The Journey to the Western Pure Land: The Deliverance of Lay Practitioner Zhao Fengqin

This is a record of an interview with Zhao Fengqin, who sought 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 journey following her passing. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on March 13, 2026.

Lay Practitioner Zhao Fengqin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The world of Namo Amituofo is truly, unimaginably beautiful! I am so grateful for the Buddha’s compassion. My name is Zhao Fengqin.

Today, I wish to report to Namo Amituofo. I have officially arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and have become a member of this magnificent realm. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su. It was your guidance and your incredible power of deliverance that led me from the human world, through the Western Land of Dharma Nature, and finally to this Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Throughout this long and arduous journey, you have protected us, taught us, and given us lectures on the Dharma. Those days were truly the most fulfilling of my entire existence."

The Fulfillment of the Dharma-Nature Land

"The Western Land of Dharma Nature was where I felt the most fulfilled. Looking back now, as I reside here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, my mind has become so much clearer and more lucid. Back in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, I had already begun to grasp the truth of things, but now, I see everything I have done throughout my many lives with absolute clarity. I must say, the laws of karma and cause and effect truly span across the three periods of time. Whether it is the past, the present, or the future—across thousands and thousands of lifetimes—there is simply no escaping them."

A Mother's Gratitude

"Today, I truly understand the meaning of the word 'gratitude.' All of this beauty exists only because of the compassion of Namo Amituofo. It is because of Him that suffering spirits like us have the chance to be saved and brought to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am also so incredibly grateful to my child. Who would have expected that after all these years, you would have the blessings to encounter the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, to learn about Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, and to remember your mother and arrange for my deliverance? This is a profound blessing, and this connection between us is truly a beautiful karmic bond."

The Cycle of Karma and the Truth of Rebirth

"You must have heard that after I passed away, I was reborn as a chicken. It is quite a strange thing to think about. Practitioner Su mentioned during his lectures that what you think about at the moment of death determines what you will become—it is a very natural process. I am not entirely sure what was going through my mind at that final moment; I was so confused and muddled. Perhaps I really was thinking about a chicken! In my life, whether at work or in the environment where I grew up, 'chickens' were a part of my memories. But the reason I became one was because my heart was not clear. In the Buddha’s teachings, this is called 'ignorance.' Ignorance leads one to fall into the animal realm. I lacked the correct judgment and understanding of things; I thought what I wanted was right, and I followed those habits. And so, I became a chicken."

Repaying the Debt

"Of course, this was also a way to repay the karmic debts from the lives I had taken. Whether in this life or in past lives, we have all committed many acts of killing throughout our many lives. During the time I was a chicken, although it was incredibly painful—dying and being reborn as a chicken over and over again, countless times—I finally managed to pay off a portion of that debt."

A Message to the Living

"But enough of that; the past is gone, and it is no longer important. What matters is that you who are still living in the human world must seize this precious and fleeting life. Make the most of it! Following the Buddha is the best thing you can do. You should know this better than I do! To be able to follow the Buddha is a wonderful karmic bond cultivated over many, many lifetimes. Practice diligently, change your habits, and be a good person! I believe that everyone’s life will get better and better, and things will become smoother. Just remember never to forget this Buddha-name: 'Namo Amituofo'."

"Finally, I, your disciple Zhao Fengqin, bow my head once more before the Buddha. I want to say thank you to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. I am so very grateful.

Namo Amituofo."