A Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Tu Ganxun, the father of Lay Practitioner Tu Fangmo. Having sought deliverance through the compassionate Chao Du services 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 cycle of rebirth to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on November 15, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Tu Ganxun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. To have reached this point in my existence—to stand before Namo Amituofo—fills my heart with such immense, overwhelming gratitude. Seeing the Buddha’s countenance, so compassionate and perfectly harmonious, is a testament to the absolute perfection of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I, Tu Ganxun, am truly the most fortunate of beings to have been saved from the cycle of suffering!"

A World Without Strife

"Since arriving in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I have felt such profound coolness and peace. Here, there is none of the worldly gossip, the endless complications, or the constant, exhausting need to protect oneself just to survive. The noble beings in this Western Land are all radiant and smiling; everyone is completely transparent, with nothing held back. For as long as I can remember, I had envisioned such a place in my mind. I always hoped that a sanctuary like this truly existed, where everyone could live in peace and happiness. I never imagined that my wish would actually come to fruition, and that I would truly find this ideal home.

Beyond my gratitude to the Buddha, my only desire is to kneel and bow in reverence to His boundless compassion."

Reflections on a Lifetime of Struggle

"I have experienced so much throughout my life. The ups and downs, the trials and tribulations—they were all things I had to face in the moment, whether I was ready or not. In truth, my heart has always been simple. I only ever wanted everyone to be safe and to enjoy a stable, peaceful life.

Now that I have met the Buddha and arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I want to tell everyone: this world is real. It is a world overflowing with goodness, and it is the only place where one can truly transcend the cycle of rebirth."

The Suffering of Samsara

"The suffering of samsara is something that every single being is currently enduring. It is only recently, having arrived here, that I have truly understood this. When I look back at my own past lives in the cycle of rebirth, and when I see my family and so many other beings still trapped within it, my heart aches with compassion. I cannot bear to see them suffer.

It is my deepest hope that more people will come to know the Buddha. Through the Causal Conditions provided by the Buddha, one can finally escape this cycle. I am now free from all suffering, and my greatest wish is for all of you to be free from suffering as well."

A Father’s Message to His Son

"Fangmo, thank you for helping your father receive Chao Du. Encountering the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre was a magnificent Causal Condition; it was precisely because of this connection that your father was able to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Therefore, I hope you will follow Namo Amituofo with all your heart. Spread this great Dharma to everyone you know, including our family, and help them to find their way out of this cycle. In my eyes, this is the most important work you could ever do.

I hope that you will do much for the Buddha, and then, with glory, return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Please express my deepest gratitude to the Buddha, and to Practitioner Su for her immense kindness.

With deepest reverence, Tu Ganxun."

Namo Amituofo.