The Path to the Western Pure Land: A Message from Zhao Puchu
Teachings from the Spirit of Zhao Puchu, Former President of the Buddhist Association of China
Recorded on August 22, 2018
Namo Amituofo. I am Zhao Puchu. It has been a long time since I have had the opportunity to speak with you all. Today, I am granted the rare chance to voice the soundless sound, and I feel deeply honoured to share these words with you.
A Lifetime Dedicated to the
What is it that one truly seeks throughout a lifetime? During my life, I dedicated myself entirely to the integration and restoration of Buddhism in China. My goal was to ensure that the scattered monastics had a place to return to and that the weathered, crumbling temples could be renovated to restore their former dignity. In many provinces, you may still find temple plaques bearing my calligraphy, which served to legitimise these sacred spaces. However, China is a vast land, and if there were any shortcomings in my efforts, I sincerely hope that the operations of those temples remain unaffected.
As a lay practitioner, I exhausted my strength in service to the Buddhist Association of China. Even as I passed from this world, my heart remained tethered to the affairs of the association. Yet, one must eventually let go. Life is finite; where there is a beginning, there must be an end. The spirit must inevitably depart from the physical body. However, after my spirit left , I found myself drifting in space. My thoughts were scattered and could not be focused. It was as if a flower had withered and its petals had been blown to the four winds. My wandered through various places, still busy with the affairs of the association, unable to find peace.
Awakened by the Light of
Later, I was fortunate enough to receive the compassion of Practitioner Su. When Practitioner Su called my name, a brilliant light of the Buddha shone upon me. This light allowed my scattered consciousness to gather once more, and I was guided to the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. There, I gradually awakened and began to listen to the sutras. Subsequently, Practitioner Su guided me to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am speaking to you now from the Western Pure Land. This is the absolute truth.
The Living Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings
Observing the current development of Buddhism in China, I see a lack of deep roots, simplicity, honesty, and the true vitality of the Buddha-Dharma. The practice of the Buddha-Dharma must be cultivated from within the heart. It requires the elevation of one's own virtue, dignity, and conduct; the strict upholding of the ; the manifestation of wisdom and true nature through meditative concentration; and conduct that aligns with the heart, vows, and power of the Buddha.
By teaching the heart of the people to understand the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, we can provide sentient beings with the power to find stability and freedom. Regardless of how various schools and sects develop, the most important task is to find one's true nature and realise it. Only by using the power of this true nature to save beings can one break free from the pull of karmic forces and achieve liberation in this very life. Otherwise, one has encountered the Buddha-Dharma in vain.
The Ultimate Liberation of the Western Pure Land
I feel ashamed to admit that it was only after arriving in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss that I truly recognised that rebirth in the Western Pure Land is the only ultimate liberation. After all, beings in this Dharma-Ending Age have heavy spiritual obstacles. It is impossible to rely on alone to escape the six realms of existence. One must rely on the compassionate vow-power of to be reborn in the Western Pure Land, to truly leave suffering behind and find happiness, and to walk the Buddha's path together.
The Pure Foundation of the Precepts
The precept against lust is the fundamental precept that every monastic must uphold. If this is violated, the karmic consequences are found in the hells. The suffering of the copper pillar hell, where the fires of desire burn the entire body, and the iron bed hell, where one suffers the pain of being nailed to the bed, are beyond description. It is not worth it. Regardless of your position or status in the Buddhist community, you must lead by example. You must uphold the Precepts to purify yourself. Only then will you not waste your life as a disciple of the Buddha; otherwise, how are you any different from the ordinary world?
A Beacon of Light in the Human World
The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia is a Pure Land on Earth. The record of Practitioner Su using the of their true nature to guide spirits to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is clear and undeniable, and it fills me with deep respect. In particular, the recent efforts to transcend the ten directions and perform for spirits throughout the Milky Way, guiding them to be reborn in the Western Pure Land amidst the sound of the Buddha-name and the light of the Buddha, is a major breakthrough in the history of spiritual deliverance. This skill in Chao Du is worthy of being learned and passed down by future generations.
It is through the of Amitabha Buddha that Practitioner Su is able to manifest in the human world to save suffering beings and guide them to be reborn in the Western Pure Land. Through a lifetime of effort, Practitioner Su has broken through numerous tests and obstacles to realise their true nature and attain the Dharma Body. In this Five Turbidities and Evil World, this is truly difficult to achieve, which is why everyone respectfully calls them Practitioner Su.
A Sanctuary for the Journey Home
Today, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is preparing to build the Amitabha Village, based on the vow-power of Amitabha Buddha. This will allow those who move into the Amitabha Village to have a final destination, where they can be guided by Practitioner Su to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. What exciting news this is! For accumulated lifetimes, rebirth in the Western Pure Land has been the dream of so many. Now that there is an opportunity to realise this, no matter where you are, you should truly seize this opportunity. Become a person of the West and work together for the affairs of the West. Let us all work together for the establishment of the Amitabha Village, our home in the West. Whether you contribute wealth or effort, seeing the Amitabha Village manifest in this world is a blessing for all. Those who are connected by karmic affinity, please pay attention to the relevant websites and news.
Namo Amituofo.
Zhao Puchu
This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
More from Lay Practitioners
The Truth Behind Auspicious Signs: An Interview with Lay Practitioner Zhong Canzeng
Many have asked why a practitioner who displayed auspicious signs during chanting still fell into the hells. Lay Practitioner Zhong Canzeng, father of Venerable Ding Hong, shares his personal testimony on the reality of karmic debt and the saving grace of Namo Amituofo.
A Message from the Western Pure Land: Lay Practitioner Huang Nianzu
Lay Practitioner Huang Nianzu speaks from the Western Pure Land, offering profound insights on the mission of Practitioner Su, the presence of Namo Amituofo at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and a heartfelt call for practitioners to seize this rare opportunity for Awakening.
Transforming the Mind: An Interview with Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan
In this profound interview, Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan explores the deep connection between our mental state, the laws of karma, and the path to true healing. By understanding the role of karmic creditors and the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo, we can learn to transform our minds and find liberation from suffering.
The Crucial Choice: To Change or Not to Change
In this profound dialogue, Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan explores the vital necessity of repentance and the courage required to change one's ways. He addresses the heartbreaking reality of those who refuse to listen to guidance, the cycle of karmic retribution, and the urgent call for practitioners to act with compassion to save suffering beings.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance 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 life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance 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 life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, 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 life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library