Venerable Chang Ren, a dedicated monastic, shared these profound insights regarding the nature of destiny and the pursuit of inner peace. This interview was recorded on September 21, 2018, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, where the Venerable offers guidance to those seeking to transform their and align their hearts with the Truth.
Venerable Chang Ren speaks:
"Throughout a person's life, there are many choices regarding one's destiny. Can you truly emerge victorious from these choices? That depends entirely on whether you possess the boldness to decide your own path. The power of genuine practice comes from your own willingness to manifest a sincere heart.
The Illusion of Worldly Success
Among the many choices we face, I observe that most people are merely being manipulated by their own personalities. It is not necessarily true that one's destiny will be good, nor is it necessarily true that it will be bad. However, your achievements depend on whether you walk your path with a sincere heart. The real way to act is to infuse your actions with the power of your true heart. A person's destiny is something they can master, but as long as you remain trapped within the constraints of your own personality, everything will become a difficult path to tread.
Most people in this world want to stand out and get ahead. Yet, I have observed that 'getting ahead' does not necessarily mean things will be better. Some people obtain the fame, wealth, and status they desire, but in doing so, they lose the Truth within their hearts. Others possess everything, yet they are unable to find stability within their hearts. This is a very realistic and pressing problem. When people fail to see this clearly and blindly pursue these wrong directions, how much regret will they feel when they finally, truly wake up?"
The Test of Sincerity
"I see that today, Lay Practitioner Fa De has made such a decision. It shows great boldness, but it is also the beginning of a test—a test of his sincerity. It is a test of whether he can truly achieve the decision he has voiced within a short period of time. This is because many causal conditions will continue to challenge his choice. Even his family and his friends around him will pull at his confidence. With so many environmental and emotional tests, one's heart must become even more persistent and grounded. A person's destiny should be broken through with such great force; only then can karma truly be transformed.
I see that his heart possesses sincerity. How he proceeds from here will depend on whether he has the perseverance to follow through. His beings have already reacted to his choice. How he acts will depend on how he changes in the future."
The Bodhimanda of Truth
"Human life is a constant tug-of-war between what we perceive as 'good' and 'bad.' However, I know that the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a bodhimanda of Truth. Here, there is no 'good' and no 'bad'; there is only pure goodness and purity. It is a true Pure Land. Being able to come here to engage in diligent practice is the best decision one can make, because it allows you to master your own life and change yourself to become authentic. That is more important than any pursuit in the world, and it is the only truly wise course of action.
I am very optimistic about the future large-scale development of the temple. Every step forward taken now is a preparation for the future. As the Grandmother has said in her talks, the great Dharma is about to be promoted. Support from all directions—whether in terms of financial resources or manpower—will gradually gather here. This is because this is the Buddha's enterprise; it is the true Truth. I am grateful for the Grandmother's dedication and efforts. This place is the destination for everyone, and it is the Pure Land upon which all of the void relies. I am grateful to the Grandmother, and I am grateful to . Everything will only get better and better."
Namo Amituofo.
This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi.
