A Teacher's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhang Simei, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her spiritual journey and her connection with her student, Lay Practitioner Lei Hulan. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on April 15, 2022.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Simei speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. It is only now that I truly realise the existence of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is so beautiful—I love it here so much!

While I was living in the human world, I had heard of the Buddha’s teachings, but my Causal Conditions were primarily rooted in Catholicism. My past faith taught me to be good, and I am very grateful for that period of my life. Perhaps it was that initial connection that cultivated my heart of Goodness and my desire to help others, which eventually paved the way for this current, perfect affinity.

A Bond of Purity and Kindness

Hulan is one of the kindest souls I have ever encountered. I call her a 'girl' because, regardless of her actual age, her heart remains as pure and kind as a young girl's. I truly cherished the time we spent together. We learned from one another: I taught her medical knowledge, and she taught me about compassion. Knowing her has been a wonderful blessing. It is thanks to Hulan’s assistance that I had the opportunity to encounter the Buddha’s teachings, and it is through the grace of Practitioner Su that I was guided to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Peace of Pure Mindfulness

Right now, my heart is so peaceful. This feeling is incredibly comfortable; in the human world, I never experienced such profound serenity. Everything that once weighed upon my heart has been set aside. Now, I focus entirely on chanting Namo Amituofo. I do not need to think of anything else. What I see is the Buddha, what I hear is the Buddha, what I think of is the Buddha, and what I speak of is the Buddha. Everything is the Buddha. Hulan, isn't this feeling simply wonderful?

A Message to My Student

I see Hulan now, and she looks just as young as she did before—it is marvellous! Do not overthink things. Just like me, focus on thinking of the Buddha and chanting Namo Amituofo. You can be much more at ease. Trust your teacher: allow yourself to quieten down and chant Namo Amituofo. It is truly a magnificent practice.

In this life, you have the Causal Conditions to encounter Namo Amituofo; you have such great blessings! This is a truly beautiful connection. I know this is something you were destined to encounter. Good people with blessings will naturally encounter good things. I deeply admire your kind heart; it is a beautiful heart, much like the Buddha’s. Let us both continue to work hard! Let us chant Namo Amituofo and keep the Buddha in our thoughts. I look forward to the day you return to the Western Pure Land to reunite with me.

Namo Amituofo.

Zhang Simei bows in reverence."