The Keyword to Awakening

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 on his spiritual journey, the profound impact of the teachings he received, and the ongoing struggle to maintain his practice amidst the distractions of the material world. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on September 7, 2018.

Ma Yun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Good morning, everyone. This morning, while I was with the Senior Brother, I felt as though I had been filled to the brim with boundless energy. It was not just a change of heart; my entire Body, Speech, and Mind felt as though they had been completely renewed. With several layers of Buddha-light blessing us, I felt as if I had merged into one with the Buddha. It was a sensation of being moved that I had never experienced before, surging up from the very depths of my heart. It was a warm current, a flow of compassion that did not seek personal comfort, but only wished for all beings to be free from suffering. It was a power that made me willing to sacrifice everything—to give my all, even my very life—for the sake of all beings. I realised then that this is what true selflessness really means. I felt truly ashamed of my usual selfishness. This is true no-self; for the sake of all beings, there is not a single trace of hesitation, doubt, or wavering within one's cells."

A Transformation of Body, Speech, and Mind

"I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to receive such teachings. The Senior Brother's guidance, both through his actions and his words, is worth more than all the jewels in the world; it is truly priceless. Being able to receive this immense, supreme energy of Goodness allows me to move forward with the same courage and determination as the Senior Brother. I must not look back. Whether the past was good or bad, it is over! The present moment is the most precious and important thing, and I must make the best use of it."

"Yesterday, when I was searching online, I was suddenly interrupted by a barrage of garbled code and digital noise. I shook my head in frustration. This should not be happening! The computer and information products I use are always the latest, most advanced generation, so why would this occur at such a time? Then, I began to understand. Perhaps my karmic creditors could not influence my determination from within my body, so they were using the external environment, people, and events to obstruct me. I could not help but start chanting, 'Namo Amituofo. Namo Amituofo. Namo Amituofo...' I kept chanting aloud, and suddenly, I was startled by myself. I had never before chanted the Buddha-name through my physical body in my daily life. Doesn't that mean my spirit had transcended the limitations of the body and was finally able to take charge? This was a monumental change, so I chanted even more vigorously. Unexpectedly, as I continued to chant, I drifted off to sleep and had a deep, restorative rest."

The Keyword that Unlocked the Memory

"When I woke up, I looked at my computer, and my mind was a complete blank. What was I doing? Why did I fall asleep? I felt a bit dazed, trying to recall what I had been doing just moments before. I had been looking for information, and suddenly, an image of the temple appeared in my mind—yes, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre! Once I recalled those five words, a whole series of memories suddenly flooded back. These five words themselves carried a powerful connection.

It was just like entering a keyword into a computer search; a whole string of data appears, and although some of it is unnecessary, some of it is exactly what you need. I tried searching again, but it was still just a pile of garbled code. By then, everyone had already started work, and I made a firm decision to return to the company. I knew that the company's surrounding protective measures might be able to eliminate some of the unnecessary interference."

The Corporate World: A Great Dyeing Vat

"After returning to the company, I was immediately met with a tidal wave of distractions. At that moment, the fifty trillion cells that had originally been transformed felt as though they were being reactivated, yet they were also being re-contaminated, buried once again by a series of worldly dusts. The corporate world is truly a massive dyeing vat; the purification I had just experienced was muddied the moment I stepped back inside. It is no wonder the Senior Brother chooses to go into seclusion at the temple.

In any case, regardless of what today brings, I will continue to work hard. I will work hard alongside the Senior Brother. I cannot help but press my palms together and pray for the Buddha's compassionate blessing. May I soon see my wishes fulfilled."

"Namo Amituofo."