Rebirth in the Western Pure Land: The Journey of Zhang Suzhen

Zhang Suzhen, the mother of Liu Caifang, sought deliverance through the Chao Du ceremony at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having successfully transitioned from the human world, she now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on May 29, 2026.

Zhang Suzhen speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. My name is Zhang Suzhen, and I have finally arrived at the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss to report my arrival. This is the very place I have been longing for, the destination I have kept in my heart and mind every single day! In the final years of my life, after I first learned about the Pure Land, I would constantly chant the Buddha-name, and I would often imagine the scenes of the Pure Land in my mind. Now that I am actually here, seeing this world before me—a world shimmering with brilliant golden light—I realise that the Pure Land is far more magnificent and dignified than I could have ever imagined. It is truly beyond the comprehension of ordinary people! The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are so incredibly compassionate. The moment I arrived, I knelt before the Buddha and bowed in reverence, unable to stop myself from expressing my gratitude.

The Majesty of the Western Pure Land

Upon arriving here, I discovered that the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is quite different from the Western Dharma-Nature Land. While both are graced by the presence of the Buddha, the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is incomparably more majestic. Furthermore, it is fascinating to see that everyone here shares a similar, radiant appearance. I no longer have the body of a woman; I am now a pure and dignified 'great husband.' This transformation is something I never could have anticipated in my wildest dreams.

I also saw my late husband here. He had left the human world much earlier than I did, yet he still remembered me perfectly. We waved to each other, both knowing that we had safely reached this sacred place. We also understood that it was our wonderful daughter who had registered us for the Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It was only through her filial piety that we were given the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Dharma-Nature Land together, and subsequently, to arrive here in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss as one.

The Fleeting Nature of Human Ties

The changes in the causal conditions of the human world are truly subtle and profound. Everything that happened in my past life feels as if it were only yesterday, yet now, such a monumental transformation has occurred. The emotional entanglements and causal conditions of the human world are, in truth, very short-lived. A human life lasts only a few decades; once it passes, it is gone. Think about it—how much more significant is this when you consider the countless cycles of rebirth we have endured throughout our many lives? To finally be free from the cycle of rebirth is a blessing beyond words. It is truly the most wonderful thing that could ever happen.

I see all the beauty of the Pure Land with my own eyes, and I keep it deeply in my heart. I am chanting Namo Amituofo every single moment, and I have no desire to do anything else. When I was in the human world, I knew how to chant, but I never experienced such joy, such peace of mind, and such profound Dharma-bliss. Here, under the illumination of the Buddha-light, my entire spirit feels so light and liberated. Although I am aware of the paths I have walked throughout my many lives, I do not dwell on them or look back with regret; I simply understand the truth that the laws of karma and cause and effect are never empty.

Gratitude for the Path to Deliverance

I was a practitioner of the Buddha-Dharma during my time in the human world, which is why I possessed the deep roots of goodness required to return to the Pure Land. I am so deeply grateful to my wonderful daughter. She found the best Buddhist temple in the entire world—the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. My ability to arrive here is entirely due to Practitioner Su, who has realised her true nature through diligent practice and possesses the skill to freely travel to and from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. She took our hands, and in an instant, she guided us to the Western Pure Land!

Everything happened so rapidly that I barely had time to think. At that moment, I had no hesitation at all. I told the Venerable at the temple that I was determined to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and when I nodded in agreement, I felt an immense, overflowing joy. It is true—there is nothing in the human world worth clinging to. Although I lived a decent life and always tried to maintain right mindfulness and help others, I still had some attachments after I passed away, which prevented me from being reborn in the Pure Land immediately. However, I was at least able to stay by the side of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva to learn and study. Because of my own roots of goodness, I was spared from having to suffer in other realms of rebirth.

Time passes so quickly. My daughter arranged this Chao Du for me, and I was soon guided by a beam of light to the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This transformation is truly extraordinary. As Practitioner Su has said, the human spirit is indeed unborn and undying, but one must be able to attain a state of absolute purity and goodness to ensure that the spirit will never again fall into the suffering of the cycle of rebirth.

I have full faith in the arrangement of these beautiful causal conditions, and my heart is filled with gratitude. On the path ahead, I will certainly continue to practise diligently to repay the kindness of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su.

Gratitude to Namo Amituofo, gratitude to Practitioner Su, gratitude to everyone, and gratitude to my daughter.

Namo Amituofo."