From the Life of a Dog to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Zhang Yanlun, who sought deliverance 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 animal realm to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on March 3, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Yanlun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful for the compassion of Namo Amituofo and the compassion of Practitioner Su.

I, Zhang Yanlun, have now been guided by the compassionate hand of Practitioner Su to the pure and dignified Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. My heart is filled with an indescribable sense of gratitude—gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su."

The Cycle of Samsara

"After I departed from the human world, I do not know how much time passed before I entered the body of a dog. I forgot everything about my previous life; I only knew the life of a dog, completely oblivious to the existence I once had as a human.

I was not a stray dog. I had a mistress who loved me dearly and was quite wealthy. From the moment I was born, she held me in her arms every day and fed me carefully prepared food. In that life, I had no human afflictions, no need to work for money, and I was showered with affection. Among the dogs, I was truly blessed, but at the end of the day, I was still just a dog."

Breaking the Karmic Chain

"Looking back now, I realise that I had been a dog for more than just one lifetime. It seems my soul had a deep, lingering karmic connection with the canine realm. I had not yet fully detached from the spirit of a dog, and so, in this life, I followed those past habits and became a dog once more. It is hard for people to believe, but it is the truth.

However, I am so fortunate that my child in this life rescued me. If Practitioner Su had not pulled me out of that dog body, I do not know how many more lifetimes I would have had to spend as a dog before I even had the chance to be human again."

A New Life in the Western Pure Land

"Now, I no longer need to be a human. I have come directly to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I am so happy! While listening to the sutras at the Centre with Practitioner Su, I longed to come here. I knew the nature of suffering—whether as a human or as a dog, it is all suffering.

When I realised that coming to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss meant I would never suffer again, I knew this was where I wanted to be. Especially during the Dharma assembly and the daily morning service, I could see the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss appearing right before my eyes. It was so dignified, so magnificent, and my heart was filled with joy.

Finally, today, I decided to come to the West. My family should be just as happy as I am. This place is truly wonderful, and I am doing very well—better than ever before. You do not need to worry about me anymore. Instead, you must learn to chant Namo Amituofo more diligently so that you, too, can come to the Western Land and we can be reunited.

Namo Amituofo."