Looking Beyond the Horizon of Life

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changgao, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his journey from the Dharma Realm to the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on October 9, 2023.

Venerable Changgao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Stop for a moment and look back at your own life. What have you truly been doing throughout these years? Everyone is busy living their own lives, but in this grand play of existence, have you actually begun to prepare for the life of your spirit that follows this one?

People in this world often say that one must have foresight—that one must 'look far.' This is absolutely correct. But where exactly should one place their gaze to truly call it 'far'? In the eyes of many, a young person who focuses on achieving success in their middle years is considered to have foresight. A middle-aged person who plans for their comfort in old age is considered to be wise in planning their life. But look around—how many people truly understand the necessity of placing their gaze upon the spiritual life that begins after death? Even among those who do, their understanding is rarely comprehensive.

The Illusion of Time

Life may be long or short, but even if it is long, it is merely a hundred years or so. When you consider that we have been reincarnated for trillions of years, how can this brief century be called long? It is nothing more than a tiny, insignificant dot. Yet, this tiny dot is of monumental importance. It is the pivot point that determines whether you will continue to drift in the cycle of reincarnation or finally find your way home.

In my past practice, I did not understand the urgency of seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land. I practised until I reached the Dharma Realm, only to realise that it was not the ultimate destination. By then, it was almost too late. Fortunately, I encountered Practitioner Su, who saved me from the Dharma Realm. She gave me the opportunity to continue helping other beings, to accumulate merits and virtues, and to secure the chance for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. My heart is filled with immense gratitude and a deep sense of cherishing this opportunity. Every single day, I actively grasp the chance to save beings, simply because I want to help as many as possible leave suffering behind within this short, limited time.

A Debt of Gratitude

If it were not for the help of Practitioner Su’s physical body and her Dharma Body, I, Changgao, would absolutely never have been able to achieve this. I am truly fortunate, and I possess such immense blessings. Every time I think of this, I am filled with gratitude—gratitude for the great compassion of Practitioner Su.

As I feel this profound gratitude, I look at the people of this world, and I often feel a deep sense of regret for them. You still possess your physical bodies! As long as this body exists, you have the power to exert your strength to save countless beings. Those who understand how to cherish and grasp this opportunity will benefit immensely. But if you only use this body to live a worldly, secular life, day after day, year after year—even if you enjoy all the material comforts this world has to offer—it is only for a few fleeting years. When you reach old age, you will inevitably have to face the physical pain of illness. Even if you are spared from illness, your physical strength will surely decline; you will not be as you once were. The suffering of illness and the agony of death are beyond words. You should understand that this suffering is unbearable, so why would you remain attached to those few years of fleeting pleasure?

Investing in Your Eternal Future

To truly 'look far' means to place your gaze upon the spiritual life that begins after the spirit leaves the body. Perhaps it will be tomorrow, or perhaps it will be ten or twenty years from now. Impermanence is unpredictable; we never know when our life will end. Why not grasp the present moment and diligently practise with your own heart?

When you have a strong and healthy body, you must cherish it. Life is precious; it must not be squandered or wasted. If I, Changgao, could have a human body once more, I would certainly cherish it. It would not be about pampering it as if it were a treasure, but rather using it to the best of my ability to help beings, to save beings, and to lead countless beings to liberation. Only then could I myself be reborn in the Western Pure Land with ease—that would be truly magnificent.

People of the world, you must use your Wisdom to re-examine your lives. Are the things you are clutching so tightly today really going to accompany you forever? Or, once your life ends, will everything you hold in your hands and worry about in your heart become completely irrelevant and disconnected from you? If that is the case, I urge you to let go as soon as possible. What you should be clutching tightly in your heart is the sacred name of Namo Amituofo, which can help you attain liberation. Manage the spiritual life that follows the end of your physical life well. That is the only investment truly worth your effort, and it will provide you with endless benefits.

Namo Amituofo.

Changgao"