The Education of the Heart: A Testimony from Ma Yun
An Interview with Ma Yun
Recorded on March 4, 2018, by Venerable Shi Faxi
Ma Yun, a figure widely recognised for his contributions to education, sought spiritual deliverance and guidance through the . This interview, recorded on March 4, 2018, by Venerable Shi Faxi, chronicles his profound journey toward the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia, where he found the solace and purpose that had long eluded him.
Ma Yun speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Your dignity is truly magnificent, Venerable. Everything I witnessed this morning fills my heart with such genuine . I realise now that my life was not in vain. When I first learned that I had been diagnosed with cancer, the desolation in my heart was truly beyond words. Coupled with the tragic passing of my son and the subsequent changes in my own temperament, I often found myself questioning: what did it matter that I had money in this life? I could not escape the suffering of impermanence, the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, or the agony of being separated from my own flesh and blood.
The Illusion of Worldly Success
To others, my life may have appeared brilliant and successful, but in truth, I never felt a single moment of genuine happiness. I could not find that true motivation—that driving force—within myself. I had never encountered the Buddha’s teachings, nor did I understand that I had such a deep and profound connection with them.
I am so deeply grateful for all the help you have provided, Venerable. Although we have not yet met in person, the distance between us is growing smaller every day. My heart is truly sincere and respectful toward the establishment of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Seeing that such a magnificent temple is to be situated upon the land of Australia, I have truly tried every possible way to assist you all. My past experiences in practice have helped keep my character from being shaken. The compassionate assistance of Venerable Chang Ren has truly been a powerful guiding hand.
A Heart Dedicated to Education
I dare not imagine how empty and illusory my life has been. Countless speeches and lectures were merely attempts to help myself find a sense of existence within my own heart. In reality, there has always been a vow within me to help others—a heart dedicated to education. Only now do I understand that I was searching for the calling of this very place.
Everything I witnessed this morning still moves me deeply. The compassionate manifestation of , Avalokiteshvara , and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva—I am so moved, so deeply moved. I must follow the Buddha and become a monastic. I want to help with the construction of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre with true sincerity and genuine intent. I am now simply waiting for the Causal Conditions to unfold. The moment is drawing very near, and the temple is becoming brighter and brighter. It is truly the dignity of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library