From Tragedy to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with He Chaodong, the younger brother of Shi Xiuai, 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 life and his transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on July 26, 2025.

Lay Practitioner He Chaodong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am He Chaodong, and I have finally arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am filled with profound gratitude for Practitioner Su, who saved me from my long period of suffering. I want to tell my family immediately that I have been rescued and that I am now here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

A Message to My Family

I never wanted to be a source of worry for my family, yet I ended up being the one who caused them the most pain and concern. I feel so deeply sorry for my parents and my family. I know everyone must have been devastated by my departure, yet you could not hear me speaking to you. I want to say to all of you: I am so sorry. I am sorry for causing you such heartache. Please, do not worry about me anymore, for I have found the ultimate peace.

The Truth of Karma and Impermanence

I do not blame anyone, nor do I blame that car accident. Now, I can see clearly that it was all due to my own karma—it was a debt I had to repay. Life is truly so full of impermanence. Back then, I did not understand these truths, but now I see it all clearly. This is the nature of being reincarnated; it is truly full of suffering. It is a cycle that traps us in pain until we find the path to liberation.

My life was short, but it was smooth, and my family treated me so well. I was full of dreams for the future and had my own ideals. Who could have expected that such an accident would happen so suddenly? I did not even have the chance to say goodbye to those I loved most. It was all so abrupt, and the world I knew vanished in an instant.

Finding Peace in the Western Pure Land

So much time has passed since then, and I remained trapped in that dark, lonely space. If it were not for my sister performing the Chao Du for me, I would never have had the opportunity to emerge from that state. I was lost, but now I am found.

I am doing very well now. My body is free from pain, and I feel so comfortable. Here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I spend my time chanting Buddha's name and making prostrations to the Buddha. I love listening to the Buddha give Dharma talks; my heart is so calm, and I am filled with the joy of the Dharma. It is a state of being that I could never have imagined while I was in the human realm.

I am so happy that my family is also learning the Dharma. I want everyone to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, for this is the only place where one can truly attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

A Final Apology and Vow

Finally, I must apologise once more to my father and mother. I am an unfilial son, He Chaodong. I never had the chance to show you filial piety, and I caused the white-haired person to send off the black-haired person. I am so sorry for the grief I brought upon you. Please forgive me.

I also have parents from my accumulated lifetimes. I will chant Buddha's name and dedicate the merit to them as well. I hope that all my parents from all my past lives can return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. May we all meet there in the light of the Buddha.

He Chaodong bows in respect.

Namo Amituofo."