A Vow to Serve the Pure Land

Ma Yun, a prominent figure in the world of internet commerce, sought spiritual deliverance through the practice of Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This interview, recorded on September 9, 2018, by Venerable HaiZe, captures his profound reflections on his spiritual awakening and his heartfelt commitment to dedicating his life and resources to the propagation of the Dharma and the completion of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

Ma Yun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Ma Yun. Last night, I suddenly felt a profound sense of liberation. My chest felt light, and I found myself taking a deep, involuntary breath, as if a heavy weight that had been lingering there for days had finally dissolved. It must be that Practitioner Su has been helping me; otherwise, I would not have experienced such a significant improvement in my state of being.

The Duality of Spirit and Body

Sometimes, our physical condition and our spiritual state are closely linked, and at other times, they seem completely unrelated. During the morning deliverance sessions, my body is fast asleep, yet my spirit travels automatically to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia—more punctual than any alarm clock. So, what people say about the soul leaving the body at night is indeed true. Every morning has become a vital source of energy for me, a time for spiritual re-education. My days now feel far more fulfilling and meaningful than they ever did before.

In the past, I spent my days and nights working, brainstorming, and staying up late. Now, I no longer push myself to those extremes, and my mental clarity is much better than it used to be, even though my work remains just as demanding. Yet, when I am awake, the thought occasionally arises that it is time to let go. This is a feeling I never had previously. My spirit is clear now, and I can tell myself quite plainly that I really should be directing this energy and focus toward the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. However, when I am fully awake, there is something faintly calling to me, but the sound is so faint that it is almost impossible to hear. It is as if my physical body is obstructing these spiritual messages. How can I break through these barriers and allow for a smooth, clear communication between my spirit and my body? This seems to be a direction worth striving for.

Awakening to a Higher Purpose

If I could clear this blockage, allowing everything I see and hear during those morning sessions to remain clear and vivid while I am awake, it would be the key to a total transformation of my life. I would no longer be living for myself, but for the sake of all immeasurable and boundless sentient beings. This might sound like a lofty ambition, but these are the sincere words from the depths of my heart. Seeing how Practitioner Su dedicates their life to the service of all beings, I, as a junior practitioner, should certainly follow their example.

Since I have found my past, and since I know that I, too, have descended from the Western Pure Land, I must awaken. I cannot remain attached to this world. This world is like a massive dyeing vat, causing harm to so many innocent creatures. My work in internet logistics and commerce has built a significant foundation and changed the way people shop. Since I have such capabilities, I should be using them to propagate the Dharma, to promote the Pure Land, and to counsel people in this world to recognise the laws of karma and cause and effect, to chant the name of Namo Amituofo, and to make the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land.

A New Path for Technology and Dharma

Since modern people can hardly live without computers, why not fight fire with fire? We should use technology to spread the Dharma. This requires professional computer experts and human resources to manage the flow of information and communication. It requires not only financial resources but also dedicated people.

Since money is needed everywhere in this human world, and since I have the ability to earn it—yet I cannot take it with me when I go—it is far better to use it for things that truly benefit the people of this world. Furthermore, the construction of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre requires not only a large amount of funding but also the participation of professional temple architects. The more I think about it, the more invigorated I feel! This is an entirely different kind of life. I do not know how many days I have left, or if there is still enough time for me to accomplish these things. I cannot help but kneel, press my palms together, and pray to the Great Compassionate Namo Amituofo. I am willing to dedicate the remainder of my time and my life to ensure that I have the opportunity to do this, to contribute my humble efforts to the temple.

A Vow to Serve the Pure Land

Namo Amituofo, I pray for your compassionate blessing. No matter what method is required, I am willing to overcome any obstacle. Please arrange for me to contact Practitioner Su so that, on this sacred ground of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, we may allow the Centre to manifest before the people of this world as soon as possible. If we can complete the construction even one day earlier, we can save and lead sentient beings with karmic affinity to the Pure Land that much sooner. Saving people is like fighting a fire—every second counts.

I pray for the compassionate blessing of Namo Amituofo! Namo Amituofo."