From Karmic Debt to the Western Pure Land: The Testimony of Zhu Zhihua

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Zhu Zhihua, the father of Lay Practitioner Zhu Huizhen. After passing away, he sought deliverance and was eventually guided to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life, his karmic journey, and his eventual liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on July 19, 2024.

Lay Practitioner Zhu Zhihua speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zhu Zhihua, and I have finally arrived at the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Only after seeing the Buddha did I truly realise that everything in the human world is an illusion—a series of tests we must endure. Now, everything has come to an end. It was the compassion of the Buddha that allowed me to understand the necessity of letting go."

The Illusion of the Human World

"Looking back now, I see that I was trapped in every one of my past lives. I did good deeds, but I also committed evil acts. These good causes and evil consequences have always existed, following me like a shadow. My spirit, after being purified in the Buddha-land, can see things much more clearly now. I have come to realise that every encounter with another person was arranged by the laws of karma and cause and effect. Thinking about it this way, I understand that even those who once harmed me or treated me with coldness had their reasons."

The Weight of Karmic Debt

"I share this interview about my rebirth in the Western Pure Land to help those who read it understand the reality of the laws of karma and cause and effect. I truly hope that more people can untie the knots within their hearts. In this lifetime, I was always willing to counsel others and help them, keeping my heart upright and impartial. But that was only this lifetime. In the past, I owed too many debts that I had not yet repaid. Therefore, when the time came, my karmic creditors naturally came looking for me. I had to accept this; I had to pay what was owed. My sense of right and wrong was very strong—a trait I needed for my work—but I never imagined that this very intensity would become one of the reasons my karmic creditors appeared before me."

From the Hells to the Buddha-land

"After I passed away, I was judged by King Yama and sent to the hells to repay my debts. The way I had harmed others in the past was the exact suffering I had to endure to pay them back. I dare not complain about this; I feel it was only right. I am so grateful that, while I was suffering, a powerful force pulled me up. Upon arriving at the radiant Buddha-land, my entire being became clear. I understood so many truths, and I finally grasped the Truth. Here, my heart is becoming more and more peaceful, and I am filled with gratitude."

"I am deeply grateful to my daughter for encountering the Buddha and helping her father receive Chao Du. I am truly fortunate; the Buddha saved me. I hope that all of you can also cultivate a Buddha-heart so that, in the future, we can be reunited in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am grateful for everything. Namo Amituofo."