Returning Home to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Guo Fulong, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his journey to liberation and his final message to his family. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on July 7, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Guo Fulong speaks:

"My dear daughter, thank you so much for arranging this Chao Du for your father. I truly believe this is the happiest moment of my entire life. I am now completely free from all afflictions; my heart feels so light, so comfortable, and so at peace. You and the rest of the family can finally set your minds at ease, knowing that I have found my way home.

The Beauty of the Western Pure Land

I am now in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is so incredibly beautiful here—it is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Being here has allowed me to let go of all the worries and burdens I carried throughout my life. I have finally begun to understand what it means to truly let go and relax. The teachings of the Buddha are constantly pouring into my ears, and my entire way of thinking and my perspective have shifted profoundly. This is a feeling I have never experienced before; I realise now that this is what true practice is all about.

A Profound Debt of Gratitude

My child, it is your father speaking. Today, both your mother and I have attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is such a magnificent and extraordinary event—something we never even dared to imagine in our past lives. The Buddha is truly so compassionate! You must also express your deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su. Without the compassionate intervention of Practitioner Su, we would never have had this karmic affinity to be saved today! It is through this connection that we were able to find our way out of the cycle of rebirth.

A Long-Awaited Homecoming

The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is truly a pure and dignified realm. Your mother and I are so overjoyed to be here today. She was weeping with tears of joy, and I, too, could not help but shed tears of gratitude. Suddenly, all the memories of my past, the countless events of my life, and the long, arduous journey through samsara came rushing back to me. How long has it been since I last returned to this, my true home in the West? (He covers his face and weeps uncontrollably).

A Final Message to Loved Ones

My children, and all my dear relatives and friends, if you have the opportunity to read this letter, I hope with all my heart that you will believe it is true. Please believe that I have truly attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am speaking these words to you now through my tears. You must all practise diligently and do not let this precious opportunity slip away. When your life in this world comes to an end, I will be waiting for you in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss to welcome you home.

A Vow for the Future

It has been far too long since I returned to my home in the West—so long that I had even forgotten that I once came from here. I feel such deep shame! From this day forward, I will practise even more diligently, letting go of everything in this world, seeking only a pure heart and the purification of my practice.

I am filled with gratitude to Namo Amituofo, whose great compassion leaves no one behind. I am grateful for the compassionate vows of Practitioner Su. I am grateful to everyone who has helped me. I am grateful to all my family members from the past. I am grateful to all sentient beings with whom I have had karmic affinity.

Namo Amituofo."