Nurturing the Seeds of Wisdom

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Ren, conducted at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Venerable Chang Ren reflects on the vital importance of early childhood education within the context of the Buddha’s teachings. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on April 4, 2019.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a truly magnificent place, a rare sanctuary that is difficult to encounter in this lifetime. The fact that we can now attract and support individuals ranging from one to one hundred years of age is a testament to the reality that the Buddha’s teachings are, at their core, a form of profound education. We currently have two young brothers here at the temple. Despite their tender age, their presence marks a new beginning for our practice. When we begin the work of cultivation from the seedling stage, we can clearly observe the inherent habits and personality traits that each child brings with them. By diligently practising and adjusting these tendencies from a young age, these pure vessels will be able to manifest their full potential in the future. I must say, watching these two little brothers grow brings me a great deal of joy."

The Dangers of Over-Indulgence

"However, it is true that both boys have their own distinct personalities and preferences. Their father, mother, and grandmother all adore them deeply, but the habits embedded within their consciousness still require careful adjustment. The education of a child is of paramount importance; being able to guide them to become a Dharma vessel—a person capable of holding and practising the Truth—is even more critical. Here, in this pure land, we focus on single-minded, diligent practice, far removed from the material desires and the constant interference of worldly cravings. The guidance provided by adults can significantly assist a child's growth. Sometimes, however, excessive indulgence can inadvertently foster a rebellious spirit in a child, hindering their proper development.

I am well aware that modern education in the outside world is often characterised by over-pampering. But here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, things are different. Our education is designed to truly allow children to rediscover their original selves and realise their true nature. If we could bring more young seedlings into this environment to be nurtured and raised, the society of the future would surely become pure and filled with Goodness. There would be no more chaos or unrest. If every person’s heart understood the value of purity and Goodness, and if everyone understood the Truth, society would naturally become stable. Only then will a positive transformation emerge within this suffering world of ours."

Cultivating a Life of Value

"The Truth of the Buddha’s teachings is an education that instructs the human heart to be pure and filled with Goodness. It is the only way to truly reclaim one's innate potential. Only when children are educated within the framework of the Truth can they remain untainted by the pollutions of the world, and only then can they achieve true success in this lifetime. Many people in the world today are deeply confused and deluded; many are completely addicted to worldly pursuits. By starting their education early—teaching them correct habits and a virtuous character—a child’s life will become truly valuable.

I sincerely hope that these two children can grow well here in this Buddha-land, so that their future achievements may benefit all beings. Both children carry some karma from their past lives, but under the all-encompassing Buddha-light, these karmic imprints will gradually be transformed and saved through Chao Du. Right now, what they need most is proper purification and education. These children possess immense blessings, and it is our duty to cultivate them with the utmost care."

"May the Buddha be compassionate, may the grandmother be compassionate. Namo Amituofo."