The Hidden Past of a Modern Visionary

This is a record of an interview with Ma Yun, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He reflects upon his past life as the great Master Faxian, who dedicated his existence to the propagation of the Buddha’s teachings. This session was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Shi Faxi, on February 22, 2018.

Venerable Shi Faxi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Ma Yun, in a past life, you walked this world as the great Master Faxian, a dedicated monastic committed to spreading the Buddha’s teachings throughout the world."

Ma Yun speaks:

"Great Master Faxian? I, Ma Yun, never in my wildest dreams imagined that I possessed such a side to my existence—a status so full of dignity, so profound, and so elevated. As you speak these words, a deep, inexplicable resonance stirs within the very depths of my heart. Why is it that I feel such an overwhelming, sudden urge to weep? It is as if a long-forgotten door has been unlocked within my soul, revealing a truth I had buried beneath the layers of my current life.

A Resonance from the Past

I have always prided myself on my strength. I have never shed tears before others, and I have always preferred to face the world’s challenges entirely on my own. Yet, when I reflect upon my life now, I realise that I have always possessed a deep-seated, burning desire to share my experiences with others. I have always wanted to provide guidance, to light the way for the younger generation based on the difficult paths I have walked. I have delivered countless speeches, using every method at my disposal to reach people. Now, I am truly stunned to realise that these actions were not merely modern ambitions, but were all deeply rooted in the Causal Conditions of my past lives. To discover this today is truly astonishing; it changes everything I thought I knew about my own nature.

The Responsibility of Spreading the Dharma

Finally, I understand the true meaning of spreading the Dharma. I realise now that I have a profound responsibility. Previously, this concept felt so distant, so disconnected from my daily life, my business circles, and my personal interests. I am acutely aware of how far my current character and conduct have drifted from that past life of purity. I feel a profound sense of shame when I consider the myriad changes that occur throughout the cycle of being reincarnated, and how easily one can sink into the Five Desires and the Six Dusts of this world, losing sight of the original nature.

Finding Peace in the Dharma

If I am granted this precious opportunity, I must truly step forward and do my part to protect and uphold the Buddha’s teachings. Now that I know my past, my heart has finally found a sense of true, lasting meditative concentration. It feels as though the shadow of a monastic is beginning to emerge within me, guiding my thoughts toward something greater than myself. This feeling... it is truly wonderful. I am grateful for this clarity. Namo Amituofo."