Returning Home to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss
An Interview with Lay Practitioner Zhou Derong
Recorded by Chief Writer Shi Fajing on April 18, 2025
Lay Practitioner Zhou Derong, the grandfather of Lay Practitioner Zhou Bowen, sought deliverance through the compassionate aid of Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This interview was recorded by Chief Writer Shi Fajing on April 18, 2025.
Lay Practitioner Zhou Derong speaks:
"I have returned. I have finally returned to the side of the Buddha.
I am filled with such immense gratitude to Practitioner Su for guiding me back to the Buddha’s side, back to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It feels as though I am still dreaming; I can hardly believe that I have truly returned. After so many lifetimes and so many years, I had completely forgotten the Buddha. I could not even remember that I once resided here, as that was such a long, long time ago.
The Peace of the Western Land
Life in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is eternally joyful and serene. There is no suffering here, no ups and downs, and none of the exhausting struggles that plague the world. Everything is calm, smooth, stable, and pure—a life of absolute freedom.
I once lived exactly this kind of life in the Western Land. Later, I made a vow to go to the human world, and after that, I never returned. I have been wandering for who knows how many lifetimes; I know it has been an incredibly long time.
Lost in the Ghost Realm
In this recent lifetime, I could not remember the Buddha, and I had no opportunity to chant Namo Amituofo to seek rebirth in the Western Land. I spent quite a long time in the ghost realm. Every day, I would just sit there, occasionally getting up to wander around, though there was nothing to do. I did not think of anything; I was just a spirit living in a state of dull, empty delusion. I never expected that, not long ago, a brilliant golden light would suddenly appear. Someone called my name, and I was whisked away from the ghost realm—it happened so quickly.
Deliverance and Repose
Later, I arrived at Practitioner Su’s place, and only then did I realise that it was Practitioner Su who had saved me. On the , there are so many spirits. Everyone sits quietly on their own lotus seat. We do not speak; we simply remain in our own space, our hearts focused on chanting Namo Amituofo. I am also chanting, and it brings such profound peace to my heart.
I do not dwell on the affairs of the human world, for they feel so incredibly distant now. It seems that once you no longer have a physical body, you have no further connection to that world. I only know that I once lived there, that I had a body, and that I still have relatives who are alive.
A Debt of Gratitude
I know that it was my dear granddaughter who saved me. I am so grateful to her. I know that we shared a karmic connection in the past, which is why we have this affinity today. Thank you, my granddaughter. It is because of you that I have been saved, that I have attained liberation, and that I have been able to return to the Western Land. Finally, I no longer have to suffer in the cycle of rebirth."
With deepest reverence, Zhou Derong.
More from Family & Relatives
A Businessman's Vision for the Dharma
Lin Zhaoxing, a former businessman from Northeast China, shares his unique perspective from the Western Land of Dharma Nature on how to effectively promote the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and spread the teachings of Namo Amituofo to the world.
A Father's Journey to the Western Pure Land
A touching account of a father's transition from the confusion of the intermediate state to the ultimate bliss of the Western Pure Land, made possible through the power of Namo Amituofo and the filial devotion of his children.
A Father's Journey Home to the Western Pure Land
Wang Wencheng shares his profound journey from the confusion of the ghost realm to the ultimate peace of the Western Pure Land, offering heartfelt guidance to his daughter and all who seek the path of deliverance.
A Grandfather’s Journey to the Western Land
Zheng Shixiu, who endured decades of suffering in the hells, shares his profound transformation and gratitude after receiving Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, leading to his rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, 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 journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, 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 in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, 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 life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library