From the Depths of Hell to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhang Zixun, the father of Zhang Danxiong and Liu Meifang. He sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. This account reflects upon his transition from the cycle of rebirth to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on February 6, 2026.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Zixun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have finally set foot upon the soil of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! Everything feels just like a dream. I was such an ordinary person, living an ordinary life, only to fall into the hells to suffer after my death. Yet, I have been granted the opportunity to arrive at the Buddha’s world. This dramatic, turbulent spiritual life of mine is truly astonishing to me. It turns out that a person can become a Buddha, or they can fall into hell—it all happens within a split second.

The Warmth of Buddha-Light

Thinking back to the moment I was rescued from hell by Practitioner Su and Namo Amituofo, I am filled with such gratitude and emotion! I never imagined that a mundane person like me, while suffering in the deepest pits of hell, would suddenly receive a helping hand. The warmest Buddha-light shone directly onto the crown of my head, and instantly, my entire body ceased to suffer. It was as if everything had come to a standstill, waiting. Then, I heard my name being called over and over: 'Zhang Zixun! Zhang Zixun!' I followed the light immediately.

Upon arriving in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I saw it—wow! So many lotus flowers arranged in perfect rows, with so many people sitting upon them, as if they were listening to the Dharma. Some were chanting Namo Amituofo, while others were attending to their own tasks, but everyone was diligently practising. I initially thought I had arrived in heaven, but I later realised this is the Buddha’s world, a realm established by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. I cannot help but admire the profound skills of Practitioner Su. I have seen countless spirits and beings arriving here in an endless stream. There are many others like me who have ascended from the hells, because Practitioner Su saves beings from the highest levels down to the lowest hells. He saves all beings without any discrimination, which is exactly the same as the Buddha-heart, Buddha-vow, and Buddha-actions of Namo Amituofo. How incredibly fortunate I am! Because my children knew Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and knew Namo Amituofo, I was given this chance to be transported from hell directly to this Buddha-land.

The Weight of Personality and Karma

My children might ask, 'Father, what did you do wrong to end up in hell?' Let me tell you: it comes down to the word 'personality.' Everyone has a personality, whether it is deep or shallow, and I had quite a strong one! When things did not go my way, I would often get angry; when I was dissatisfied, I would complain. These various habits may seem minor, but when they accumulate and penetrate into the body, how many karmic creditors will seize the opportunity to awaken? The beings I had harmed in the past could not forgive me because of my personality, so they came one after another to seek revenge. This is the reason I eventually fell ill. Every illness has a cause; it is always the karmic creditors knocking at the door, and I was no exception.

During my time following Practitioner Su and listening to the Dharma in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I have slowly come to understand the truth that the laws of karma and cause and effect are unfailing. Truly, the lifespan of a human’s spiritual life is so long—something I could never have imagined before. I also now know that the karmic debts I owed were impossible to repay on my own. Now that I have reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, everything is clear and distinct. I realise that the karma I created was truly significant. In truth, everyone creates karma, but in my case, the number of beings I awakened was simply too great. They surged toward me all at once, and I could not fend them off, which is why I fell into such a severe illness so quickly.

A Warning for the Living

My children, my story must surely serve as a warning to you! This is something that could happen to anyone. Therefore, I hope you will all keep this in your hearts: while you possess a human body, live well and change your ways. You must listen to the sutras taught by Practitioner Su. The sutras Practitioner Su speaks are the sutras of Namo Amituofo; they teach us pure goodness and instruct us on how to be the master of our own lives and how to achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Listening to the sutras will only bring you benefits, never harm! Namo Amituofo."