From the Hells to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lei Tianrui, 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 journey from the depths of the hells to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on January 16, 2026.

Lay Practitioner Lei Tianrui speaks:

"Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo. I, Lei Tianrui, have arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss of Namo Amituofo. It is truly so magnificent! This place is so radiant; it is forever bright and luminous. Is it truly possible that I, Lei Tianrui, have been given the chance to come to such a place?

At first, while in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I still could not believe it. How could someone like me—an ordinary person, a sinner who had fallen into the hells—possibly arrive at such a wonderful place? Arriving at the Western Land of Dharma Nature was already a shock, let alone the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! I naturally knelt down before Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, bowing my head in gratitude. From that moment on, I knew I was a citizen of the West. I am so grateful for the Buddha’s compassion, for His willingness to accept ordinary beings like us from the worldly realm.

A Debt of Gratitude to My Nephew

I am deeply grateful to my good nephew. Thank you for not forgetting your uncle and for performing the Chao Du that delivered me to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. These Causal Conditions are truly magnificent. I feel as though I can see our past connections as fellow practitioners, though in this life, I lacked the fortune to encounter the true Buddha’s teachings while in the human world. That is why I died in such a state and ended up in the painful hells.

But you are different. You still possess a human body and have the opportunity to know Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Such a human body is incredibly precious. Your uncle knows that your heart is set upon the Buddha's path, so why not visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre? Life is very short; if you miss this chance, it will be too late. Come here for a few months and experience what a Buddha-land in the human world is like. You might find that you no longer wish to return to your worldly life.

The Preciousness of Human Life

Practise diligently here, and you will discover so much more about yourself that you do not yet know. You will come to understand the true Buddha’s teachings. Isn't this vast, profound Buddha’s teachings what you have always been searching for? Yuanxi, although your uncle does not understand the Buddha’s teachings and was not as fond of practice as you are, I have arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. You must believe what I say!

Let go of everything; only then will your life not have been lived in vain. How do you know that you might not be a great candidate for an awakened being? The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly a place where the Buddha abides; I saw this very clearly when I was in the Western Land of Dharma Nature! By coming here, you will be transformed. You will be able to exert your influence to help many people, and this is something you would be happy to do, is it not? Do not overthink things. Just do what is right and keep moving forward. This is the only way the Buddha can help immeasurable and boundless beings! This is the true Namo Amituofo and the true Buddha’s teachings!

The Radiance of the Western Pure Land

How beautiful is the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss? Every breath one takes is filled with the joy of the Dharma. Since arriving here, a profound sense of reverence for Namo Amituofo has arisen within me. Of course, this was already the case when I was in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, but the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss has shown me such a vast scope that a great desire to save the world has blossomed in my heart. Furthermore, the purification of the Buddha-light is truly magnificent. My entire being has been renewed, and everything I see is different! This is the world created by Namo Amituofo, and one day, you will come here too!

Well, your uncle is truly happy and deeply grateful. The Buddha is so compassionate. You must be sincere in your devotion to the Buddha. Chanting Buddha's name, making prostrations, and reciting the Sutras are essential. Accumulate merit and elevate yourself; you will certainly have the day when you can come to the temple. Believe in yourself, keep moving forward, and chant Buddha's name more!

Namo Amituofo."