From Demon to Practitioner: A Journey of Transformation

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land. This account reflects upon his journey from a life of ignorance and demonic tendencies to a path of awakening. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on September 7, 2018.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Being here, I have witnessed many truths and principles that simply do not exist in the human world. So many people in the world today are just like I once was—lost, wandering in a fog of confusion. Back then, I had no awareness, no clarity. Now, I realise that everything I did in the past was a series of ignorant actions. The path I walked was filled with great storms and turbulent waves. To be able to appear now and share my story with all of you is a magnificent opportunity in the practice of the Buddha’s teachings. It is also a testament to my deep gratitude for the grandmotherly compassion of Practitioner Su, who created this Pure Land bodhimanda for our practice.

The Weight of a Stubborn Heart

In the past, I was not a compassionate person. I harboured many evil views and a heart full of dissatisfaction. I was quick to see the faults in others, and I was constantly calculating, feeling that life was unfair. But after meeting Practitioner Su, I changed significantly. I finally understood that all those negative traits were merely sources of my own suffering. Under the influence of my own stubborn personality, I was creating karma that I would inevitably have to endure. If someone had tried to reason with me back then, I would not have listened; I would not have even paid them any mind. My heart was entirely consumed by my own ego and volatile emotions. I was so intoxicated by the dreams of my own karma that I had no idea what it meant to repent.

Now, I am profoundly grateful for the teachings of Practitioner Su. It was her guidance that rescued me from the hells, giving me this precious opportunity to change my ways and start anew. I was once a demon, but through this transformation, I have learned that even a demon can eventually become a Buddha.

Finding Warmth in the Pure Land

In the past, I appeared strong on the outside, but in truth, I had absolutely no sense of security within my heart. It was only after meeting Practitioner Su that I truly understood what it meant to feel warmth. Her genuine, compassionate heart melted the rigid, hardened voice within me. Her infinite capacity for tolerance made me feel, for the first time, that there was actually someone willing to understand me. It was because of her selfless dedication that I was able to turn my life around.

Today, many new lay practitioners have come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I hope you all can appreciate that this bodhimanda is like a warm home. We are all here to purify ourselves together, to practise together, and to change ourselves together. We are all striving for rebirth in the Western Pure Land. We are all together, and we should view one another as one entity, without any discriminations of high or low, superior or inferior. This place is a Buddha-land, a place of purification. I truly hope that everyone will cherish this opportunity, practise with sincerity, and fully dedicate yourselves to the path. Please, do not hold onto thoughts of protecting your own ego or keeping parts of yourself hidden. If you do, the one who suffers the greatest loss will undoubtedly be you yourself. I am deeply grateful for the compassion of Practitioner Su, and I am deeply grateful for the compassion of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."