From the Depths of Hell to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhang Guisong, the husband of Lay Practitioner Tan Lanfen. He sought deliverance through 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 journey from the depths of hell to the Western Pure Land. Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on December 12, 2025.

Zhang Guisong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zhang Guisong. Throughout my life, I encountered many things, both good and bad. Now that I have arrived at such a magnificent place—the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss—my heart is filled with nothing but gratitude, an endless, overflowing gratitude!

During my time in the human world, I did many things, some good and some bad. When you add in the mistakes I made in the past, the consequences were severe. After I passed away, I was cast directly into the hells to endure punishment. It was absolutely agonising, a suffering beyond words. Lanfen, my dear wife, thank you so much for arranging the Chao Du for me. Without your intervention, I would still be trapped in that darkness. I truly believe this was a lifeline extended to me by the Buddha or Bodhisattva. At this moment, my heart is deeply moved by the weight of this salvation."

The Unseen Ledger of Cause and Effect

"In this world, whether something is truly 'good' or 'bad' is not determined by our own opinions or how we justify our actions. There is an unseen scale, a cosmic measure that is constantly weighing our deeds and keeping a meticulous record. We rarely realise this while we are alive, and by the time we pass away and see the truth, it is often far too late. But all of that suffering is now in the past. The most important turning point was your decision to perform the Chao Du, which allowed me to be rescued by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su and brought to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

I will never, ever forget that life-saving Buddha-light. When that light touched me, the torment I had been enduring suddenly ceased. It was as if a heavy, suffocating weight had been lifted from my soul in an instant. Very quickly, I was carried by that brilliant Buddha-light to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It is a place of such radiant light, and I was even granted my own lotus seat. It is so comfortable, so incredibly special—I could hardly believe such a place existed."

A Miraculous Journey to the West

"I was hesitant to leave the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre at first. It was so wonderful there that I could not imagine anywhere better. It was only after spending time there that I felt ready to accept the guidance of the temple. Today, during the Dharma assembly, Practitioner Su personally led me into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Practitioner Su’s skills are truly extraordinary! From the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to the Western Land, it took only a fleeting moment. The world transformed before my eyes—it was absolutely miraculous!

Everything here looks so beautiful and serene. I no longer have to worry about falling back into the hells. Just thinking about this fills my heart with such profound thanks. All of this change is due to the great compassion of Namo Amituofo; it is only through His grace that we can be saved.

Lanfen, we were husband and wife in that life, and I am so sorry that I caused you such worry even after I had passed on. Thank you for everything. I am doing very well now, truly, I am doing wonderfully. I find myself kneeling in gratitude, because this transformation has completely changed my future. Everything has become bright and clear.

I am so thankful to Namo Amituofo for giving me this chance at rebirth, and I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su! Without Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, there would be no Zhang Guisong here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss today. I am eternally grateful for all of this. Namo Amituofo."