The Journey of Lay Practitioner Cai Lanfang to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Cai Lanfang, the mother of Lay Practitioner Wu Zhiming. She sought deliverance through Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her transition from the Western Land of Dharma Nature to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It was recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on April 17, 2026.

Lay Practitioner Cai Lanfang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Cai Lanfang. When I opened my eyes again, I had already moved from the Western Land of Dharma Nature into the magnificent space of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. These two Buddha-lands appear quite similar at first glance, yet they possess profound differences that one can only truly grasp through experience. While I was waiting in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I spent a period of time purifying my body, mind, and spirit. Every single day, I felt lighter, more at ease, and increasingly joyful. It was only during my time in the Western Land of Dharma Nature that I gained a deep understanding of what it truly means to be a spirit, which allowed me to feel the stark contrast between my current state and my past existence. Looking back, living in the human world with that physical body was truly an exhausting and heavy burden to carry."

The Sublimation of the Spirit

"Ever since my spirit was sublimated, it feels as though all those negative thoughts and heavy attachments have simply vanished. Everything now flows naturally, and I live in a state of perfect harmony. Here, the Buddha is so incredibly compassionate; He understands the root nature of every single being. While I was in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I received direct guidance and education from the Buddha. The education of the Buddha’s teachings is truly magnificent, beyond anything I could have imagined. The Buddha provides different arrangements and explanations tailored specifically to the unique root nature of each individual, ensuring that everyone receives exactly what they need to progress.

I felt such profound emotion during that time. I lived my entire life in the human world, only to fall into the hells after my death and suffer for a period of time. Although that period of suffering was not long, I was quickly rescued by my Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, who reached down to pull me up. Because my children were connected to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, they immediately registered me for Chao Du. It was only because of their filial piety and this connection that I was granted this magnificent opportunity. My heart is filled with such deep, overwhelming gratitude."

A Debt of Infinite Gratitude

"My deepest gratitude goes to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. Without your tireless efforts in saving the world and leading humanity, and without your own achievement as awakened beings who dedicate yourselves to saving so many beings, I truly do not know how much longer I would have had to endure such suffering. The days of suffering were far too long, and the pain was simply unbearable. It is a mercy beyond words to be free from that cycle.

Now that I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and my entire being feels so cool and refreshed, I wish to say a few words to my family. During my time in the world, there were things I did not handle well. My personality was often too strong, and I may have caused you distress. Please, I ask for your forgiveness. If I ever offended you or if there are any unpleasant memories lingering in your hearts, please, I urge you to let them go. Release those burdens and find peace within yourselves."

The Illusion of the Physical Form

"Everything from the past is truly like a phantom, a mere illusion. I understand this clearly now, as I find that I cannot even remember much of my past life. Once the spirit is liberated from the physical body, it is as if the memories associated with that body are left behind, because the body itself was always such a heavy, burdensome thing. If everyone in the world could learn the Buddha’s teachings at this very moment and truly understand this principle, it would be the most wonderful thing imaginable.

I urge you all: do not pay such a heavy price of suffering for the sake of this physical body. I have experienced it all—the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death. The most painful parts were the aging, the sickness, and the finality of death. When you grow old and can no longer be the master of your own life, when you fall ill and your body is in such agony that you lose all autonomy, you realise that you can never return to that state of health you once knew. This is the tragedy of the human body. Once a moment passes, it is gone forever, and humanity simply marches step by step toward decay and death."

A New Path of Spiritual Freedom

"If I were given the chance to live that life again, I would not want it at all. I only wish to remain here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, to truly and sincerely follow the Buddha. Every word I speak, every action I take, and every single thought that arises will be in accordance with what the Buddha has taught. This is my commitment to myself. Now, I am truly following the Buddha, no longer bound by the constraints of a physical body. I am finally living a life of true spiritual freedom. I will certainly practise diligently.

I hope that all of you in the world do not need to think of me, nor should you cling to me. Do not dwell on my virtues or my faults; all of it is illusory. I hope that each of you can walk your current path with sincerity and diligence. If my children could arrive here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss sooner, that would be a truly beautiful thing. I pray that you all possess the wisdom and compassion to find your way here.

Thank you, Namo Amituofo. Thank you, Practitioner Su. My gratitude to the Buddha is truly beyond measure! Namo Amituofo."