Doing One's Best to Follow the Buddha to Save the World

This interview was recorded on August 7, 2018, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Venerable Changren, a practitioner who sought deliverance at the centre, shares profound reflections on the mission of saving beings and the vital role the centre plays in the current Dharma realm.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I, Changren, still wish to express that the establishment of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly something that did not come easily. Especially when one considers the necessity of establishing such a place within this vast Dharma realm of emptiness and within this worldly realm, it is truly precious and rare. Those of us here, including myself, are all beings who have suffered deeply within the cycle of rebirth. Most people in the world do not understand the agony of a soul drifting aimlessly; they mistakenly believe that everything in this world is real, forgetting the immense suffering of those who pass away and cannot find the light. It was only after the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre was established that we truly found a place to dock our ships—a final home.

The True Appearance of the Buddha

Although the Buddha’s teachings have always existed, we had never truly witnessed the appearance of the Buddha in this world. Now, finally, the Buddha has come. This is due to the compassionate guidance of Grandmother, which has allowed immeasurable beings to see the true Buddha through this karmic affinity. Within such a magnificent and auspicious situation, countless beings are waiting. They are waiting for every Dharma assembly of Chao Du, hoping that they, too, might receive the opportunity for rebirth in the Western Pure Land. This is a magnificent and dignified mission to save the world, one that is entirely distinct from the deceit, selfishness, and disputes of the human world. If the public can truly exert their sincerity, they are not only saving themselves but also immeasurable and boundless numbers of other beings.

The Illusion of Material Wealth

Within space, there are other spaces. From ancient times until now, no one has ever been able to open them, nor has anyone possessed the ability to deliver those beings to the Western Pure Land. Even for those who have not yet reached the Western Pure Land, they can at least proceed to the three higher realms to resume their practice. With such an Ultimate Vow and great power, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly of incomparable importance; it is the goal upon which many beings rely. For the beings of the human world, providing support and protection is, in reality, saving oneself. It is not merely helping others. This world is filled with too many false illusions that lead people to believe they are real, causing them to desperately guard or forcibly seize benefits. They do not realise that the only thing that is real is the final moment. That is the essence of giving—it may seem like having nothing, but it is true wealth, because the only thing one can truly take away is the sincere effort put into every present moment, as well as one's practice. The elevation of those spiritual states is what one should truly pursue while in this world.

A Call to Join the Mission

Since coming to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I have been filled with Dharma joy at every moment, because I know that everything I do is for the sake of serving beings and following the Buddha to save the world. In fact, Grandmother has opened the doors wide, and 'Following the Buddha to Save the World' is the very best theme for this mission. I sincerely invite those who have karmic affinity with the Buddha, and those who truly wish to contribute their heart and strength, to join us. Let us work together with one heart, whether it is by supporting the bodhimanda, practising to rediscover our original nature, or providing financial assistance to help build the temple. All of these opportunities are waiting for those with the right affinity to join.

The Path of Practice

Having now experienced three Dharma assemblies, some of the right conditions have already begun to blossom. On this path, there will naturally be both good and difficult tests. Regardless of the phenomena, every experience is a part of the process of practice. In the end, it all returns to the state of letting go of everything. Helping to save the world is also a form of illusory relationship within the Causal Conditions, because we do not seek to gain any personal benefit or status from it. We simply do our best to follow the Buddha and save the world. A world with the Buddha present is truly this free and at ease. As these karmic conditions unfold, I will continue to provide my support along the way, opening many doors for the public to enter. I hope everyone will seize this opportunity to practise diligently. In the time to come, everyone needs to exert their full potential. We need an influx of talent to achieve a Pure Land in this human world. This is a truly magnificent Dharma undertaking. I, too, will do my utmost to support it. I am deeply grateful to the Buddha for giving me this opportunity. Namo Amituofo."