The Precious Land of Ultimate Liberation
The Thirty-second Letter of Zhao Puchu, Former President of the Buddhist Association of China
Recorded on August 30, 2017
The Illusion of Worldly Pleasures
In the human world, we often chase after fleeting joys that provide only temporary stimulation to our physical bodies. Consider the various ways people seek to numb their or find comfort:
- Alcohol:
- Many drink to numb their nerves, briefly imagining themselves as kings or masters of their own small, intoxicated worlds.Emotional Attachment:
- We seek physical stimulation and the comfort of mutual dependency, believing that building a family is the ultimate purpose of life.Self-Indulgence: We follow our interests and hobbies, attempting to fill the void of a life that feels empty, boring, or meaningless.
Regardless of the form these pleasures take, they all share a common trait: they are transient. Beneath the surface of this lies a deep, underlying sense of suffering, loneliness, and emptiness. Without these illusory distractions, many would find it impossible to endure the hardships of life. We must realise that what we perceive as happiness is, in its essence, a form of suffering. Only by placing our faith in the Buddha can we truly leave this suffering behind. This is the manifestation of the Buddha’s great .
The Misconception of Good Deeds
It is a tragic reality that the Buddha’s teachings have, over time, fallen into decline. If one cannot realise their true nature, and if one cannot truly transcend the mundane world to be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss, then one cannot claim to be practising the true Buddha’s teachings. This is the ultimate goal of our practice.
I did not understand this during my own life. I believed that because I had contributed to my country and to the development of the Buddha’s teachings, I would surely find a good destination after death. However, the reality was quite different. Many people share this same misconception. They believe that because they have not committed any major crimes—because they have been a simple, loving father or a devoted mother—they will naturally be reborn into a good family or perhaps even reunite with their loved ones in the next life. This way of thinking is common in society, but it is a fantasy. Without the Buddha’s teachings to reveal the truth of the universe, we all live in a world of our own imagination. No one truly understands the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and no one can escape the consequences of the six realms of rebirth on their own.
The Urgency of Impermanence
These words are serious, for they concern your ultimate destination after death. While you are still breathing, these topics may seem distant or irrelevant. You may feel that death is far away, but when the reality of impermanence arrives, it is no longer a trivial matter. It is not something you can simply ignore. Therefore, you must ask yourself: have you begun to prepare the provisions for your own journey to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss?
The Path to True Healing
Whether you are a monastic or a lay practitioner, you must re-examine your life. A person can live without illness, and one who truly practises the Buddha’s teachings should not be plagued by sickness. When your body begins to show signs of distress, you must immediately send out a signal for help. However, do not look to the medical staff on the operating table for salvation. They are not your allies in this spiritual battle; rather, they are merely tools being manipulated by karmic forces. Once you are on the operating table, you have walked directly into the tiger’s den.
Namo Amituofo, in His great compassion, sees the suffering of all beings in the human world. He has come to this world to rescue every single one of us. If you are willing to believe and entrust your body and mind to the Buddha, I strongly encourage you to visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. I was once unfamiliar with this precious land, yet it was this very place that guided me to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Many things in this universe cannot be imagined by the limited human mind because you have never witnessed them before.
If you desire a healthy body and a secure home for your rebirth, come to this place. You will feel as though you have stepped into a paradise beyond the mundane world. You will be able to transcend time and space, witness your own past, and gain insight into your future. The mysteries of the Buddha’s teachings are truly inconceivable. I invite you to explore them for yourself and find the path to true liberation.
Zhao Puchu
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Fajing.
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