Nothing Remains in the World

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 Pure Land. This account reflects upon his practice and insights into the nature of the mind and the physical body. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on January 11, 2020.

Venerable Changgao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Changgao. When I look back at the world I once inhabited, it feels like peering through a storm of swirling sand and dust, where the path ahead is almost entirely obscured. In an instant, one finds their way blocked by countless barriers. If you look closely, you will realise that these obstacles are not external; they are born from the barriers within our own hearts. They are the rigid concepts of the self that stand in our way, whispering, 'I believe it is this way,' or 'This should not be done like that.'

The Mountains of Our Own Making

Each of these questions, each of these stubborn assertions, eventually evolves into a towering mountain that blocks our path. Our doubts and uncertainties become a thick, suffocating fog that clouds our vision. This, I have come to see, is the fundamental nature of most human beings. We choose to defend ourselves, to protect our ego, and in our subconscious, we wander deeper into a labyrinth of our own design. We assume we are right, yet there are so many facets of reality that remain unseen. We must realise that what we perceive with our physical eyes and what we analyse with our limited logic is far from the whole truth.

Our thoughts create vast, empty spaces within us. In terms of the human body, these spaces are scattered throughout different parts of our being. The network within our visual consciousness, the habits ingrained in our limbs—these become deep-seated attachments. We insist that the body must be a certain way, and the moment that expectation is violated, it is as if a part of our desire has gone unfulfilled. This creates an inexplicable sense of emptiness and craving within the heart. Eventually, when the Six Roots make contact with the Six Dusts, even our very cells are pulled away by the worldly space around us. Under such conditions, the physical body may appear healthy and sound, but in reality, it lacks true stability; it is like mist that cannot be solidified. The most clear and luminous spirit is thus covered and obscured.

The Light of the Buddha and the Resistance of Beings

Just as the Buddha-light suddenly appears before us, its power of reception and penetration causes every cell in the body to react. At that moment, many beings within us begin to stir and look out, restless and confused. They ask, 'Where is this place?' or 'Why is it so bright?' The principles of the Dharma are beautiful to hear, but the memories of past hurts are not easily forgotten. This is why, when listening to the Sutras, many people close their eyes, drift into a daze, or shut their ears. They feel no taste of the Dharma. It is as if these beings are merely waiting to see how long this physical body can endure, how long it can persist.

When you arrive at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the Buddha will provide blessings. However, the outcome depends on how much of your own effort you contribute, how sincere you are toward these suffering beings, and how much of your stubbornness you are willing to release. Try to let go of just one part of that attachment, and you will find that your mind becomes one part clearer.

The Infinite Potential of the Dharma Body

One speck of dust can be understood as the ultimate truth; it can be completely removed from the heart. In the past, I came to know the magnificence of practice. I worked diligently, constantly adjusting the resistance within my own heart. With every adjustment, the space I could perceive during meditative concentration grew larger. I began to understand the infinite possibilities of the human body. Originally, my heart was always seeking, praying for a higher level of breakthrough. Later, I realised that true breakthrough occurs in the state of 'no-mind.' Do not be attached to anything, including the achievements of your practice. When you possess true compassion and a true vow, you will receive the Buddha's blessings.

The Buddha abides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and more importantly, He abides within our own hearts. What we practise and what we achieve can exist within the boundless. Our Master uses the Dharma Body to transcend the three realms, finding the traces of any being at the ends of the earth, embracing all things with a boundless mind-capacity. Compared to this, why should we hold onto the trivial, petty matters of the world? The dust in our hearts can be blown away in the instant we turn our thoughts. When there is nothing left to hold onto, the heart is free from worry, free from obstruction, and free from all such things. We must learn from the Universal Buddha, whose heart encompasses all. The human body is very small, yet it can manifest great power. In the state of stillness and equilibrium, you will see the full, luminous appearance of your true spirit. To make a vow and to set your intention—this is where it all begins. Light and gentle, we do not linger in this world.

Namo Amituofo."