The Final Decision: A Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Tang Guangze, 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 transition from the human realm to the Western Pure Land, detailing his path of repentance and ultimate liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on February 10, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Tang Guangze speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. When I finally made the decision to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, it signified that I had truly let go of everything in this world. It was a necessary step for my soul.

I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for her boundless compassion. Over these past few days, I have listened to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su, and through them, I have come to understand many profound truths. It was this understanding that allowed me to finally let go of my attachments and focus my entire heart on seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land. I realised that this was the only path I could choose, and the only path that could truly help me achieve liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. I knew I had to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss; it is a destination that one could never reach through ordinary effort alone. Now that Practitioner Su has provided the means for me to arrive directly, I knew I had to seize this opportunity. I am filled with gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su for this incredible grace."

The Hidden Debt of Illness

"Looking back on my life, although I did not commit any major evil deeds, my own personality and the thoughts I harboured were enough to attract the karmic creditors I had accumulated over countless lifetimes. They found me, and they began to demand repayment for the debts I owed them. They manifested in my life as illness, causing me immense pain and suffering. I had never once stopped to consider the root cause of my sickness. I was completely ignorant of the fact that so many karmic creditors were surrounding me, demanding what was owed to them, which is exactly why my body was in such a state of agony.

When I finally saw them—when I saw their fierce, vengeful expressions and witnessed the images of the pain I had caused them in the past—I felt a wave of overwhelming remorse. I could not stop myself from apologising to them, over and over again, begging them to forgive me for the suffering I had inflicted upon them. It was a humbling and painful realisation to see the consequences of my own actions reflected in their suffering."

A Witness to the Thrice Yearning Ceremony

"Today, Practitioner Su held the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies here at the centre, and it provided a precious opportunity for my karmic creditors to be saved. I watched them as they stood there, observing the proceedings. When they heard Practitioner Su call out my name, their eyes widened in shock. They were frantically searching everywhere, trying to find where I had gone. Because I had been staying in the Western Land of Dharma Nature for some time, they had lost track of me; they had no idea where Practitioner Su had hidden me to keep me safe. They had been waiting in the space between realms, biding their time, just waiting for me to reappear so they could drag me back into the cycle of suffering. That is why they reacted so intensely the moment they heard my name.

I truly repented from the depths of my heart, and my sincerity moved many of my karmic creditors. During the Dharma assembly today, I saw many of them successfully enter the memorial tablets, or they were directly led away by the Buddha. Seeing them find their own path to liberation made me feel so incredibly happy for them."

A Debt of Gratitude to Family

"The person I am most grateful to is my niece, Wang Hong. She has such a kind and compassionate heart. She knew that the Buddha’s teachings were good, and she always wanted to help us find the right path. Now that I have begun to study the Buddha’s teachings and am here with Namo Amituofo, I feel so fortunate to have been blessed with this good fortune. I never had the chance to encounter the Buddha’s teachings while I was alive in the world, yet even after death, I was still able to arrive at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. My heart is overflowing with gratitude. Thank you, Wang Hong. Thank you, Practitioner Su. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along this journey.

Namo Amituofo.

Tang Guangze bows in reverence."