The Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss: Gao Qingyun

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Gao Qingyun, 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 world to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on October 4, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Gao Qingyun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Gao Qingyun. By the time you read this account, I have already arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. While I was still alive in the human world, I had no idea that this place truly existed. Now that I have arrived here in the West, my spirit is finally experiencing true, lasting joy. It was only after my spirit was guided to the Dharma-Nature Land at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre that I truly came to understand the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I learned that it is a world where every single wish is fulfilled the moment it arises.

The moment I stepped into the Western Pure Land, I began to imagine things. I thought of a bowl of noodles—the kind I particularly loved to eat when I was alive—and suddenly, that very bowl of noodles appeared right before my eyes. The aroma was exactly as I remembered it, perfect in every way. Then, I imagined a sports car, and my ideal car manifested instantly. I was so incredibly happy! My entire body felt light, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. Every part of me felt healthy, vibrant, and completely whole again."

A World Where Wishes Manifest

"Here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, my entire being feels clear, unobstructed, and filled with vitality. I find myself smiling constantly, and more often than not, I am overwhelmed by a sense of pure, unadulterated joy. It is a feeling of happiness that wells up from the very depths of my heart—a feeling I had not experienced for such a long time. To have found this joy again, I am truly, deeply grateful.

I am filled with gratitude to Namo Amituofo for allowing me to reside here in peace. I am grateful to Practitioner Su for the guidance that led me to the West, and I am even more grateful to my colleague, Zhuo Shuling, for helping me receive Chao Du. Without her intervention, I would still be lost in the darkness of the cycle of rebirth."

The Path of True Practice

"In the past, I remember hearing that you were studying the Dharma. At the time, I even wondered to myself, 'Why is someone so young already studying Buddhism?' Now, looking back from where I stand, I realise that you were truly on the right path all along. Because you chose to study the Dharma and encountered the Pure Land Dharma Gate, you have found the way to not grow old, not get sick, and the spirit does not die. Furthermore, because you are practising at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia—a bodhimanda where Namo Amituofo is residing—your help allowed my spirit to finally leave suffering behind. I no longer have to wander through the cycle of rebirth, and I have been able to reach this beautiful Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Such a profound debt of gratitude is impossible to repay; I can only say thank you to you with all my heart.

I remember how incredibly diligent you were in your work, and I see that you are still the same today. Since you have chosen the right path and are walking it correctly, you must continue to listen carefully to the guidance of Practitioner Su. I am so thankful to you. One day, when the time comes for you to arrive here in the West, I will personally come to greet you and thank you again."

The Illusion of the World

"During the time my spirit was undergoing Chao Du, I was moved from the space where I used to work to the Buddha-land. Day by day, I have become clearer and more awake than I ever was in my past life. Initially, I was still quite attached to the name 'Gao Qingyun.' In that life, I felt that I had achieved a certain level of satisfaction. When I was in the world, I was respected by others, and my life was quite comfortable. I actually wanted to continue enjoying that life, but my body simply would not allow it, and I had to leave it all behind.

During my time here in the Buddha-land, the Buddha has been constantly blessing me, helping me to wake up and realise that I should no longer be attached to the human world. Everything in that world is constantly changing; it is impossible to truly grasp or hold onto anything. It is all just a passing shadow."

Facing Karmic Creditors

"At the very beginning, my heart was still fluctuating, rising and falling, because I still wanted to maintain connections with the world I had left behind. I hoped that everyone would still recognise me and remember me. But as time passed, I realised that everyone would gradually forget me, only thinking of me on rare occasions. Everyone else would return to their normal lives, having grown accustomed to a world without me, while I was the only one still trying to return to the past.

Once I saw this clearly, I was finally able to calm my heart. I told myself, 'I must continue to move forward. After death, a person is alone, and one must face oneself.' I constantly lifted my spirits and began to chant the Buddha-name. I discovered that every single Buddha-name, when chanted with true sincerity, carries immense energy. This is the compassion of the Buddha for all beings.

During this period, I also saw my own karmic creditors—there were so many I could not even count them. They were filled with such intense resentment, waiting for the day they could seek revenge against me. In my heart, I repented to them, but perhaps my repentance was not yet deep enough, as they did not leave; they remained in the space, waiting for me. Seeing them in such pain—some bleeding, some with broken limbs—my heart ached. I could only apologise, again and again. I have not yet been able to repay the karma I created in the past, so the only thing I can do now is to continue learning diligently from the Buddha."

A Message to the Living

"Having walked through the world and now arriving in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I finally understand that life is just a play. There is nothing worth arguing or fighting over. I truly hope that my family and friends will have the opportunity to know the Buddha, to step out of the circles of their daily lives, and to take the matter of life and death seriously. The cycle of rebirth is truly too painful; it keeps us trapped in delusion. Every one of us is caught in this cycle, and we have all harmed too many beings along the way. If you still have a human body, remember to seek Chao Du for those you have harmed, so that they too can leave their suffering behind. Do not end up like me, where I no longer have a body and can do nothing to help them. Everyone must seize the present moment and become a person who is truly awake.

Finally, I am grateful for all the good conditions that have brought me here.

Gao Qingyun, with palms joined in respect."