The Architecture of the Mind and the Temple
An Interview with Jack Ma
Reflections on Leadership, Compassion, and Spiritual Practice
This is a record of an interview with Jack Ma, who sought spiritual guidance and at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He reflects on his past life as a corporate leader and his current journey toward spiritual . This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Haipin, on August 31, 2018.
Jack Ma speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Every day, I participate in the Chao Du, joining the ranks of saviours. This process of sharing in the work of saving the world has been a profound journey of finding my true self again.
The Relentless Pace of the Past
In the past, I was constantly rushing forward. My mind was always preoccupied with the high-level executive meetings that were about to be convened; this had become a routine part of my life. Whenever a new idea crossed my mind, regardless of whether it was the middle of the night, I would always demand that my secretary contact everyone to hold an immediate meeting for brainstorming and sharing. Looking back on it now, I realise that this was a form of selfishness. I had absolutely no consideration for the fact that my employees needed time to rest. I always operated under the assumption that since they were receiving high salaries, they should naturally be on call twenty-four hours a day. In our current competitive society, this phenomenon is commonplace. The idea of a nine-to-five job? That was a privilege only enjoyed by civil servants.
Learning the Way of
Now, I follow the senior practitioner to study the and learn the practice of Chao Du. I am also relearning how to treat employees with kindness in the human world. I am relearning how to cultivate good karmic connections broadly, so that employees are truly convinced from the bottom of their hearts, rather than just offering empty flattery.
The Ultimate Goal: Awakening
The future scale of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is immense. Beyond learning the great cultivation skills of the senior practitioner, my ultimate goal is to realise my true nature and become an awakened being. If I can achieve this awakening, I believe that management will no longer be a significant problem.
Bridging Business and Dharma
Beyond the physical construction of the temple, I occasionally think about the management aspects and the needs of departmental planning. After all, a Buddhist temple is different from the marketplace. I must ask the senior practitioner what key points I need to grasp specifically, so that I do not make a mistake that leads to a thousand-mile deviation. I humbly request the senior practitioner's compassionate teachings. Namo Amituofo!"
More from Jack Ma — Saved Souls
Restoring the Heart of Humanity: A Vision for Pure Land Education
Lay Practitioner Ma Yun shares 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.
The Awakening of a Visionary
Lay Practitioner Ma Yun reflects on his observations of a magnificent Dharma Assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, contemplating the nature of suffering, the boundless power of deliverance, and his own path toward spiritual awakening.
A Vision of Deliverance and the Path to Awakening
Lay Practitioner Ma Yun reflects on his observations of a magnificent Dharma assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, sharing his profound realisation regarding the nature of life, death, and the urgent need for spiritual deliverance.
The Burden of Greatness and the Path to Clarity
A reflective testimonial from Ma Yun regarding his spiritual journey, the realisation of the impermanence of worldly success, and his encounter with the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance 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 life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance 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 life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, 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 life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library