Venerable Changren is a monastic who provides guidance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. This interview, recorded on April 18, 2019, captures the Venerable's profound teachings on the rarity of our current Causal Conditions, the importance of reclaiming our true self-nature, and the urgency of seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Venerable Changren speaks:
". To be able to arrive here—do you realise how magnificent the Causal Conditions behind this are? This is something that all of you have forgotten after wandering through the six realms of rebirth for so long. However, I, along with the various Bodhisattvas and the holy assembly, can see it all with perfect clarity. We can see exactly where each of you has come from, and we know that in this very life, you have all come here to practise the Pure Land path and become a Buddha.
The Preciousness of Time
You must learn to grasp every single second of purity. Do not allow the mundane world to stain you again. Furthermore, you must know how to engage in diligent practice at every moment. You must reclaim the innate abilities of your true self-nature. Do not continue to wander through the world, exhausting your energy; that is the most worthless way to waste your time. Time is incredibly precious. It is something you should know how to cherish and seize. Take advantage of these magnificent Causal Conditions right now; it is time to find your true capability. Only then can you truly achieve success.
The Pure Land Manifested
The pure phenomena that cannot be seen in the mundane world are clearly visible here. Moreover, these are the pure phenomena of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the great that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Therefore, those who have been able to come here must no longer be concerned only with their own physical bodies. This physical form is only something you possess temporarily. What is truly important is to reclaim your true self-nature and . Only then, when you depart from this world of red dust, will you have the awareness to turn toward the bright Western Land, rather than falling once again into the cycle of the six realms of rebirth, where the suffering is beyond description.
to the Path
People in the world do not understand the importance of waking up and realising one's true nature. After coming here to listen to the scriptures and the Dharma, you must understand how to let go even more. You must be more awake than the people of the world. You must know that in this life, there is no other path; only by seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss can there be light. Any other choice leads to a life where you cannot be the master of your own destiny. Having seen so much since coming here, you should be able to understand and be clear in your own heart. You must not go back to reincarnating in the world; you must be awake and never fall into the maze of delusion again.
A Call to Action
You must know the preciousness of this place. Make the resolve, make the vows, and find your true self. Contribute your money and your effort to collectively practise Generosity and support the great Dharma. The Pure Land world is magnificent and full of dignity. I hope that everyone can understand that at this very moment, you must seize the opportunity to be awake, to be the master of your own life, and to save the world. If you do this, then this life will not have been lived in vain. To follow Namo Amituofo—that is what is truly worthwhile.
I am grateful to the Grandmother, and I am grateful for the of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."
