The Secret of Thought Power

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Ma Yun, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having successfully received deliverance, he now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This testimony was recorded by the chief writer, Haipin, on August 26, 2018.

Ma Yun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Ma Yun. Life is much like a long, arduous marathon race. The true winners are not necessarily the fastest, but those who possess the grit to persist until the very end. It does not matter if your pace is slow; what truly matters is whether you choose to give up at the most critical moments. How could life ever be a smooth, untroubled path? It is precisely the crashing waves and the daunting challenges that give life its vibrant colours and fill our memories with substance.

The Marathon of Life and the Poison of Fear

Throughout my life, I have always relished facing challenges. While the process was often gruelling and success was never guaranteed, every mistake I made served as vital nourishment for the next trial. In truth, one has no real enemies in this life. The greatest adversary is always oneself—our own fears, our own anxieties. These are the true poisons that cloud our judgement and stifle our potential. Only by facing everything with courage and maintaining a heart of Goodness can we move forward. If you hold onto thoughts of Goodness, you will inevitably reap the fruits of Goodness and beauty. Perhaps it will not be perfect, but I believe it will be far from poor.

The Inconceivable Power of Intention

I have had a profound experience regarding the secret of intention. What people call 'having your wishes fulfilled' is not merely a coincidence; the power of thought is truly inconceivable. In my past, I was always profit-oriented. I lived by the firm rule that I would never, under any circumstances, suffer a loss. Of course, I made exceptions for necessary investments during the growth of my business, but that was a different matter entirely. This mindset only began to shift after I reconnected with my fellow practitioner.

Learning to Suffer a Loss

I used to boast, 'I will eat anything, but I will never suffer a loss.' But on this path of Buddhist practice, everything is turned upside down. I have had to relearn how to give, how to contribute, and how to suffer a loss. I must learn to put others before myself, always placing my own needs last. It seems that learning to practise Buddhism is simply learning how to be a proper human being. Once you learn how to be a human, you are already halfway to success. Learning to suffer a loss is, in itself, a method to cultivate one's mind-capacity.

In the past, I would spend vast amounts of money on romantic entanglements and fleeting pleasures. That was not generosity; it was merely a way to satisfy my own arrogance and a sense of superiority. To put it bluntly, it was just a way to shift my focus and relieve the immense pressure I felt. Looking back on it now, it feels quite tragic.

A Return to the Path of the Monastic

I will not live that way anymore. Many aeons ago, I was also a practitioner—a respectable monastic. I believe that even now, as I exist in this spirit form, I still have the opportunity to start anew after meeting my fellow practitioner. I must make a great heart and an Ultimate Vow. In this life, I am determined to return to the home of my compassionate Father, Namo Amituofo. Returning home is the only path. Namo Amituofo!"

"Namo Amituofo."