This is a record of an interview with Ma Yun, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He reflects on the nature of the three hun souls and seven po souls and his journey toward spiritual clarity. This testimony was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on September 12, 2018.
Ma Yun speaks:
". I have spent countless lifetimes drifting through the six realms of existence, caught in the relentless cycle of rebirth. Even now, my cling to me, refusing to let go. Because of this, even when I am awake, I find it impossible to let my true spirit take the lead. I have struggled to recall or even search for the information regarding the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and I have been unable to contact the Senior Brother. Days have turned into weeks, and weeks into months, slipping through my fingers.
I blame myself for having such heavy spiritual obstacles. Even with the immense help provided by the Senior Brother, I find it so difficult to achieve true clarity. I feel a deep sense of regret that I could not, in the shortest time possible, reach out and step forward to support the temple. Perhaps in a past life, I was the one who relentlessly pursued my own karmic creditors, refusing to let them go, just as I am being held now. I never had the opportunity or the good fortune to encounter someone as compassionate and powerful as the Senior Brother—someone capable of performing such profound Chao Du to help me break free from the suffering of samsara. If not for this, I would not be here today."
The Mystery of the Three Hun and Seven Po
"The concept of the three hun souls and seven po souls is something I now believe to be an absolute reality. As I speak to you now, it is my soul that is communicating. As for the other two hun souls and the seven po souls, according to what I have learned, if they are not within , they are scattered in various places. It is only because the Senior Brother has retrieved them and returned them to my body that my spirit can be considered whole. Only then is it possible for me to awaken. Without this, if the three hun souls and seven po souls are not solidified, how can one even begin to speak of clarity or true ?
To have encountered the Senior Brother is truly the greatest blessing of my entire life. There is a common saying used to describe someone who is destitute, powerless, and mentally adrift: we say they have 'lost their soul and scattered their spirits.' This is why, if a person is to have good mental health and physical vitality, it is essential that all their hun and po are intact and residing within the body. I am deeply grateful to the Senior Brother for leading us to learn and grow together, helping us understand these truths that are not easily known to outsiders."
The and the Path to the West
"I believe that even if I do not have the immediate opportunity to apply this knowledge in my daily life, it is being stored deep within my Alaya consciousness. At some unpredictable moment, it will manifest and act, helping me or others to quickly engage in diligent practice, chant Namo Amituofo, and make the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land. Only then will I not have my souls snatched away, leaving me unable to be the master of my own destiny, which would make reaching the Western Pure Land impossible.
Recognising the truth of these facts has such a profound benefit; it provides a form of spiritual prevention and even allows one to prescribe the right medicine for the ailment, ensuring that the cure is effective. In short, how incredibly important it is to encounter a Teacher or a true spiritual friend who possesses genuine attainment and capability! To have someone with the wisdom to see clearly where the problems lie, to solve them, and to reduce the time spent wandering in the dark or practising blindly—this is a rare gift.
Senior Brother, I am so proud to have met you in this lifetime. It is the luckiest and most joyful event of my life! Namo Amituofo."
