Finding Your Original Face

Venerable Chang Ren, a dedicated monastic who sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, currently resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This interview, which reflects on the profound journey of the soul and the necessity of spiritual awakening, was recorded on December 10, 2019.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"After passing through one lifetime after another, we have finally arrived at this present moment. As we spin within the cycle of rebirth, do we truly know where we are headed? We have drifted through this world, wandering through the six realms of existence. Every spirit has travelled to countless places, manifesting in myriad forms of life. Now, we find ourselves once again in a human body—the only form within the six realms of existence capable of true practice. But do we truly understand what it means to practise, and are we genuinely seeking liberation?

The Endless Cycle of Delusion

So many people have gone through life after life, yet even after such vast experience in the six realms of rebirth, they remain unable to wake up. Their stubborn attachments and fixed personalities continue to bind them tightly. They remain lost, deeply immersed in the cycle of samsara, unable to find clarity or escape. Think about it—how many lifetimes have you spent trapped in this way?

Many people cannot see the six realms of existence clearly. Even when their lives are filled with hardship and suffering, they remain obsessed with worldly affairs. We are all still within this cycle right now. Can you see the truth of the six realms of existence clearly? Do you really want to continue sinking deeper? Ask yourself: after so many eons of reincarnation, is it not painful? Is the loss of your true spiritual value really worth it?

The Fading Light of Buddha-Nature

Every spirit was once a luminous, radiant Buddha-nature. However, because of the defilements we have accumulated, we have gradually lost that brilliance, eventually covering ourselves in darkness. As this darkness grows, we stop believing in the light we once possessed. We step by step move toward actions that are contrary to our Buddha-nature. We lose ourselves, taking the wrong path, led by our thoughts and desires. We become increasingly clouded, reincarnating over and over again. This is the very reason why you cannot remember who you once were. Your original face has become forever blurred. You feel a deep sadness in your heart, yet you cannot find the reason for it, because your mind has drifted so far away from its original state.

Returning to Your True Self

Returning to a place of peace is what the Buddha has always been counseling everyone to do. Yet, beings are difficult to save because the degree of their delusion is so profound. Thus, within the cycle of rebirth, the work of saving beings is never-ending. But since you are now able to hear these truths, should you not strive to rediscover your true self? Instead of continuing to sink, you should awaken and realise your true nature. It is not difficult, for it is simply a matter of finding your way back to your original face.

It is my sincere hope that everyone can find their most authentic, original face.

I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha and the compassion of Grandmother. Namo Amituofo."

Venerable Chang Ren

Recorded by the chief writer, disciple Shi Faxi.