A Journey from Attachment to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Chen Yantong, 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 a wandering spirit to a dweller in the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on July 1, 2022.

Lay Practitioner Chen Yantong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chen Yantong. Since the moment I passed away, I have never truly left our home. There are simply too many memories, too many attachments that bind me there. For an ordinary person like me, the pull of the home I built is still so strong.

Even though my physical body has decayed, my spirit remains. I have been lingering in our home, right by your side. I can see all of you, yet you cannot see me. I can hear every word you speak and sense the deepest feelings in your hearts, but my voice cannot reach you. Day after day, I existed in this state. I suppose you would call me a ghost, wouldn't you? I have finally come to accept that identity."

The Light That Changed Everything

"I was aware of the things you did for me, but they felt like temporary gifts—fleeting comforts that faded away after a short time. But this time, this time was truly different. Suddenly, a brilliant radiance shone upon me. It was so warm, so incredibly comforting! I was bewildered, wondering, 'In this dim, grey world, where could such a light possibly come from?'

Before I could even process it, I was guided to another place—a place of pure light. I heard a deep, resonant sound. I know now that it was the great qing chime of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Practitioner Su struck that chime, and in that moment, I was transported to another space within the temple. It was the Western Land of Dharma Nature. It was the most comfortable place I have ever inhabited—so bright, so luminous, and so profoundly peaceful. I could listen to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks there."

A New Understanding of the Dharma

"It was there that I finally understood what the Buddha’s teachings truly are. Listening to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks gave me an entirely new perspective on the Dharma. I began to chant Namo Amituofo along with everyone else.

Since that light first touched me, the brilliant radiance has never left my side. This is something I never experienced when I was wandering as a ghost. But the most important thing—the thing I still struggle to believe—is that I have arrived here. I am in the place everyone yearns for and praises: the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Practitioner Su just guided me in here."

Beyond the Joy of a Lifetime

"I truly cannot believe what my eyes are seeing. This world is so bright, so magnificent, and shimmering with golden light. I am so happy—I have never felt such joy in my entire life! Is this really the place where I will stay from now on? Just thinking about it makes me even happier! This feeling is far greater than winning the biggest lottery prize imaginable.

All the bits and pieces of my past—the suffering, the fleeting joys—what do they matter now? At this moment, they have all dissolved into nothingness. I want to thank you, my dear. You finally did the right thing this time. You invited Practitioner Su to perform the Chao Du for me, and that act saved me from that grey, lonely world. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su. Thank you all!"