The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, 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 approximately 2,300 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on April 3, 2026.

Qu Yuan speaks:

"The world is intoxicated, yet I alone remain sober; my aspirations and integrity were cast into the darkness. Do not think that I am truly awake, for my path was perhaps more foolish than the common man's. Fortunately, I encountered Practitioner Su, who saved my spirit and guided me to the twenty-third heaven. Later, due to past karmic affinities, I was blessed to be sent by Practitioner Su to the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo."

The Sober Soul in a Drunken World

"I am Qu Yuan, a spirit fortunate enough to have emerged from the vast sea of humanity. Six years ago, I was guided by Practitioner Su to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Today, having the opportunity to share my story, my heart is filled with immense joy. The Western Pure Land is truly a magnificent, dignified, and radiant world—there is no place better than this. Here, my spirit has been purified and elevated.

I am Qu Yuan, yet I am no longer the Qu Yuan of old. The name 'Qu Yuan' was merely a label for that one lifetime when I possessed a human body—a fleeting, illusory existence. Perhaps the world still remembers me as Qu Yuan, but in truth, I have changed. In the long river of spiritual existence, a soul can undergo countless transformations; this is the reality of impermanence. I am incredibly fortunate that Practitioner Su guided me to the Western Pure Land, where I became one of the holy assembly. This is an achievement only possible through the profound attainment of Practitioner Su, and it is further made possible because Namo Amituofo is currently residing at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre—an opportunity that is difficult to encounter even in millions of years."

The Illusion of Identity and the Truth of Impermanence

"The longer I remain in the Western Pure Land, the more naturally I am able to let go of my attachments to the past. I have come to understand that my previous life was merely a flash in the pan—all of it was like a dream, an illusion, a bubble. On the path to becoming a Buddha, there is truly no need to cling to even a single detail of one's past.

When I lived in the world, during my youth, I held important positions in the State of Chu, managing both internal and external affairs. This was because King Huai of Chu held me in high regard. I have always remembered this debt of gratitude for his recognition. However, the King's trust in me was also subject to the laws of karma and cause and effect, and it was impermanent. Soon, under the slander of others in the Chu court, the King slowly distanced himself from me."

A Life of Loyalty and the Tragedy of Chu

"For me, serving the State of Chu and assisting the King was the conviction of my entire life. No matter how difficult the circumstances, I was determined to fulfil my duty. This was the very meaning of my existence, the purpose of all my learning and knowledge. I hoped to bring about a better future for Chu, to assist the King in governing the state with greater stability—this was the ambition I set for myself when I was a young student.

At that time, with many states vying for power and the State of Qin harbouring great ambitions, I had a very clear understanding of the geopolitical situation. I consistently advocated for an alliance with the State of Qi to resist Qin. I saw through the ambitions of Qin with absolute clarity. However, King Huai refused to listen to my counsel; he was constantly influenced by others to maintain friendly relations with Qin, even breaking his word to Qi in the process. This caused me immense anxiety, for I knew this was akin to digging our own grave. I firmly opposed it, but in the end, the King decided to exile me. Even during those days, I maintained a strong fighting spirit, believing that if we persisted, Chu would eventually find a glimmer of hope. I never expected that the King would later meet with such a disaster. After my exile ended, I returned to Chu to serve as the Sanlü Official. When the King of Qin invited King Huai to a meeting, I knew the journey was fraught with danger and that he absolutely must not go. Yet, the King listened to the words of others and decided to meet with the Qin ruler, only to be detained and eventually die in a foreign land."

From the Miluo River to the Western Pure Land

"This event dealt a massive blow to my heart. The once-wise King Huai had taken one wrong step after another, ultimately sacrificing his own life in Qin. It left me with profound sorrow. Later, the next King of Chu, under the pressure of the times, still planned to make peace with Qin. To me, this was no different from the mistakes of King Huai. After my opposition proved fruitless, I was exiled once again.

This journey, which I once felt was so heartbreaking, now seems like something I can simply smile at from the perspective of the Western Pure Land. The various illusions within the cycle of rebirth truly manipulate the hearts of people so deeply. How many can see through the void and understand what is real? I was incredibly fortunate to encounter Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, which gave me the chance to wake up. Now, receiving the teachings of Namo Amituofo daily in the Western Pure Land, I truly understand that there is nothing in the world worth clinging to; one should only possess the vow to depart from samsara and the vow to save the world."

Seeing these demon crowds, I cannot help but feel a profound sense of compassion for their hearts, which have been trapped in darkness, unable to perceive the light. Now, thanks to the compassionate vow of Practitioner Su, these suffering demon crowds have been granted a precious opportunity to be saved through the great Chao Du conducted in China. This is a matter that moves my heart deeply and fills me with immense gratitude. I am truly thankful that in this worldly realm of Earth, there still exists a Buddha like Practitioner Su, who possesses the power to allow so many suffering spirits the chance to be reborn and undergo a complete transformation.

The Journey from Darkness to Light

Many of the demon crowds who have now been saved by Practitioner Su and brought to the Western Land of Dharma Nature are gradually coming to understand the depth of this grace. I, Qu Yuan, can see that they are all filled with profound gratitude toward Practitioner Su, and many of them shed tears of repentance and joy. If one has not personally experienced this arduous journey from the depths of the Demon Realm to the Western Land of Dharma Nature to regain the light, how could one truly comprehend the excruciating pain of being reincarnated in samsara and the terrifying dangers of karma?

Now, I see these demon crowds in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, all of them filled with Dharma joy, constantly chanting the sacred name, "Namo Amituofo." Yes, I, Qu Yuan, am also here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, loudly and joyfully chanting "Namo Amituofo" alongside them.

A Message for the World

Having the opportunity to be interviewed by the temple again is surely due to the ripening of Causal Conditions, and I am very happy to share these words. Regarding worldly affairs, as a holy assembly member of the Western Land, I have completely let go of all attachments, as if my past life never existed. This time, in order to save beings, I have shared a small portion of my own life story. I hope that, from the perspective of a holy assembly member of the Western Land, more people will come to understand the preciousness of Namo Amituofo residing at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and how incredibly rare it is to encounter a Buddha like Practitioner Su in this lifetime.

I hope the people of the world can come to understand the heavy price Practitioner Su has paid to save the human world and the spiritual realms, as well as the immense help provided to the human world. This truth awaits those with tremendous blessing to see, hear, and believe. It is my hope that this allows Dharma affinity to gradually mature, enabling Buddhist education to blossom and bear fruit in more places across the globe.

The Urgent Need for Healing in China

For the Earth, the most urgent place is China. In this vast land, because so many demon crowds interfere with people's lives and even control their hearts and actions, the entire magnetic field of China has been severely affected. Now, under the great heart and great vow of Practitioner Su's Chao Du, the magnetic field of China is gradually returning to normal day by day, restoring it to a state of purity and Goodness. This will provide the people of China with a glimmer of hope to wake up from their spiritual slumber.

Finally, I, Qu Yuan, wish to share these words with the public:

Namo Amituofo abides at Hsiang Kuang, shining light 24/7,

Practitioner Su is truly a treasure of the human world, with compassion and pity, saving beings from suffering,

When will one encounter such a Buddha's salvation again? It is hard to meet even in a hundred million kalpas,

Seize this magnificent Causal Condition now; when the conditions ripen, open wide the door to save your own spirit.

Gratitude to Namo Amituofo, gratitude to Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo.

Qu Yuan