The Path to Universal Deliverance: An Interview with Ma Yun

This is a record of an interview with Ma Yun, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He reflects on his spiritual journey, the significance of the Chao Du work conducted by the Centre, and his newfound understanding of the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on September 10, 2018.

Ma Yun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. During this morning's walking meditation, I learned that during yesterday's Thrice Yearning Ceremonies at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the fellow practitioners helped us perform Chao Du for our karmic creditors. I now realise that this is a matter of the utmost importance. By reducing the number of karmic creditors attached to me, I can alleviate many of the physical and spiritual obstacles that have hindered my progress. This is truly a profound help for the manifestation of my spiritual nature in this human world. I am deeply grateful to the fellow practitioners for their selfless assistance.

The Vital Importance of Resolving Karmic Debt

It is a great pity that the people of this human world are unaware of the incredible skills and the power of Chao Du possessed by the practitioners here. If everyone could meet these practitioners and understand that they have the ability to resolve the conflicts between people and their karmic creditors—and further, that they can guide these beings to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss—then everyone who comes to this temple would have the precious opportunity to truly know Namo Amituofo. By knowing the Western Pure Land, chanting the Buddha-name, and making sincere vows, one can only imagine how many people could be saved from the endless cycle of reincarnation.

A Vision for Humanity's Salvation

My soul has now learned that when the Causal Conditions are ripe, there is an opportunity to receive Chao Du. Look at the countless beings throughout the Milky Way; after enduring hundreds of millions of years of time, they have finally waited for the appearance of these practitioners. They are being led out of their current space and guided to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Regardless of the circumstances, one must take action. It is only through action that we create the opportunity for change. After beginning to study the Buddha’s teachings, I have come to understand the true meaning of making a vow. This vow is entirely different from the vows we make in the human world. Worldly vows are always for the sake of the self, aimed at improving one's own conditions to survive better in this human world; however, the vows of the Buddha’s teachings are made to help all beings; they cannot be selfish. My past vows were for myself; my current vows are for the sake of all beings.

From Self-Interest to Universal Vows

During this morning's Chao Du, I was so focused on contemplating how to manifest the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre within the human world that I lost track of my surroundings for a moment. The practitioner had already moved forward to continue the Chao Du, and I had to hurry to catch up. I cannot afford to be absent from this morning's Chao Du; I must participate with all my heart. Together with the practitioners, I will contribute my own strength. Perhaps, because of this, there are beings connected to me by karmic affinity who will receive Chao Du and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Power of a Single Buddha-Name

I firmly believe that during the short time of the morning Chao Du, even if I am just chanting a single Buddha-name along with everyone else, if that Buddha-name is heard by a being with the right karmic affinity, that being will have the opportunity to be saved and reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I believe this deeply, with all my heart. Namo Amituofo."