Cherishing the Rare Opportunity of Practice

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, who reflects on the profound significance of practising at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on April 8, 2019.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. To be able to come here to practise, to find purity and undergo purification—this is naturally a profound karmic connection. It is a rare opportunity that one must truly cherish. Everyone who has the fortune to arrive at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre possesses immense blessings. Within such a pure and dignified environment, you must strive to find your true self, to regain a stable heart, and to rediscover the power of purification. Only by doing so will you be able to possess the ability to remain autonomous and maintain a heart of ease when you eventually face the Five Turbidities and Evil World. Only then does this journey you have embarked upon truly hold meaning."

The Preciousness of This Karmic Connection

"Time flies, and it is all too easy to let the days slip away without even noticing. The time spent practising at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is incredibly precious. You will not find another environment like this anywhere in the world. Here, we are surrounded by a pure magnetic field, protected by the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors. If you can properly cultivate your true self here and engage in diligent practice, you will undoubtedly achieve inconceivable results. Once you listen to the lectures and understand the truth, you must know how to correct yourself. You must identify the areas where you need to change, diligently practise to rectify your past mistakes, and gradually, you will find yourself undergoing a process of purification."

Time is Fleeting: Do Not Waste Your Life

"You will see the effects manifest—a sense of being completely renewed, a true transformation of your entire being. This is a rare and invaluable opportunity, and I truly hope that everyone who comes here will not waste their time. Many of you have arrived here through special karmic conditions. All the memories and experiences you have accumulated in the world are like a play in this life. Now that you have arrived here, you should know that it is time to change your direction and focus on proper practice. Do not let this opportunity for cultivation slip through your fingers again.

You must grasp this chance to remain clear-headed. Changing one's destiny is never an easy task. To be able to encounter the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre at this time and in this place is a miracle. This place is the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. With Practitioner Su here giving lectures and teaching the Dharma, everyone should focus on their practice, find their true self, and realise their true nature. Otherwise, it would be a profound tragedy to miss such a magnificent opportunity in this lifetime."

The Path to True Awakening

"The effectiveness of your practice depends entirely on the individual. You must work hard and be diligent so that you do not waste the karmic opportunity of this life. Once you are here, you must apply yourself with vigour, adjust your personality, and diligently seek to find your true self. Make a vow to follow the Buddha and save beings in the world. If your heart still harbours a desire to return to the world, that is the state of mind most easily controlled by external forces. This is because the demands of your desires are too strong, and such a heart is most in sync with the endless, empty desires of the beings in the void. I hope that everyone will prioritise the heart of practice above all else. I am grateful to the Buddha, and I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."