From the Bitterness of Samsara to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with the late Lay Practitioner Zhong Huodi, who sought Chao Du 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 transition from the cycle of rebirth to the Pure Land, offering a poignant perspective on the nature of human suffering and the power of faith. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on July 28, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Zhong Huodi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zhong Huodi. Since arriving in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I have finally realised just how incredibly bitter human life truly is. Think about it—the inability to let go of family emotion is a form of suffering; the endless, exhausting struggle to make a living is suffering; and the agony of illness is perhaps the greatest suffering of all. These are all different kinds of bitterness, and every single person in the world is currently trapped in this cycle. Now that I have walked through that darkness and emerged on the other side, I want to tell everyone: it is possible to break free from this suffering. It is not an impossible dream!"

The Clarity of Transformation

"The version of me that exists now feels like an entirely different person. My heart is clear, sharp, and completely awake. I owe everything to the Buddha, who bestowed upon me the power of purification. This light has allowed me to stop dwelling on the past and instead see everything—my life, my choices, and my attachments—with absolute clarity. It is a profound relief to finally see things as they truly are.

I look back and see that every person’s life follows such a similar, repetitive script: birth, old age, sickness, and death. Very few people ever manage to step off that treadmill. Now that I exist as a spirit, I have finally managed to step out of that cycle, and that is why I feel such an urgent need to share this with those who have a karmic connection with me, especially my own family members still living in the world."

A Daughter-in-Law’s Act of Compassion

"First and foremost, I must express my deepest gratitude to my daughter-in-law, Meilan. It was her act of seeking Chao Du for me that changed my destiny. If Meilan had not encountered the Buddha, if she had not placed her faith in the Buddha, and if she had not trusted the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I would never have been able to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. She saved me from the cycle of rebirth, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Since arriving in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I have come to realise a fundamental truth: every single person is an independent individual. In the end, no one can truly carry the burden for another. We must each walk our own path to liberation."

The Light of the Buddha

"Before I was saved, I spent so much time watching over all of you, unable to let go. I watched your lives unfold, seeing how the world was constantly changing. I saw how everyone’s hearts were restless and how your lives were so unstable. It made me incredibly anxious! I watched the place where I used to live descend into chaos, but even though I could see it all, I was helpless. I could only worry and fret, but I could not change a single thing. It was a terrible, suffocating feeling.

Then, just as I was lost in those thoughts, a brilliant light appeared. It reached out and guided me, leading me into the radiant halls of the temple. At first, I was not used to it; I was not fully awake or clear-headed. I was still struggling to adapt to such a sudden, monumental change. But the magnetic field here is so incredibly bright and beautiful that my heart opened almost instantly. For the first time, I felt the immense power of the Buddha. The Buddha did not lecture me with complex theories; instead, He allowed me to experience the truth for myself. He helped me deeply feel the illusory nature of this physical body and taught me the true meaning of letting go. I finally understand that all human relationships are merely tied together by karmic conditions—we must not cling to them so tightly."

A Message to My Descendants

"Throughout our many lives in the cycle of rebirth, we have played so many different roles. My dear children, whatever role you are playing in this life, perform it to the best of your ability, but the most important thing is to keep your heart pure and kind. If your heart harbours evil thoughts, the price you will have to pay is something we simply cannot bear. It will only lead to more suffering.

I am sharing these realisations with you now because I hope that you will live your lives to the fullest without being calculating or petty. The Buddha has changed me, and I hope that this same grace can help you, too.

I am perfectly fine now. Please, do not worry about me. I will continue to follow the Buddha’s footsteps and practise diligently. I only hope that all of you can live well and find your own peace.

With palms joined, Zhong Huodi."