The Deliverance of Lay Practitioner Zhang Cixue

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhang Cixue, who sought deliverance 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 transition following his passing in early 2023. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on February 3, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Cixue speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zhang Cixue. I want to speak to my family and tell them that I have arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is so bright here, so incredibly beautiful. There is no more suffering, and no more of the terrible things that once haunted me. All the pain, all the fear I felt during those final moments—it has all been washed away. I am filled with such profound gratitude for the compassion of the Buddha."

The Confusion of the Transition

"When the end came, it happened so quickly. It was a blur, and I simply did not have the time to react or process what was happening. My only thought was to go home, but I was so dizzy. I felt lost, wandering in a void, and I had no idea which direction home was. I kept walking and searching, over and over again, trapped in that state of confusion. It was a terrifying experience to be so lost, not knowing where to turn or how to find peace."

The Call of Deliverance

"I wandered for what felt like an eternity until, suddenly, I heard a voice calling my name. It was a sound that cut through the darkness. Immediately, I was lifted by a tremendous, gentle force and drawn into a world of pure, brilliant light. Everything happened so suddenly that I could barely comprehend it. I tried to look back at my past, to understand what had occurred, but the memories were too painful. I realised then that I had to let them go, and slowly, I found peace. I chose to stop dwelling on the past, and in doing so, I felt the weight of the world lift from my shoulders."

A Message to My Family

"I know that my sudden departure must have been a terrible shock to my family, and I know how much you have all suffered. But please, look at me now. I am in a place where suffering no longer exists. I hope you can all find comfort in knowing that I am safe. When I am calm, I spend my time chanting Namo Amituofo, and with every chant, my heart grows more tranquil. I have seen that your lives are slowly returning to normal, and that gives me great peace of mind."

Gratitude for the Path

"I have seen the wonderful work being done here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and I am deeply grateful for their dedication. I know it was Junying’s sister who found this place and sought help for me. Without her, I do not know how much longer I would have been trapped in that cycle of suffering. To her, I say: thank you for your kindness. Thank you for helping me find my way out of the darkness and into the light of the Buddha."

The Power of the Buddha

"I used to think that religion was just a matter of belief, but now I know the truth: the power of the Buddha is real and immense. I was saved by the Buddha, and this is not superstition. I hope my family and many others can understand this. Please, seize the opportunity to follow the Buddha while you still have the chance. Do not wait until your life has ended to hope for salvation, as I did. Namo Amituofo."