The Journey of Lay Practitioner Zhang Guoxin to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhang Guoxin, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. He is the maternal grandfather of Lay Practitioner Xue Meiling. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on February 28, 2025.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Guoxin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zhang Guoxin. I now call myself a disciple of the Buddha, for I have truly learned the Dharma and have seen the Buddha with my own eyes.

Lay Practitioner Zhang Guoxin has arrived at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I prostrate before the Buddha, offering my deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su. I have finally found liberation; I am no longer trapped in the endless cycle of rebirth.

A Long-Awaited Liberation

To be honest, I do not have many words to say, and I am not even sure what I should say. It feels as though I have not spoken for a very, very long time; the act of speaking feels quite unfamiliar to me now. Think about it—when you have been silent for so long, the voice itself feels like a stranger.

Life in the spirit realm was stagnant, with little change from one day to the next. I did not do anything; the days simply drifted by. My mind was empty, devoid of thoughts, just existing in that state. When Practitioner Su rescued me, I suddenly saw a vast expanse of golden light. It was so incredibly bright, and I heard someone calling my name. It had been so long since I had heard my own name spoken aloud that it felt strange, almost foreign to my ears. But very quickly, I was guided away.

The Golden Light of Deliverance

In an instant, I was transported to the Western Land of Dharma Nature, right there with Practitioner Su. There were so many other spirits gathered there. Each spirit was provided with a lotus flower upon which to sit, and I, too, was given one. At that moment, I was still completely bewildered, not knowing what was happening or what I was supposed to do.

Later, I began to listen to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. Of course, I did not understand everything at first, but I continued to listen. As I listened, the meaning began to unfold, and I understood more and more. At the same time, the Buddha-light was constantly working to purify me. It made my mind clearer and clearer, lifting the heavy fog that had previously clouded my head, as if it had been covered up by a thick veil. Under the guidance of Practitioner Su, I underwent continuous purification, and my spirit became increasingly clear and bright.

The Emptiness of Worldly Ties

Looking back at my past, I finally realise that everything in the world is empty. The relatives I left behind in the human world no longer have any connection to the spirit that I am now. Because my physical body is gone, the relationships of the past have effectively come to an end. I understand that my family members may still be thinking of me, and it is because they knew I had not yet attained liberation that they sought to help me through Chao Du. For this, I am deeply grateful. Thank you.

I am truly blessed to have been rescued and brought here. It is only because of the help of my relatives in the human world that I have reached this point today. I am now starting anew, following the Buddha and engaging in practice here. I will work very hard so that I do not let down my family or Practitioner Su, who have helped me so much.

Zhang Guoxin, bowing in reverence. Namo Amituofo."