A Father's Journey Home to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with Zhang Jincai, 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 realm, recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on August 27, 2021.

Zhang Jincai speaks:

"Yuying, my dear daughter, how are you doing? Is everything going smoothly for you?

I have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. There are so many things I want to say, but I hardly know where to begin. When I first beheld the Buddha, I felt such a profound sense of being moved. This place feels incredibly familiar, as if I have finally returned to my true home.

Reflections on the World Left Behind

Looking back at the affairs of the world, I realise now that everything should simply be allowed to drift away like water. My karmic ties to the human world have come to an end; I can no longer reunite with all of you there. Every person must face death eventually. In the past, I was terrified of dying, but now I understand that it is not a bad thing at all. I have become a Buddha, and I am so deeply grateful to you and your husband for performing the Chao Du for me.

Yuying, please take good care of our home and look after your health. You have always been such a filial daughter. I may not have said it often while I was alive, but I have always been deeply touched by your devotion.

A New Beginning

You do not need to worry about me anymore, because I am doing very well here. It is simply a new place, and I am still adjusting to the surroundings. Before, my heart was constantly tethered to my family, but I have realised that once a person has passed away, holding onto those attachments serves no purpose. Speaking with you now allows my heart to finally let go of those burdens.

Do you know what I have realised most profoundly since arriving here?

The Shortness of Life and the Path of Chanting

Life is incredibly short; it passes in the blink of an eye. This is the truth for everyone. I was a traditional man, and in my life, I never had the opportunity to truly know the Buddha or to practise chanting Namo Amituofo. I had no idea that chanting could help others, but now that I know, I understand how vital it is. The Buddha is so full of compassion; He is always smiling at me. I have been walking through the clear, cool waters here, and it feels wonderful. It has even smoothed away the wrinkles on my face.

Yuying, you must make sure you come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, otherwise, everyone will remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth! Before you saved me, I was also caught in that cycle, suffering the consequences of my past actions. It was something I had no control over. That is why I truly hope that you will not have to walk that same path of samsara.

Now that you have helped send me here, I am overjoyed. Of course, I am waiting here for us to be reunited. You must continue chanting Namo Amituofo, and you must come to join me here! Thank you, my daughter, and thank you to your husband.

Father (Zhang Jincai)"

Namo Amituofo.