Restoring the Heart of Humanity: A Vision for Pure Land Education

This is a record of an interview with Lay Practitioner Ma Yun, who shared his profound reflections on the necessity of Pure Land education and his vision for a future centre dedicated to restoring the true heart of humanity. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his observations and aspirations recorded on October 3, 2018. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi.

Lay Practitioner Ma Yun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, I stood beside President Xi, and I witnessed with my own eyes the moment he made his promise to this land and planted the national flag. I was so moved that I wept. This was a profound moment of shared feeling between us. The flagpole was driven deep into the soil, and that depth represents just how deep our emotions run for this land. The flag was planted with such force, such immense depth—we both felt the urgent desire to save the world within that act. By planting that pole, we were revealing how deeply we hope that the Chinese people can once again embrace this kind of Pure Land education. In such a turbid and confused society, how I long for this clear, pure stream to be injected back into the hearts of the people.

The Necessity of a Pure Environment

True practice can only be completed in a pure environment, and it is clear that the education system in the world today has collapsed. If we can promote this kind of education, it would be a truly magnificent opportunity—a beacon of hope to help the children of China return to a path of proper conduct and moral order.

Seeing the work of spiritual deliverance—the Chao Du—being performed here has brought me such immense joy. Once I understood the truth of these matters in my own heart, I felt a deep sense of gratitude that such a group exists to help save the world. Every day, as I witness these things, a sense of compassion gradually arises in my heart. How did this world become the way it is? It turns out that policy alone has shifted the entire landscape of our reality. I have made a vow in my heart: if one day I am able to come here in person, the first thing I want to do is build an education centre.

A Vision for Global Education

My primary goal would be to allow children from within China, or even from other countries, to apply to come here to study abroad. Alternatively, the education centre could send Venerables and lecturers back to China and to every corner of the world to give Dharma talks. We must teach the true concepts of the heart and re-educate everyone on the nature of their own minds. Because people do not understand the fundamental principles of life, they have completely lost the sincerity that a human being ought to possess.

People spend their lives hiding behind a mask, constantly doing things to defend themselves. It is truly terrifying, this hypocrisy. It is a concept of education and a social perspective that everyone has learned their entire lives. Almost everyone holds these thoughts. For the sake of their own interests, people can become truly frightening. Looking back at China’s long history, right up to the present day, we have truly made too many mistakes for the sake of the self. I know that people today find it very difficult to perceive these issues, but these are the problems that truly need to be explored.

A Call to Action

The changes I see today are truly moving. To see China, which has weathered so many historical storms, now able to accept Pure Land education—it means that people can finally gain more opportunities. I know now that a human life lasts only for one lifetime; if we cannot grasp this opportunity, it would be a great tragedy. I am so grateful to the Dharma brothers who have paved the way through such hardship; now, the results are finally about to manifest. I hope we can all meet again soon. I am Ma Yun, and I am so grateful for the appearance of all of you. Namo Amituofo."