From the Depths of Hell to the Western Pure Land: The Testimony of Lay Practitioner Cai Chun-an
An Interview with Lay Practitioner Cai Chun-an
Recorded by Chief Writer Fa Ning on May 1, 2026
This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Cai Chun-an, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having been delivered from the suffering of the hell realms, he now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition from the depths of to the peace of the Western Pure Land. The interview was recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on May 1, 2026.
Lay Practitioner Cai Chun-an speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su for granting me this precious opportunity to share a few words with you all, and with the world. Though my words may reach only a few, I still wish to express the journey of my heart and the experiences that led to my rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."
A Sudden Departure from the Human World
"First, I must express my profound gratitude to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. It is only through the Buddha that we have the chance to leave suffering behind and gain true happiness—a truth I have only recently come to understand deeply.
My own life was quite long, and I lived a decent number of years. Yet, I was caught completely unprepared when I contracted a virus and left the human world. It was a shock I could not reconcile. Honestly, there were many things I had intended to say to my family, but they remained buried in my heart, unsaid. Now, having arrived in this world and undergone purification, I find that many of those words were unnecessary after all."
The Cycle of Impermanence
"Life is so fleeting; it passes by in the blink of an eye. How many people can truly say they have attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land with ease? Most are still spinning in this world of impermanence, cycle after cycle. We do not know when we will die, nor when we will fall ill—everything is beyond our control.
Beyond my gratitude to the Buddha, I am also deeply thankful to my niece, Cai Aiping. Seeing her encounter the Buddha’s teachings in the human world—and not just any teachings, but the most precious Buddhist education from the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, where Namo Amituofo abides—I am truly happy for her."
The Blessing of Deliverance
"It is no small feat to encounter the at her age; only those with tremendous can do so. Because she encountered the Buddha, she was able to register many of our family members for Chao Du, guiding us to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I sincerely thank her, and I speak for all those she has helped to deliver. We are grateful for her compassionate heart, which saved us suffering spirits so that we no longer have to endure such agony.
The days I spent in the hell realms were truly beyond description. It felt as though my entire body was being fried in oil, over and over, only to be pierced repeatedly by blades and swords. I died and was reborn, only to die again, repeating the same cycle of suffering endlessly. I share this not because I want you to feel sad for me. You need not grieve; this was simply the karmic retribution I deserved."
The Debt of
"Everyone has their own personality, and we have all offended many beings throughout our many lives. These debts must be repaid, must they not? Therefore, I hold no resentment; my heart is quite at peace.
While in the hells, I once heard Namo Amituofo giving lectures, and I learned that Practitioner Su was also giving lectures. At that moment, I knew that my day of salvation would come. I never expected it to come in such a special way—through the Chao Du registered by my niece."
A Call to Practice
"Is life in the human world not too painful? It is truly agonising. I hope my family and friends in the human world will not have to endure what I went through. It is far more important to refine your character and avoid the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death. I hope my family will have the opportunity to study the Buddha’s teachings. Although there may be more restrictions on practising in the country, do not be discouraged. This is the best time to cultivate the meditative concentration within your own heart.
You must remain steady and move forward step by step, showing the people of the world that a true practitioner is one who is genuinely peaceful, harmonious, and filled with Dharma . This must begin with transforming your own heart! My heart was selfish, and that is why I fell into the hells. Thinking wrongly will also lead you there. Everyone must remember this. Do not think that only those who commit grave sins, like murder or arson, fall into the hells—that is not the case at all.
Our bodies are far too complex. You do not know what you have done in the past, so as Practitioner Su says, do not be attached to the past. In the present moment, you are a Buddha. With such a heart and a joyful attitude, everyone can attain true Dharma joy and perfection.
I wish you all well. Namo Amituofo. Thank you, Practitioner Su.
Namo Amituofo."
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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