A Father’s Plea from the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Cai Zhongfa, the father of Lay Practitioner Cai Jinfu, 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 and his transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on March 31, 2023.

Cai Zhongfa speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The human world is a place of endless, chaotic turmoil. Looking back on my life, it feels as though it all happened just yesterday. Who could have imagined that everything I once knew would change so completely? We all must walk this path of life and death, but who among us truly understands that there is a place like the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre that can save us all? I am living proof—I was the one rescued by Practitioner Su.

My child at home was so filial; he helped his father by arranging for Chao Du, and only because of that was I able to arrive at this sacred place. During every single session of Chao Du, I witnessed my own karmic creditors. I was shocked to see how many there were! My heart was filled with absolute terror. I finally realised that we are all being controlled by so many karmic creditors. The laws of karma and cause and effect in this world are truly frightening. When the time for retribution arrives, no one can predict when impermanence will strike. So many people pass away in such a state of confusion and suffering.

The Terrifying Reality of Karmic Creditors

Having walked this path of life, I have so many deep reflections. My greatest wish now is for my family to have the karmic affinity to come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia to see the Buddha and to study the Dharma in this Pure Land. If that happens, my heart’s desire will be fulfilled, because I know with absolute certainty that this is the only place that can save you. Everyone is trapped within the cycle of karma. You must learn how to save yourselves! If you do not, how will you ever be able to withstand the weight of so many karmic creditors?

Listen to my words: come to this place to learn, to practise, and to do as much Chao Du as you possibly can. This will bring you a hundred benefits and not a single harm. This is a rare and precious opportunity to save yourselves, and you must grasp it firmly. I will be waiting for you in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I have looked across the world, and I see that this place is the only true hope. You must not let this chance slip through your fingers.

The Only Hope in a World of Suffering

People in the human world are constantly busy, rushing about just to survive. Yet, when impermanence arrives, nothing can be changed. That is why you must seize the opportunity provided by the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre; it is the only way to help you break through the shackles of your destiny. Being a human is full of suffering—do not continue to live this way! Everyone must come to study the Dharma. In this lifetime, you must seek liberation. I hope that you can all hear what I am saying, and I hope that you can all stop suffering, because when impermanence comes, the pain is truly unbearable!

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo, to Practitioner Su, and to all the monastics who have helped me. I will study the Dharma diligently in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. One day, I hope to repay the Buddha’s grace and help all sentient beings. Namo Amituofo."

Cai Zhongfa bows in gratitude.