Rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss: Lay Practitioner Cao Zhiyong

This is a record of an interview with Cao Zhiyong, 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 hells to the Western Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on March 27, 2026.

Lay Practitioner Cao Zhiyong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Greetings to you, Practitioner Su. At this moment, I, Cao Zhiyong, wish to report to you that, thanks to your guidance, I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, this pure and magnificent realm. I am truly grateful for the manifestation of both of you in the human world. It is because of your presence that we have been able to undergo such a unique experience—an experience that is not easily attained by ordinary people. My journey has been one of both profound suffering and immense joy.

The suffering I endured was real. I spent nearly twenty years in the hells, which was a period of extreme mental torment. It was a cycle of suffering that repeated day after day, seemingly without end. I lost all sense of time; it felt as though centuries had passed, yet in reality, it had only been twenty years. This shows just how agonizing those days of suffering truly were. It makes time feel as though it is moving at a snail's pace, and one feels trapped, unable to find a way out."

A Sudden and Profound Transformation

"However, all of that has finally come to an end. Arriving in the Western Land of Dharma Nature and subsequently reaching the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss—this series of monumental changes is something I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams. When I was alive in the human world, I was not a practitioner of the Buddha’s teachings. I never gave much thought to my future, nor did I realise that Namo Amituofo is a truly real and present Buddha. Namo Amituofo is incredibly great; He made vows with the singular intention of saving all beings throughout the world, and thus He established the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

I never expected that I would one day be able to contribute to the propagation of the Buddha’s teachings, or that I would become a part of this Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, where I can diligently practice and eventually do many things for the benefit of all people. This is my sincere hope. Is the purpose of learning the Buddha’s teachings not to acquire the skills to save others? This is a realisation I have only recently come to understand deeply. I have finally grasped the concept of what the 'true self' really is. I also understand that I cannot simply rely on the Buddha; I must strive to chant this Buddha-name, work hard to improve myself, and align my heart more closely with the Buddha’s vows. If I can do that, one day I will become a Buddha—and that would be the most wonderful thing of all."

The Peace of the Western Land

"Today's interview came quite suddenly, and I have not had the time to prepare exactly what I wanted to share. Because the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is so magnificent, if you were to ask me to describe it in detail, I find I am truly at a loss for words. I have not yet had the chance to experience every single detail of this place, but honestly speaking, it is incredibly pure and clear. It makes one feel as though there is not a single trace of pressure, discomfort, or injustice in the heart. One does not even have the urge to overthink things. Upon arriving here, everyone is simply quiet and at peace."

A Message to My Family

"Finally, I feel it is necessary to say a few words to my family, especially to my child. When I was alive, I did not understand many of the truths of life, which is why my personality and my actions led to the illnesses that plagued me. To have my life cut short at such a young age—I know now that this was the result of the seeds of misfortune I had sown in the past. At that time, I did not study the Buddha’s teachings, and there was so much I did not understand.

For instance, the things I consumed in my life awakened many beings from throughout history. Having such beings, filled with heavy resentment, attached to my body could only bring about negative consequences; there was no good to be found in it. Throughout my many lives, I have also harmed many beings, and they came to seek revenge at that time. I should have been repaying those debts, so I dare not hold any grievances now."

A Commitment to Practice

"In the end, I have decided that I must settle my heart and practice diligently here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. By following the Buddha, I can listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma every day. With progress made each day, I will gradually move closer to the Buddha’s path. My practice is truly for the sake of saving beings—it is to save all the beings with whom I have had a karmic affinity throughout my many lives. This is my greatest wish at this moment.

I am grateful to Namo Amituofo, and I am grateful to Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo.

Cao Zhiyong"