Finding Your True Self Through the Dharma
An Interview with Venerable Changren
Recorded on July 5, 2019, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Venerable Changren, a monastic practitioner who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, currently resides at the centre to continue her spiritual cultivation. This interview was recorded on July 5, 2019, to document her insights on the true nature of spiritual practice and the path to self-realisation. The record was transcribed by the disciple Shi Faxi.
Venerable Changren speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Many people in this world hold misconceptions about what it means to practise. They often view it as a laborious, dry, or tedious task. Because they do not truly understand the significance of genuine practice, they often find themselves asking: what is the purpose of all this? Let me tell you: the true purpose of practice is to find your way back to your real self.
The Lost Souls of the Modern World
Most people in the modern world have become completely lost in delusion. Even though you exist in the present moment, the 'you' that is currently operating is not necessarily your true self. Think about it—so many people today suffer from heavy hearts, and we see an increasing number of situations requiring psychiatric care or dealing with mental instability. People drift through life in a daze, unaware that these conditions are simply symptoms of having lost their true selves. In this world, it is nearly impossible to uncover these truths on your own. Now, however, the Truth has been revealed, and the knots in everyone's hearts can finally be untied. You no longer need to keep your burdens hidden deep within. The disturbances of the mundane world can be resolved. If you simply listen carefully to the principles explained by Practitioner Su, you will realise that once you understand the Truth, there is no need for suffering. In reality, there is nothing in this world that should cause you such distress.
The Choice Between and Stagnation
I have observed many people coming and going here. For instance, the virtuous Practitioner Zhang has kindly encouraged his subordinates to come and listen to the teachings. Those who possess the necessary take these words to heart; they feel a sense of liberation and are filled with . Their hearts are truly healed. As they come to understand more of the Truth, they find they can finally let go of the many worries that once plagued them.
However, there are others who remain arrogant and stubborn, clinging tightly to their own subjective views. When they attend, they either fall into a state of being drowsy or simply refuse to let the teachings penetrate their minds. This is such a tragic situation because it causes them to miss a magnificent opportunity—the chance to reclaim their true selves. It is a great pity. One should not live life in such a state of confusion. You must ask yourself: am I truly still here? Am I still in control of my own life?
The Reality of Attachment
Those who are prone to wild thoughts, anger, grumbling, petty calculations, and emotional volatility—those who are too attached to their own latent habits or bad character traits—are highly susceptible to having their bodies 'replaced' by other spirits. Can you honestly say that you are still in possession of yourself? Many people pass their days in a state of total ignorance, living in a fog. Some are merely focused on the daily struggle for food and shelter. Yet, when impermanence arrives, nothing can be held onto. Now that the Truth has been revealed, we know that even a single stray thought or a deep-seated attachment can cause you to lose your own self. This is a very real and sobering truth.
I hope that after hearing these explanations, you will seize this opportunity to wake up. Life does not offer many chances to encounter the Truth. You must put down the opposition currently present in your heart. Only by accepting these teachings can you truly benefit and find the help you so desperately need.
It is only through the of the Buddha that such magnificent Causal Conditions exist. You must cherish them to receive the benefits. I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library