From Skepticism to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with Dai Zongrong, who sought deliverance 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 to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on April 7, 2023.

Dai Zongrong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I, Dai Zongrong, am currently standing upon the ground of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is truly difficult to believe that I, of all people, could ever reach such a place. I am filled with profound gratitude for the way the Buddha has cared for me and guided me to this sanctuary.

During my life, I was a man of great skepticism. I did not believe in these things; I lived my life exactly as I pleased, holding firmly to my own stubborn convictions. I never imagined that the path my children were following was the correct one—that their devotion was, in truth, the greatest act of kindness they could ever show me.

The Weight of Karmic Creditors

When I first arrived at the Buddha-land, I attempted to look back and reflect upon the various events of my life. I expected to see my past clearly, but instead, a thick, overwhelming white mist appeared before me. As the mist began to clear, I was struck by a terrifying realisation: I was surrounded by countless karmic creditors who had been following me for a very long time. Throughout my life, I had been constantly influenced and controlled by these karmic creditors. I did whatever they compelled me to do, never realising that I was merely a puppet to my own past actions. It is only now, standing here in the light of the Buddha, that I understand how much I truly owed to others.

After my life came to an end, I did not even realise that I had passed away. I found myself trapped in a strange, desolate space, wandering endlessly without being able to find a way out. At that time, all I wanted was to be reunited with my family, to sit down and share a meal with you all once again. It was a deep, aching longing that consumed my every thought.

The Limbo of a Wandering Spirit

I waited and waited in that dark, lonely space. It felt like an eternity. When the moment finally arrived for me to leave that place, I was able to see you all again. Although I could not physically reunite with you, my heart finally felt a sense of peace and relief. It is a strange thing to look back now, knowing how much suffering I endured while I was alive—the mental anguish, the physical pain—and then to realise that even after becoming a spirit, I was still trapped in that cycle of suffering. I only understand the true nature of this pain now that I have been delivered from it. Having experienced this, I finally grasp the vital importance of seeking to leave suffering behind.

A Father's Final Guidance

My dear children, I want to tell you that your father is now liberated. I hope that you, too, can wake up and learn to see life for what it truly is. You must ask yourselves: what you are pursuing so tirelessly in this world—will it be of any use to you in the future? Is it truly worth the struggle?

In this life, we were bound by the ties of family, but once that karmic connection reaches its end, we must all part ways. I hope that you will look further ahead than I did. Do not be caught up in petty grievances or trivial matters. Focus your energy on the most important task of all: practising the Dharma and achieving true liberation. Life passes in the blink of an eye; you must work hard and make the most of your time while you still have it.

Namo Amituofo."