The Body as a Vessel for the Spirit
An Interview with Venerable Chang Gao
Recorded on April 23, 2023
This interview with Venerable Chang Gao was recorded on April 23, 2023, by the chief writer, Shi Fajing. In this discourse, Venerable Chang Gao provides profound insights into the complex relationship between the human body and the spirit, offering guidance on how to navigate the challenges of existence in this world.
Venerable Chang Gao speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. When we contemplate the nature of , we must confront a fundamental question: Is the physical body truly who we are, or is it the spirit that defines the essence of our existence?
The Illusion of the Self
Once a spirit obtains a human body, it begins to play a completely new role in this world. We are born into different nations, different families, with different appearances, genders, levels of intelligence, and personal preferences. This human body, which we receive as if through a random shuffle of cards, becomes the self for this lifetime. But I ask you: do you truly know this person? Is this body the real you?
plays an undeniably important role in this world. As everyone knows, without a physical form, it would be impossible to manifest in this realm. However, I wish to emphasise a critical point: as the spirit lives in this world through the body, is it truly utilising this body, or is it being deceived by it? Think about it—are you the master of your vessel, or have you become its servant?
Mastery or Servitude: The Body's Role
Once you possess a human body, you are immediately subject to physiological and psychological needs. There is an endless array of desires that demand satisfaction. The body itself possesses emotions, a distinct personality, and is prone to illness and pain. This body is in a state of constant motion, and it is always exerting an influence on the spirit residing within. Can you perceive this influence? Can you feel how your physical state dictates your spiritual clarity?
When the spirit is truly utilising the body to live in this world, all the desires, fluctuations, and emotional upheavals of the body become vital keys for the spirit to elevate itself. One uses various methods to tame the body's cravings and volatility, ensuring that the spirit does not become lost in the demands of the flesh. Because the needs of the body are like a bottomless vortex—if one does not maintain a state of clear awareness, the spirit is rapidly pulled into the depths, making it incredibly difficult to find a way out.
The Peril of Spiritual Attachment
However, when the spirit is manipulated by the body—when it is deceived by the flesh—the situation is entirely different. The spirit becomes buried deep within the heart, sometimes even locked away in darkness. This happens because the body harbours too many desires and too many demands, all of which clamour to be satisfied. These cravings constantly pollute the body and, in doing so, attract external spirits to enter within. The desires of the body act as a beacon, drawing in a multitude of sentient beings that quickly take up residence inside. The number of these external spirits can become so great that they begin to influence the body, interfering with its purity and causing the person to become increasingly clouded and lost in delusion.
Among these external spirits that attach themselves to the body, the demon crowds have the most profound and destructive impact. Once these demons enter the body, they have the opportunity to interfere with one's thoughts, and in severe cases, they may even usurp control of the body, subjecting it to a series of manipulations and commands.
A Precious Opportunity for Liberation
When the spirit is buried within the body, the body rarely has a chance to be truly clear or awake. Ultimately, the person follows the path of the sins created by the body and falls once again into the cycle of being reincarnated. A human body, which is so difficult to obtain, is thus squandered. The spirit follows the created by the body and must face the consequences; instead of being elevated, it falls into the hells or enters other realms to suffer.
Every single spirit is waiting for an opportunity to be saved. To all of you who currently possess a human body, the opportunity is in your own hands. Do not let your spirit be deceived by the body. Instead, you must utilise and borrow this body to elevate your own spirituality, ultimately achieving true freedom and liberation.
Namo Amituofo."
More from Master Chang Gao
Looking Beyond the Horizon of Life
Venerable Changgao reflects on the true meaning of foresight, urging humanity to look beyond the fleeting nature of worldly existence and prepare for the eternal journey of the spirit.
Integrating the Dharma into Daily Life
Venerable Chang Gao explores the various stages of spiritual practice, guiding seekers from worldly attachments toward a life fully dedicated to the Dharma and the ultimate goal of rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The True Essence of Chanting Namo Amituofo
Venerable Chang Gao reflects on the true meaning of chanting Namo Amituofo, exploring how the practice can transcend mere repetition to become a profound state of purification and awakening.
The Essence of Renunciation
Venerable Chang Gao explores the fundamental difference between practitioners who possess a genuine renunciation mind and those who do not, explaining how this heart of renunciation is the key to liberation from the cycle of being reincarnated.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library