This is a record of an interview with Ma Yun, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He reflects on his spiritual transformation and the challenges of maintaining purity in the mundane world. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on September 7, 2018.
Ma Yun speaks:
". Good morning, everyone. This morning, I was at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre with Practitioner Su, and I felt completely recharged with a profound sense of energy. It was not merely a change of heart; my very Body, Speech, and Mind were transformed. With the blessing of several layers of Buddha-light infused into me, I felt as if I had merged with the Buddha. A sensation I had never experienced before welled up from within my heart—a warm current that flows when one no longer seeks personal comfort, but only wishes for all beings to be free from suffering. It is a power that makes you willing to sacrifice everything, even your own life, for the sake of others. I finally understand what true selflessness is. I feel so ashamed of my usual selfishness. True means that for the sake of all beings, there is not even a trace of hesitation, doubt, or wavering within one's cells."
The Priceless Value of Spiritual Guidance
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to receive such teachings. The guidance provided by Practitioner Su—both through their actions and their words—is worth more than all the jewels in the world; it is truly priceless. Having received this abundance of supreme Goodness, I feel empowered to press forward just as Practitioner Su does. 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."
The Digital Interference and the Power of the Buddha-Name
"Yesterday, when I was searching online, I was suddenly bombarded by a mess of garbled code and interference. I shook my head in disbelief. This should not be happening! The computer and information products I use are always the latest, most cutting-edge technology, so why would this occur? Then, I began to understand. Perhaps my could not affect my resolve from within my body, so they were trying to obstruct me through the external environment, people, and events. I could not help but start chanting, 'Namo Amituofo. Namo Amituofo. Namo Amituofo...' I was startled by my own voice. I had never before chanted the Buddha-name from my physical body in my daily life. Does this not mean that my spirit has transcended the limitations of and is now able to take charge? This was a monumental change, so I chanted even more vigorously. Unexpectedly, I fell asleep while chanting and had a deep, restorative rest."
The Key to Memory and the Mundane World
"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 just been doing. I was searching for information, and suddenly, the image of the temple appeared in my mind. That is it—the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre! As soon as I recalled those five words, a flood of memories surged forth. These words carry a unique connectivity, much like entering a keyword into a computer to retrieve a series of data—some of which you do not need, but some of which is exactly what you were looking for. I tried searching again, but it was still just a mess of garbled code. By then, everyone had started work, so I made a firm decision to return to the company. I knew the company's peripheral security measures might be able to filter out some of the unnecessary signal interference."
The Great Dyeing Vat of the Corporate World
"Upon returning to the company, I was hit by a wave of energy like a surging ocean. The fifty trillion cells that had been transformed were suddenly reactivated and contaminated again, buried under a layer of worldly dust. The company is truly a massive dyeing vat; the purity I had just attained was muddied the moment I stepped back inside. It is no wonder Practitioner Su chooses to remain in seclusion at the temple.
In any case, whatever today brings, I will continue to work hard. I will strive alongside Practitioner Su. I cannot help but press my palms together and pray for the Buddha’s compassionate . May I soon see my wishes fulfilled.
