Facing the Truth and Transforming the Self

Venerable Chang Gao, a dedicated monastic, shares profound insights on the necessity of self-confrontation and transformation for those walking the path of the Pure Land Dharma Gate. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on July 31, 2023.

Venerable Chang Gao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Every single person carries the weight of their own karma, and the root cause that draws this karma into our lives is the very personality we carry within us. When we practise the Pure Land Dharma Gate, we strive to ensure that the heart of every practitioner remains a pure land. This purity can be cultivated to the point where it is stainless and immaculate, but it requires us to put in the work—deep, consistent work—starting from within the heart itself.

The Illusion of Purity

To be 'stainless' is to attain a state of meditative concentration. In this state of stillness, the heart remains undisturbed by external influences at all times. However, the personality traits hidden deep within our bodies are like dormant seeds. Until they are completely eradicated, they can manifest at any moment to disrupt this hard-won purity. Think about it—many practitioners are not even aware that they have failed to root out these personality flaws. They simply use their willpower like a heavy stone to press these traits down to the bottom of their consciousness.

On the surface, they may appear pure, but such purity cannot withstand the test of reality. While one has their intellect and conscious awareness intact, they can use their willpower to suppress these traits, presenting a virtuous image to everyone around them. But how can one be certain that they will always possess this level of intellect and self-control? When the body reaches a state where it can no longer be mastered—when we are at our most vulnerable—the personality will inevitably manifest. At that moment, one finds themselves a great distance behind on the path to rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

The Cycle of Karma and Personality

It is our personality that attracts karma, and it is our personality that creates it. Therefore, the continued existence of these traits will inevitably lead to the body being interfered with by karmic creditors. This interference manifests as physical illness or a loss of control over one's own body. Yet, for the majority of practitioners, changing one's personality seems like an insurmountable task. We often find ourselves filled with regret every time our old habits manifest. Even worse, many practitioners fail to even notice when their personality has taken over; they are unable to summon the necessary awareness to stop it in time. For these individuals, the goal of transformation remains a very distant horizon.

The Struggle of Transformation

Why is it so difficult to change our personality? It is because, in the very moment that these traits manifest, the body feels natural, at ease, and even comfortable. Consider a situation that makes you angry. When you lose your temper, shout, or point out the faults of others, you feel a sense of relief—a perverse kind of comfort. If you were to try to suppress that erupting anger at that exact moment, it would be painful. You would feel a surge of unbearable energy—a 'fire'—ready to erupt from your mouth, your nose, and the top of your head. You are forced to hold it back with great effort. This force is incredibly powerful. If you do not have a truly sincere heart that desires change, you will almost always lose to it. You will let it erupt, and in that moment, your personality has once again taken control.

Facing the Test

Every practitioner who truly wishes to change their personality must face their inner self with absolute honesty. Do you truly possess the heart that desires change? That heart is of the utmost importance. Without it, any talk of changing one's personality is merely empty words. When you possess that genuine desire to change, you will know how to restrain yourself the moment your personality begins to manifest. Only then can you truly help yourself transform.

Every practitioner who seeks change should not fear when challenges or difficult situations arise. It is only by constantly facing these tests that we can break through our own limitations. If we always remain in a life of comfort, never triggering the true nature of our inner selves, we will never be able to reach the deepest parts of our being that require change. Therefore, facing trials and tribulations, accepting the truth of who we are, and working to change it—this is the effort that every practitioner must exert.

Namo Amituofo."