Finding Peace Beyond the Tragedy: An Interview with Eli Schlanger

This is a record of an interview with Eli Schlanger, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his life and his sudden passing in the Sydney Bondi shooting. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on December 22, 2025.

Eli Schlanger speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. My name is Eli, and I am one of the central figures in the tragic shooting that took place in Sydney. When I fell, the scene around me was one of absolute chaos. Many people were already in a state of panic, and when they saw me collapse, the fear only intensified. After all, I had been standing there, speaking to them, and I had left a deep impression on everyone present. Who would have expected that the host of the event would simply fall like that? I never imagined that at the very peak of my life—a time when I was so busy, so fulfilled, and so vibrant—my life would come to such an abrupt end in an instant!

The Life of a Rabbi

I was not only a devout follower of Judaism but also a Rabbi, which is a role akin to a teacher in the Jewish tradition. My life in this regard was very smooth and blessed. Coming from a Jewish family, I had developed a passionate, almost fanatical love for my faith from a very young age. I was deeply pious, and every word I spoke and every action I took was meant to reflect the dignity of the Jewish people. I carried myself with a certain authority, a teacher's presence, yet I possessed a very gentle heart. With my children, I was both a figure of authority and a deeply responsible, tender father. Haha! My children were actually very close to me, though they also respected my role as their Rabbi-father, often showing a special kind of reliance on their mother while holding me in high esteem. They were such thoughtful children; they understood the weight of my responsibilities and would care for me in their own sweet ways.

A Transition to the Unknown

Coming back to my current situation—here in the Western Dharma-Nature Land—I must admit that when I first arrived, I found it difficult to accept. This place felt so much like an Eastern tradition; I saw lotus flowers and images of the Buddha everywhere. I was a Jewish teacher! Why was I not with my Lord? Yet, this place was incredibly comfortable, and the world I had experienced immediately after my death had been one of absolute darkness. The contrast was so profound that I simply stayed here quietly, observing everything around me. As I watched, my heart slowly began to relax. In truth, it was not as bad as I had feared; it was a wonderful, truly wonderful place! These lotus flowers are symbols of compassion, and I have grown to love the word 'compassion.' Although it was a bit foreign to me at first, the feeling it evokes has allowed me to stay here with complete peace of mind. That was my first impression upon arriving at the Western Dharma-Nature Land.

The Resonance of the Buddha-Name

After being here for a few days, I gradually grew accustomed to the sound of the Buddha-name being chanted. The more I listened, the more beautiful it became. I began to smile, a stark contrast to the serious, solemn expression I wore when I first arrived. I also seemed to understand the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su here. He speaks of the teachings of Namo Amituofo, and it felt as if the moment the Buddha looked at me and smiled, I knew exactly what was being said. The feeling of being 'connected' to the Buddha is truly magnificent! I began to realise that my previous world was essentially teaching me to be a good person, and of course, one can go to a good place, but it would never be better than here. This is the world of the Buddha, the realm with the highest level of spirituality. From here, I can see the heavens and even your human world, but I do not feel any envy. It is like watching a screen; I see your lives unfolding, and I just smile, hoping that you can see me too.

Letting Go of the Past

I used to be quite a radical person. I believed that if something was 'good,' it had to be pursued to the very end. I was particularly protective of our Jewish community; being with them was when I felt most at ease. We were a happy, big family, and the atmosphere was always so wonderful. I enjoyed the feeling of bringing peace of mind to others, as my words carried a certain influence, and many people felt comforted and grounded after listening to me. I am very happy that I fulfilled so many things in my life. Of course, I initially felt a deep sense of regret—there were so many things I wanted to do, so many projects only halfway finished—and it was all gone in a flash. I felt very unreconciled. Although I did not want revenge, I desperately wanted to get to the bottom of it, to find the killer and understand the truth behind it all. I wanted to know why someone would target us, the Jewish people. What had we done wrong? Now, my heart is much calmer. The chanting of the Buddha-name and the Dharma talks have settled my mind. They have helped me understand the laws of karma and cause and effect—that goodness brings good rewards and evil brings evil consequences. Besides, the fact that I could come to this beautiful Western Dharma-Nature Land—who is to say whether that is a result of past goodness or evil?

A Message to My Family

Human life is so short. I lost my life in my middle years, and the most pitiful ones are my wife and children; they are at the age where they need me the most. But I am not too worried anymore. I know there are many people in our community who care for them and are willing to accompany them. I have no doubt about this, because the people in our community are filled with the light of love, and we are all tightly bound together. There is nothing to worry about. That is what I believe.

And to my comrades, the volunteers and activists of our community: I am not sure of the final outcome for everyone, and I know there must have been many casualties. But I have not looked into it specifically. I only want to say that I hope everyone's heart can gradually find peace. Those who are alive have their own missions to continue, and those who have passed have their own place of belonging. None of us are truly connected in that way anymore, so there is no need to be overly radical in seeking 'justice' or fulfilling a sense of righteousness. Everything has passed, and everything should be let go. That is better for everyone. Just remember: from now on, continue to do your best to fulfil your responsibilities and take care of one another. If you can, expand that care even further. Whether someone is Jewish or not, we are all human beings on this Earth, brothers and sisters living together in this century. If you can, do your best to help everyone!

The Smile of the Heart

I also want to say to my wife: your smile is beautiful. Do not hide your smile just because I am no longer in this world. I have come to know the Buddha now, so I am smiling all the time—I am even more lively than I was before! I am truly sorry for the burden placed on you with the children, especially since they are still so young. Please tell them to remember that their father's heart was warm and always willing to help others. I believe that you and the children are the kindest family, and as long as you slowly let go, you will walk out into a bright and sunny future.

The Path to True Peace

If you ask me, what is the difference between Judaism and Buddhism? I would say that Judaism once gave me peace and stability, and I felt very proud and satisfied to be a Jew. But today, following the Buddha, I suddenly feel that I am 'nothing'—I do not need any labels or identities. Everything is natural; letting things take their natural course is so relaxed and happy! It turns out that holding onto things—whether they are happy or sad—is the source of the struggle. Let go of everything, empty your mind, and know that following the Buddha is the way to learn. This feeling of being 'empty' is more secure and grounded than anything I have ever known.

I listen to the Dharma here, which means listening to the Buddha's lectures. This Practitioner Su, he has a human body and is still alive, residing at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre near Brisbane and Toowoomba, Australia. It is because of Practitioner Su that I was guided to this beautiful Buddha-land of the Western Dharma-Nature Land. You can come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre; you can find it online. If you can, please make the trip! The Practitioner Su, the Venerables, and the lay practitioners here—some of them can speak with me, and you can also connect with me. Then you will know that I am always here; I have not died, I have simply moved to a better place. You can do it. Believe in yourselves. The road ahead is still long, and I hope you walk it with peace and stability. If you believe my words, come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, chant 'Namo Amituofo' once, and you will find the answers you seek.

Namo Amituofo.

Eli Schlanger"