Beyond the Boundaries of the Universe

Venerable Chang Gao is a dedicated monastic who has long sought the truth within the Dharma Realm. Having sought deliverance through the guidance of Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, he reflects here on the nature of the universe, the mechanics of reincarnation, and the inconceivable power of the Buddha’s name. This interview was recorded on August 7, 2019.

Venerable Chang Gao speaks:

"In ancient times, people had to drill wood to make fire, yet today, we can see fire at the flick of a switch. In the past, people carried water on their shoulders, but now, one simply turns a tap and water flows in abundance. The elements of earth, water, fire, and wind were once difficult to harness, yet today they are easily obtained, leading to a habit of wastefulness. This catastrophe of resources stems from the fact that so many people have failed to cherish what they have. The affluence of modern life has turned into waste, and the restlessness of the human heart has even triggered vibrations deep within the earth. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are, in essence, responding to the state of the human heart. The changes within the universe are guided by the collective thoughts of the majority; when these thoughts are skewed, it affects the core principles of existence. This principle may not be immediately visible in the present moment, but what it damages and sets in motion is the eventual decay and emptiness of all things."

The Weight of Past Lives

"For a long time, I, Chang Gao, have been practising with a sincere heart in the Dharma Realm. Occasionally, I would look upon the affairs of the world with a sigh. I never imagined that by following Practitioner Su in performing Chao Du, I would come to understand the mysteries of the universe so clearly. Every cause, every effect, every space, every minute detail—even the space within a single thought—can contain the entire narrative of a lifetime. When we look back at a past life, we review it in highlights, and what remains are the traces left behind by the many sentient beings with whom we have karmic affinity. We have been reincarnated through life after life, and every pore of our being is filled with layer upon layer of these connections. When we lose our human body, these connections disperse; when we regain a human body, they aggregate once more."

The Pull of the Universal Principle

"The space occupied by our physical body can be said to be immeasurable. Good and evil gather, and personalities are myriad. The external environment and the specific personality we manifest in this life are clearly defined by these factors. It can be said that this physical body is entirely guided by the influence of space and thought, causing us to fall into the place where we are destined to go. There is a powerful gravitational force in the universe, which we call the 'universal principle,' and every spirit exists within the scope of this universe. Even the advanced spirits of the universe are limited by the degree to which they have purified their hearts; they remain trapped within their respective spaces, unable to achieve any further breakthrough. It was only after following Practitioner Su to perform Chao Du beyond the universe that I realised that even while practising within the Dharma Realm, I was still like a frog at the bottom of a well. Beyond this universe, there are even more inconceivable realms."

The Necessity of Compassion

"Even if one resides in a very high space, space is still space; one cannot truly break through it, and even after trillions of years, one remains in the same state. Now, I, Chang Gao, have finally realised that the reason for this inability to break through is a lack of sufficient compassion. If one's heart of compassion is not as vast as the universe, and if one has not truly realised the Way, then even if one seeks rebirth in the Western Pure Land, no matter how high the level of space one attains, one is ultimately still within the confines of the universe. The majesty and virtue of believing in the Buddha and chanting Namo Amituofo are visible throughout the Dharma Realm. The single Buddha-name that Practitioner Su chants can move all realms and all spaces, because there is not a single trace of 'self' existing in her heart. The boundless Dharma Realm is vast, profound, and omnipotent. To integrate practice and Chao Du into the ten directions is the true practice."

A Debt of Gratitude

"I, Chang Gao, deeply admire and am grateful for Practitioner Su's presence in the Dharma Realm. The six-character name, 'Namo Amituofo,' is the supreme holy name. I am grateful for the Buddha's blessing and guidance. Through the combined efforts of human beings and the power of the Buddha, we can save beings throughout the boundless Dharma Realm. This is the great fortune of all sentient beings in the universe. I am grateful to Practitioner Su for leading the masses from darkness into the light."

"Namo Amituofo."