The Weight of Success and the Call of the Pure Land
An Interview with Ma Yun
Recorded by Chief Writer Haipin on September 1, 2018
Ma Yun, a prominent public figure, sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre to alleviate the heavy physical and mental burdens of his high-profile life. This interview, recorded on September 1, 2018, by Chief Writer Haipin, captures his reflections on his spiritual journey and his intuitive connection to the Pure Land.
Ma Yun speaks:
"Every day, I participate in the , joining the ranks of saviors. This is a process of sharing the mission to save the world, and in doing so, I am finding my true self again.
The Hidden Burden of a Public Figure
The heaviness and the immense load upon my body—these are things I have always silently endured. In front of others, I appear radiant and brilliant, speaking with passion and boundless energy. Yet, when I am alone, the physical discomfort is the only constant companion that stays with me. But today is different. My body feels significantly lighter, a sensation I have not experienced for a very long time.
This newfound physical ease has brought a clarity to my mind that I have not felt in years. I walked over to my desk and picked up a pen and paper, intending to doodle. Suddenly—oh my!—without even realising it, I began sketching a floor plan of a temple. I am not trained in architecture, and my artistic skills are quite ordinary. Yet, there seemed to be a lingering impression of a temple deep within my , so I simply let my hand move. Stroke by stroke, I slowly outlined the main hall of the temple. Above the main hall, I drew a large flagpole, and quite naturally, as if it were a reflex action like driving a car, I wrote the words 'Headquarters of the Pure Land School' without a moment's hesitation.
A Moment of Reflection
Afterward, my physical body reached for the coffee my secretary had prepared. I stood there, holding the cup in one hand, falling into my habitual state of deep contemplation. 'What is this?' I wondered. 'Why would I draw such a sketch?' I walked back to the desk, looked at the drawing, and then set it aside to begin my busy day.
I trust that with the continued efforts of the fellow practitioners, my physical body will soon receive further news and be moved to take more concrete action. My consciousness is eager, though it has been difficult to translate that urgency into physical movement. At the very least, today I have felt a small increase in my capacity to act. Ma Yun, keep going!"
More from Jack Ma — Saved Souls
Restoring the Heart of Humanity: A Vision for Pure Land Education
Lay Practitioner Ma Yun shares his profound reflections on the necessity of Pure Land education and his vision for a future centre dedicated to restoring the true heart of humanity.
The Awakening of a Visionary
Lay Practitioner Ma Yun reflects on his observations of a magnificent Dharma Assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, contemplating the nature of suffering, the boundless power of deliverance, and his own path toward spiritual awakening.
A Vision of Deliverance and the Path to Awakening
Lay Practitioner Ma Yun reflects on his observations of a magnificent Dharma assembly at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, sharing his profound realisation regarding the nature of life, death, and the urgent need for spiritual deliverance.
The Burden of Greatness and the Path to Clarity
A reflective testimonial from Ma Yun regarding his spiritual journey, the realisation of the impermanence of worldly success, and his encounter with the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library