The Burden of Inheritance and the Path of Dharma

This is a record of an interview with Koo Chung-ying, who sought guidance and spiritual clarity at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He reflects upon the profound weight of his worldly responsibilities and his commitment to the inheritance of the Dharma in Taiwan. This testimony was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on February 20, 2018.

Koo Chung-ying speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Sometimes, I feel an overwhelming exhaustion of the heart and mind. There is a deep, lingering sadness within me, for the heaviness of daily life and the relentless pain of the cycle of reincarnation are all pressed upon this physical body. It is a burden that feels almost impossible to carry alone. How can one find true meditative concentration when the world demands so much?"

The Calm of the Buddha-name

"Yet, in the midst of this turbulence, the Buddha-name—Namo Amituofo—brings me a profound sense of peace. Without it, how could I possibly clarify the chaos that surrounds me? My teacher has placed the heavy responsibility of the Dharma inheritance in Taiwan upon my shoulders. It is a weight I do not take lightly. He sees something in me, he understands the depth of my struggle, and he trusts me. My true self is putting forth every effort, hoping to advance further on this path of awakening."

Transforming Finance into Merit

"In the financial industry, what we control is often described as 'management,' but in reality, it is merely the manipulation of money. It is a cold, mechanical existence. However, I have come to realise that if this influence can be directed towards the Buddha’s teachings, it could truly achieve its greatest potential. It would no longer be just about the rise and fall of stock numbers or bond values. Instead, it would be about allowing the people of Taiwan and the countless unseen sentient beings to truly receive the benefits of the Dharma.

"I am still in the process of observing the changes within myself. I must learn to cast aside all external distractions and internal attachments to truly serve this higher purpose. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to reflect and to align my path with the wisdom of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."