The Art of Shifting One's Mindset

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Gao, who now resides in the Western Pure Land. This account reflects upon the profound practice of shifting one's mindset to attain liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on March 12, 2023.

Venerable Chang Gao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chang Gao. It is a joy to share these reflections on the nature of our practice and the way we navigate the complexities of the human experience.

The World as a Practice Ground

In the human realm, every individual possesses a unique personality and a distinct temperament. When people come together, friction is almost inevitable. This is the very essence of the world's endless disturbances and entanglements. However, if we choose to shift our perspective, we can see that this chaotic world is actually the perfect bodhimanda—a sacred space for our own practice and achievement. If one can learn to exercise Patience and let go of the ego within these interactions, then no matter how turbulent the world may seem, it remains beautiful, still, and free in one's own eyes. At that moment, one is certain to achieve the fruits of their practice.

Every Connection is a Good Connection

Every being who arrives on this Earth is connected by karmic affinity. In my view, there is no such thing as a distinction between 'good' karmic affinity and 'bad' karmic affinity; every single connection is a good connection. You might ask, how can this be? When someone with a hostile attitude appears in your life, what does it truly represent? Most people would immediately conclude that they have encountered the wrong person, or perhaps someone who has come specifically to cause them trouble. We hear this sentiment everywhere, don't we? But let us look at it from another angle: you have actually encountered someone who has come to help you achieve your own growth.

I am sure you have heard this idea before, yet it is often incredibly difficult to put into practice. Especially in the heat of a conflict, the anger in one's heart far outweighs such super-rational and beautiful thoughts. However, you must believe that you are capable of doing it. The process of 'shifting one's mindset' is something that requires diligent study and practice. If you change your perspective just a little bit each time, over time, it will become second nature. You will find yourself naturally shifting your mindset and naturally seeing the good in all things.

The Power of Mind-Capacity

The process of shifting one's mindset requires a prerequisite: 'mind-capacity'. This is something that every person who wishes to learn this art should practise. A person who possesses a vast mind-capacity is, for the most part, a happy person. If you look at their thoughts, you will find that they are predominantly good and wholesome. Therefore, when such a person encounters an unpleasant situation, it is much easier for them to shift their mindset. Because their mind-capacity is vast, they can encompass everything. Under the guidance of a true spiritual friend, they can quickly transform their mental state, refusing to let themselves be troubled by the immediate situation, or, when afflictions do arise, they can instantly transform those afflictions into Bodhi.

Conversely, those with a small mind-capacity tend to be calculating about everything they encounter. They do not let others off the hook, and they do not let themselves off the hook either. Whether it concerns their interpersonal relationships or the material possessions they hold, they grasp onto everything tightly, refusing to let go.

The Weight of Attachment

When such individuals with limited mind-capacity encounter something that does not go their way, they are immediately affected by the event. For them, changing their mindset is not an easy task. In their subconscious, there is a deep-seated fear of suffering a loss. When you ask them to change their way of thinking, their brains automatically trigger negative thoughts like 'I will suffer a loss' or 'I will be taken advantage of.' Consequently, it is difficult for them to change their thinking, let alone shift their mindset. To them, it feels like an insurmountable challenge.

Thoughts and the Fabric of Space

From the vantage point of the space I now inhabit, I can see that human thinking also influences the environment. Every thought and every concept has its own space; it does not merely exist within the human brain, but also permeates the intangible space around us. The quality of the magnetic field a person radiates changes according to their thoughts. A person with positive and wholesome thoughts will have a body that radiates light. Conversely, those with negative or harmful thoughts will appear dim, and the space around them will also appear dark, reflecting the nature of their thoughts. From this, we can see that human thinking has a tremendous influence on both the individual and the environment. If we can learn to shift our mindset, we will not only help ourselves but also benefit all other beings.

Namo Amituofo."