Venerable Chang Ren, a monastic who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre and now resides there, shared these insights during an interview recorded on May 17, 2023. The interview was conducted by the chief writer, Shi Fajing.
Venerable Chang Ren speaks:
". I am Venerable Chang Ren. When we speak of the heart, we often find ourselves trapped in the labyrinth of our own history. Imagine for a moment that you are seated in a time machine. If you were to travel back to your youth, or perhaps even further to your childhood, what is the very first image that flashes into your mind? Which version of yourself appears? That specific scene, that fleeting moment, is the one most deeply etched into your . It is the fragment of memory that your mind clings to the moment the time machine comes to a halt.
The Haunting Echoes of the Past
Every single one of us carries these vivid, indelible imprints. These memories are not always pleasant; for many, they are heavy with negativity, regret, or sorrow. Regardless of their nature, as long as these memories remain stored within the head, they exert a powerful influence over our present state. They have a way of surfacing when we least expect it, pulling our consciousness back into the past. Once the mind begins to dwell on these fragments, it starts to analyse and ruminate, eventually drawing us into a state of 'space'—a spiritual dimension where the past feels as real as the present.
When you look at the vast collection of memories stored in your mind, can you truly find the clarity to wake up from them? Each scene is merely a record of something that happened long ago. But where is that moment now? It exists only as a memory. Even if you extract these memories to savour them, or if you are filled with longing and nostalgia, the truth remains: it is all in the past. It can never return. This is the nature of human life—once you have walked a path, you can never turn back to retrace your steps.
The and the Trap of Space
We must realise that our lives, throughout our many lives, have left countless imprints within the Alaya consciousness. These memories have never truly vanished; they are simply buried in the past. If you insist on grasping at these past events, you will inevitably fall into the trap of 'space.' Within this space, there are layers upon layers of other spaces. Your body becomes filled with this mental space, and your memories become a sanctuary for it. Within these spaces, there are always sentient beings. Consequently, your memories are not just empty thoughts—they are inhabited by spirits. Once you enter this space and begin to keep company with the spirits residing there, your body and mind become clouded, making it incredibly difficult to maintain a state of pure clarity.
The Power of the Present Moment
You must stop letting the past hold you captive. You must learn to halt all wandering thoughts and choose to live in the present, grasping every single moment as it unfolds. Never underestimate the significance of the present minute, or even the present second. In every passing moment, you are at a crossroads: you are either engaged in the diligent practice of chanting Namo Amituofo, or you are slipping into the trap of space. One path allows you to be the master of your own head, while the other leaves your head vulnerable to the manipulation of memories and the spirits that dwell within them.
The Struggle of the Practitioner
Consider a female practitioner who is determined to engage in diligent practice. She picks up her scriptures, preparing to recite the sacred text. Yet, within a few short minutes, memories from her past begin to surface in her mind. These memories emerge with such cunning, stealing away her conscious awareness and pulling her into that dark space. You can see that within her head, there are so many memories she is unable to let go of. Regardless of how long ago these events occurred, they continue to affect her head, constantly causing interference with her pure, original nature.
The Art of Letting Go
It is difficult to simply wash away our memories, as they are naturally recorded in our minds. Therefore, what we must do is dilute their influence over us. We must learn to let them go. The method of letting go is to cease having or emotional reactions toward the past. When you truly let go of that past, you break free from the influence of the memory-space. Even if the space continues to surface, you will no longer be moved by your feelings to enter it. It is evident that this act of letting go within the heart is a crucial step in protecting and mind from the interference of memory.
