From the Depths of Hell to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Xu Zezheng, who sought 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 experiences after passing away from terminal illness. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on January 23, 2026.

Lay Practitioner Xu Zezheng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo! Greetings to Namo Amituofo, and greetings to Practitioner Su! I am filled with gratitude for the compassion of the Buddha and the compassion of Practitioner Su. I am the fifth interviewee, named Xu Zezheng. My identity is somewhat unique; I was the mentor of Cai Aiping. Aiping is the short-term volunteer who insisted on coming to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre despite opposition from his family. It just so happens that I am the very person he registered for Chao Du, and I am also his former teacher.

A Mentor's Descent into Suffering

When I speak of being a 'mentor,' I truly feel unworthy and deeply ashamed. Aiping, you must be quite shocked to hear that your former teacher ended up in the hells to suffer such punishments, right? Let me tell you: for many people, the hells are a truly terrifying place. This is the absolute truth. During the long period I spent there, I experienced nothing but suffering; there was not a single moment of respite. The agony was so intense that it pierced right through to my bones. I would feel as though I had found a glimmer of hope, only to be plunged back into suffering once more. Many people would likely find it hard to believe that such a thing could happen to me, and even I myself struggled to accept it.

Although I did not have a strong faith in Buddhism or any particular religion, I never imagined that my life would end in such a tragic conclusion. Looking back now, when I was suffering from terminal cancer, I was actually already undergoing judgment in the hells. My karmic creditors had piled up like mountains before the Yama King's palace, all presenting their grievances and demands. In such a situation, how could I possibly avoid suffering?

The Root of Human Illness

This is a common affliction for people in this world. How many people are truly happy, peaceful, and serene before they die? There are far too few! My illness was entirely caused by my own personality—my stubbornness, my selfishness, and my constant focus on my own desires. All of these traits invited my karmic creditors to come and demand repayment. They came to seek revenge, layer upon layer, accumulating day after day. It was impossible for me not to fall ill! This is the fragility of the human body; the body itself cannot truly be the master. Aiping, during your time practising at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you should understand this better than I do. You should know even more clearly that changing one's personality must begin from within the heart.

A Lesson from One Who Has Walked the Path

Today, because of my good student Aiping, I have been granted the opportunity for Chao Du and rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. As your teacher, I am truly grateful! This is an encounter that is 'difficult to encounter in millions of years,' yet you have stumbled upon it. My sincere advice to you is that you must truly transform yourself for the better. Only then can you truly be free from illness, free from aging, and free from suffering. Watching you from here, I can see that you are still full of spiritual attachments. Although there is a smile on your face, the weariness and helplessness carved into you by the trials of society are written all over your features. You are a good child with blessings; you must remember the words of someone who has already walked this path!

I am someone who has crawled out from the gates of hell. I can see clearly from the Western Pure Land what is acceptable and what is not. In life, one must never, ever be selfish or only think of oneself. These are the great taboos, and they are the primary reasons why people fall ill.

The Magnificence of the Western Pure Land

Speaking of this, I forgot to tell you that the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is truly magnificent! As someone who has ascended from the hells, my horizons have been broadened beyond measure. The compassion and Wisdom of Namo Amituofo are embodied in every brick and every tile of the Western Pure Land. This means that every detail, every act of mindfulness, is a manifestation of Namo Amituofo's Forty-eight Great Vows. It is truly, truly compassionate! Without the compassion of Namo Amituofo, when would we beings, rolling in the six realms of existence, ever be able to be saved? It would be so difficult! The beauty here is something you can only slowly experience for yourself once you arrive. I will not say much more about it.

Finally, I would like to use Practitioner Su's old advice to counsel everyone: chant one Buddha-name to the end. This is the safest way to save yourself and to save others. If you wish to save people, but there is no Buddha-name in your heart, then it is all empty. Very well, that is all. Remember to chant Namo Amituofo, chant Namo Amituofo, and chant Namo Amituofo.

Namo Amituofo.

Words of Xu Zezheng"