The Physical State of Ma Yun

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 physical state and his spiritual connection to the Pure Land. This session was recorded by the chief writer, Haipin, on September 1, 2018.

Ma Yun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Every day, I receive the Dharma Body Chao Du, participating in the ranks of saviors. This is a process of sharing the work of saving the world and finding my true self. For so long, I have carried a weight that is difficult to describe. The physical burden and the constant pressure have been my silent companions. In public, I have always appeared radiant, full of energy, and articulate—my words flowing like a river. But behind the scenes, when the lights dim and the crowds disperse, the discomfort of my physical body is the only thing that truly stays with me. It is a long, exhausting journey. But today, something is different. My body feels remarkably light, a sensation I have not experienced for a very long time. It is as if a heavy shroud has finally been lifted from my shoulders."

A Sudden Clarity and the Sketch of the Pure Land

"This newfound lightness has brought a clarity to my mind that I have not felt in years. I walked over to my desk, picked up a pen and paper, and began to doodle. Heavens—I did not even realise what I was doing until I looked down. I was sketching a temple! I am not an architect, and my artistic skills are quite ordinary, yet there was a lingering, vivid impression of a temple in my mind. I began to trace the lines, one by one, slowly outlining the main hall. I even drew a large flagpole above the hall, and without a second thought, I wrote 'Pure Land School Headquarters' on the page. It was as natural as a reflex, like the muscle memory of driving a car. I did not need to think about it at all.

My physical body then reached for the coffee my secretary had prepared. I stood there, holding the cup in one hand, lost in thought. What is this? Why did I draw such a sketch? I looked at the paper, then set it aside to begin the busy demands of my day. But the image remains in my mind, a quiet reminder of something deeper that is trying to surface."

The Path Forward

"I believe that if we continue to put in the effort, my physical body will receive further guidance and be capable of taking more significant actions. My consciousness is urgent, perhaps even impatient, but it has been difficult to translate that inner drive into physical reality. Yet, today, I have found a small measure of strength, a small step forward. I must keep going. I must persevere. Namo Amituofo."