the respect of many later generations. Although my political achievements were not great, at least I dared not deceive others, and regarding right and wrong, I could still distinguish them clearly.

Even when my brother made some mistakes in our hometown in the South and was condemned by others, I stood on the side of condemning him without hesitation, rather than relying on my presidential power to shield him. Although this caused dissatisfaction among family members, this was a persistence that had to be carried out according to reason and principle.

The mention of this word greed makes me sigh, as the greed of the American people not only affects their own citizens but also influences the vast number of people globally, bringing about very bad consequences. This is also because, for the past hundred years, the United States has been the leader of global mainstream culture, and people in many countries have looked to American culture as the mainstream to emulate and as a model. Much of this comes from the development of American literature and film over the past century, which has led many people to become addicted to it while unconsciously adopting these as the values of their lives.

With the development of American culture and economy, its culture has deeply permeated the hearts of people around the world. Many American literary and film works have been translated into various languages, giving people all over the world the opportunity to come into contact with and emulate them. Everyone assumes that because the United States has been the most advanced country with a high economic level for decades, everything the United States does must be good, virtuous, and supreme. This erroneous concept has led many people to slowly walk down a crooked path. If the United States is the model, how could there be so many tragic scenes occurring in the United States in this current era? Namo Amituofo.

At that time, the American people still possessed surplus blessings, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of rapid technological advancement. On the surface, it appeared that their blessings were vast and their enjoyments plentiful. However, those who truly understand the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way know that the karma created during this period was immense.

It was only later that I saw this clearly. I realised that generation after generation, whether through scientific inventions or developments in film and literature, America has led the world toward a path dominated by greed and lust. This is truly a bottomless abyss of suffering. Many people have already begun to experience the retribution for their karma in the hells even before they have departed from the human world. It is truly a massive, churning force of karma.

The Normalisation of Lust

Speaking of lust, it is with great shame that I must admit: America is indeed the primary nation leading the world toward indulgence and the proliferation of sexual desire—there is no doubt about it. America is the chief culprit. While people once approached the subject of lust with caution, America led the world down a path of liberation and indulgence of the desires within the heart.

In the past, how could people have engaged in various sexual acts before marriage? Yet, in today's American society, this has become commonplace, extending even to children in high school and primary school who have begun to taste the forbidden fruit. Many children as young as thirteen or fourteen have already experienced things they should not have, yet parents and teachers often view this as entirely normal, believing it to be a natural human desire that should be liberated.

Heavens! My heart is filled with deep lamentation. If I were not now in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, where I can see the suffering of beings across all worlds, I would not have known that so many Americans are already undergoing retribution in the hells of copper pillars or iron beds. This is something the entire American populace should take as a grave warning; it fills my heart with profound sorrow.

The Cult of the Self

At this moment, I am also grateful that my Christian faith strictly forbade pre-marital sexual activity, which kept me from ever engaging in such misconduct. Throughout my seventy-plus years with my wife, I never had thoughts of other women. This was the benefit brought to me by my sincere Christian faith. At the time, I only knew that such things were wrong, but I lacked the understanding provided by the Buddha’s teachings regarding the harm that such desires inflict upon people.

How will the American people repay this karma of indulgence? Because they have not received a truly sound education, and because American formal education has for centuries focused on science, mathematics, and the development of economy and technology, moral foundations have long been neglected. The American emphasis on individualism is a point heavily promoted in education, and this is truly a great tragedy.

Speaking of this, I can clearly see that America is the nation that has truly taken the concept of the self to its peak. It has pushed individualism to the extreme, which is to say, it has pushed all the selfishness and self-interest inherent in human nature to the peak.

Although every country has varying degrees of selfishness, America seems able to rationalise it all, making it appear as though there is nothing inherently wrong with it. Everything is nominally done under the banner of leading the world toward scientific development and economic openness, but in reality, everything is driven by the self, moving forward with one's own interests as the primary guide.

The Illusion of Global Leadership

When other countries can walk the same path as America, there are no major issues, and America is happy to lead these nations along that same road. However, if another country's interests conflict with those of America, the American government and its people will not hesitate to protect themselves, standing firmly on the side of their own national interests rather than truly benefiting the global population. This is evident within American society.

Everything I, Jimmy Carter, have experienced—watching the current American president struggle for victory in war, striving to secure the most energy and resources, and performing one farce after another on the world stage—has caused dissatisfaction among people worldwide. Even many countries that traditionally supported America, those that stood on the same side for their own interests, have now begun to voice opposition to American policies.

This is actually only the first step. People have not yet seen the layers of retribution that will follow, which are far beyond what anyone can repay. The impact of the Collective Karma created by the people of one nation on the rest of the world will eventually return to them. It is just that, for now, American national power is still sufficient, so they do not clearly feel any massive fluctuations. But if a nation constantly causes trouble and suffering for others, that suffering will eventually return to itself.

A Call for Frugality and Stewardship

Furthermore, I can clearly see that America can be called the first nation in the world to introduce a culture of extravagance and excessive waste, causing people in many other countries to emulate the American style. This is something I have always strongly advocated against. Even when I was running for president, I knew the country was facing a severe energy crisis, and people desperately hoped that I, as president, could come up with practical methods to solve it. The first method I proposed was to encourage the American people to be frugal with resources and not to be wasteful. Such rhetoric drew widespread dissatisfaction. People believed that the president must protect their interests and allow them more opportunities and rights to enjoy themselves.

However, I knew in my heart that the world's resources are limited. If America monopolises many resources while other countries cannot obtain relative resources, that is also a responsibility the American people must bear. In my later years, I went to several African countries to help people obtain clean, drinkable water through filtration methods, solving many parasitic diseases, such as Guinea worm disease. It was then that I realised clean water resources are extremely rare and precious in many countries. The American people should take this as a warning, knowing that all the resources they possess are not easily come by. They should lead the people of the world and set an example by cherishing water resources and caring for the environment. This is a concept that has been severely lacking throughout American history. Although one can see many environmentalists strongly advocating for this today, the number of Americans who can truly put it into practice remains very small. I sincerely encourage everyone, as a member of this Earth, to cherish all the resources on the planet and respect all life.

Throughout my life, I have also required this of my own family and children. Regarding extravagance and waste, I believe it is inappropriate. Although I was president, I was determined not to let my children have any habits of luxury. In my later years, I did not have much spare money or energy to spend on enjoyment; I returned to that old house in the South and lived there for decades.

The Universal Principle

The laws of karma and cause and effect spoken of in the Buddha’s teachings are, in fact, the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. I see this very clearly, and I advise all Americans, no matter where you are, what position you hold, or how old you are, that you must firmly uphold this Goodness in your heart. Think of others instead of thinking of yourself; only then can you help mitigate this massive Collective Karma and protect yourself from calamity.

The COVID-19 pandemic from a few years ago is a perfect example. In this massive vortex of Collective Karma, too many people have lost their lives, and many families have been broken and torn apart from their families. Do you really want to see such a situation happen a second time? Even if American national power is still sufficient, can you guarantee that impermanence will not arrive? That there will not be other natural disasters, man-made calamities, or diseases to erode the people here? Do not take this lightly; the Good and Evil in your heart are very distinct before the Universal Principle.

Although many of you may not yet be able to accept everything in the Buddha’s teachings, nor everything I have said, the American people are generally very religious. Regardless of which religion you believe in, you must firmly uphold the doctrines taught within that religion. Every religion advocates for benevolence and peace; they do not advocate for sacrificing the interests of others for one's own benefit, nor do they allow people to indulge the desires in their hearts and create bitter fruit. This is the Goodness that every religion originally promotes, and everyone should be clear about this.

Beyond Human Knowledge

Today, because I have had the opportunity to come to the Western Land of Dharma Nature and subsequently enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, the energy and wisdom I have gained under the daily purification of the Buddha-light are beyond what anyone in the human world can imagine. Even for the highest-level intellectuals in America, or the great professors at Harvard or Yale, your wisdom is certainly far inferior to the Wisdom of Buddha or Bodhisattva. This is because everything you have learned, while very successful in the human world, is also limited; it is not truly infinite Wisdom. That is knowledge pursued with the human body; the fields of knowledge and understanding that a person can acquire in a lifetime are limited, and the space one can see is only what the physical eyes can perceive. But Buddha or Bodhisattva can penetrate everything and see the essence of all things. This is the Truth that many scientists, even if they strive for a lifetime, cannot find, because when you hold onto delusion, discrimination, and attachment, you cannot open up your own inherent true self and nature.

The famous scientist and physicist Albert Einstein also spent his entire life trying to find the truth of the universe. However, within his limited calculations, he was still unable to obtain the final answer. But now, he has come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss just like me, and he can see through the essence of all these things, seeing the true Universal Principle and the Truth just like a Buddha or Bodhisattva. Namo Amituofo.

Everything the Buddha’s teachings describe is remarkably simple, yet it represents the pinnacle of high technology—what Practitioner Su calls the 'technology within technology.' The reason Practitioner Su possesses the extraordinary ability to traverse the ten Dharma realms, span the vast reaches of the universe, and reach into spaces trillions of light-years away to save all sentient beings and demon crowds is precisely because Practitioner Su has realized their true nature and attained Buddhahood. It is only by completely transcending the 'self' and abandoning all selfishness that such a state can be achieved.

Beyond the Limits of Human Knowledge

In America, we are often conditioned to believe that science and academic knowledge are the ultimate authorities. Yet, so many people overlook the spiritual realm—the very foundation of existence. Everything within the spiritual realms, and the true path to transcending these limitations, requires us to look beyond the surface. To truly see the essence of all things, to reach a state where one is free from aging, sickness, and death, and to successfully exit the cycle of samsara, one must strictly adhere to the Buddha’s teachings.

A Reality Beyond the Naked Eye

My fellow Americans, have you ever heard of the possibility of being free from aging, free from illness, and having a spirit that never dies? Many of you may believe in the immortality of the spirit, assuming that after death, one simply goes to heaven to enjoy bliss. But can you accept that it is actually possible to live a life where you do not grow old, do not get sick, and maintain a mind that is crystal clear, profoundly wise, and capable of freely travelling to and from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and the realms of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas? Have you ever heard of such miraculous things as Practitioner Su manifesting countless bodies to save sentient beings?

This is all deeply scientific and profoundly practical. Everything the Buddha’s teachings describe is based on the laws of the universe; it does not contradict the truth as we understand it. It is simply that these realities are not visible to the naked eye, nor can they be grasped through our limited human knowledge. Because people cannot see them, they find it difficult to believe. However, for those Americans who possess a sensitive awareness, or for those who have had any contact with the spiritual realms, I urge you to make a journey to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. Only by arriving here will you discover that the spiritual world is truly different from what you have imagined! This is a place where you can truly open up all dimensions and witness the absolute truth. This is only possible because Namo Amituofo truly abides at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

The Limitations of Human Perception

The spiritual world as commonly understood by people is extremely limited. Even though there are many individuals in the world with sensitive awareness who explore these realms, what they see is merely the level corresponding to their own degree of purification. They are unable to perceive the many layers that exist beyond their own level of attainment. These things are beyond what the human mind can conceive. You must come to Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to witness it for yourself; it is the only way to bring this good news back to the American people.

A Sincere Blessing from Jimmy

I, Jimmy, sincerely pray that you can truly believe. Even if you are still filled with doubt, I hope you will take my words to heart and reflect upon them deeply. If you have the opportunity, please come to Australia! You will undoubtedly feel the unique magnetic field of this place. There is no other place in the world where you can experience such a thing. If you have any familiarity with the Buddha’s teachings, you should come here to experience the Buddha-land and the compassion of the Buddha. In this human world, there exists the Western Land of Dharma Nature—a spiritual realm that allows infinite beings from the spirit realms to come and purify themselves and understand the Buddha’s teachings before they are ready to enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This world was achieved because Practitioner Su, with the help of Namo Amituofo, made this Great Vow. This is an unprecedented event, and everyone must clearly understand it.

A Heart of Gratitude

Finally, I, Jimmy Carter, sincerely express my deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. Without the compassion of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, I would not be standing here today to share these truths with you. The truth of the universe is vast, and many things are beyond the reach of our limited human knowledge. I hope that the American people who read this testimony, and those who have had contact with me, can believe that this is everything I have seen after my spiritual purification.

My own thinking has undergone a profound transformation, and it is vastly different from what it used to be. The purification of the Buddha-light keeps my heart peaceful and serene at every moment. You must believe in the beauty of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss; only then will you have a day where you can truly escape the sea of suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

I sincerely wish you all the best.

Namo Amituofo.

Jimmy Carter