Finding Refuge from the Heart's Suffering

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Ren, who reflects on the spiritual necessity of finding refuge from the heart's suffering at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on June 27, 2023.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Chang Ren. When we look at the world, we see that the hearts of sentient beings are filled with profound, heavy suffering. If it were possible, everyone would want to flee from this pain. It is a deep, internal ache—a spiritual distress that surfaces in the heart, leaving one feeling burdened and weary, yet often unable to identify the true source of this anguish.

Every single day, I follow Practitioner Su as she performs the work of Chao Du. Whether the beings are from the six realms of existence, whether they are human or non-human, they are all suffering in the exact same way. This is why Practitioner Su never stops; she is constantly performing deliverance and delivering Dharma talks. Her only wish is to help everyone untangle the knots of suffering within their hearts, to find a true refuge, and to stop the cycle of rebirth so that they no longer have to endure such unbearable pain."

The Illusion of Temporary Relief

"In this world, people choose many different ways to try and escape the suffering of the heart. Some turn to external substances to numb their minds—things like alcohol or drugs. These external agents may affect the body in such a way that the heart temporarily loses the sensation of pain, but this is a deception. The relief is fleeting, and the mind soon returns to its original state of distress. In fact, each time the effect wears off, the suffering is often even more intense than it was before.

I want to ask everyone: we live in this world for only a few short decades. Must it really be this painful? Must we spend our entire lives trapped in this cycle of misery?"

The Path to True Liberation

"The truth is, it is possible to live without this suffering. It is entirely possible, provided that one is willing to let go of their attachment to the physical body. All the suffering that people experience originates from the perceptions and feelings within the heart. Let me give you a simple example: if two people are placed in the exact same difficult environment and face the exact same tragic circumstances, one might feel that they are the most miserable person in the entire world. Yet, the other person might be able to shift their perspective in the middle of the event, facing it with a positive attitude. Naturally, that person does not experience the same depth of suffering.

If someone can truly let go of their attachment to the body, then for all the events that occur due to karma, Causal Conditions, and effects, they will no longer have any negative reaction. There is only one word for this state: 'Pure'. When I say this, many people already begin to frown, feeling that it is too difficult to achieve. But if you truly understand the nature of suffering and genuinely desire to find a refuge, you will realise that these steps are not difficult at all."

A Call to Return Home

"The Buddha’s teachings have been passed down in this world, but they were never intended merely for people to study what the Buddha did in the past. The purpose of the Dharma is to use these teachings to attain complete and thorough liberation. That is the true goal of propagating the Buddha’s teachings—to save the world and to rescue the immeasurable and boundless number of suffering beings.

Today, there are many people who study the Buddha’s teachings. But when you hear the compassionate Buddha-name, does it awaken your spirit? Does it help you understand that you have truly been reincarnated for many lifetimes? In this lifetime, you have finally encountered the Buddha. You must make this your final lifetime. Do not continue to fall into the whirlpool of samsara. You should hold tightly to the hem of the Buddha’s robe and follow Him back to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is not far away. In a split second, you can return to the West. However, this intention must be firm and unwavering, and your sincerity must be absolute. In every single thought, you must be chanting the Buddha-name without a shred of doubt, and without any difficulty in letting go of worldly things.

The suffering of the heart can be resolved, but it requires a willingness to let go. Release the attachments within your heart; do not let them become the stumbling blocks on your path to refuge. Focus on cultivating the Pure Land within your heart, and let that inner purity help your spirit attain the ultimate liberation.

Namo Amituofo."