The Body of Practice: A Reflection on Aging and Purification

Venerable Changgao, a monastic at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, discusses the transformative nature of the physical body through spiritual practice. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on November 11, 2022.

Venerable Changgao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The human body is a vessel that, day by day, inevitably succumbs to the passage of time. One only needs to look at the lustre of the skin or the fine lines etched upon a face to discern the true age of a person. Even in this modern era, where individuals possess the knowledge of cosmetics and skincare, the body still tells its own story. It is a truth that cannot be hidden; the body does not lie about the time it has spent in this world.

The Secular Body Versus the Practicing Body

The fundamental difference between a body engaged in spiritual practice and one caught in the currents of secular life lies entirely in how that body is utilised. In the secular world, the body is largely driven by the brain's constant calculations, the turbulence of the seven emotions and Five Desires, and the rigid patterns of one's personality. Every action taken in such a life is deeply intertwined with these impulses. Consequently, the body must expend an immense amount of vital energy just to satisfy these endless needs and to keep pace with the demands of worldly existence.

In contrast, a body dedicated to spiritual practice seeks to transcend the dust of the world. It is no longer used merely to sustain a worldly life. Instead, the practitioner borrows this physical form as a tool to sever the entanglements of the cycle of being reincarnated. By consciously changing one's personality, letting go of wandering thoughts, and abandoning the pull of the seven emotions and Five Desires, the practitioner helps the body return to its original, pure state.

The Power of Purification

As the body undergoes purification through diligent practice, the internal organs naturally begin to transform in tandem with the process of refining one's personality. This is not merely a superficial change; the skin, the complexion, and the very spirit of the individual are all in a state of constant, positive flux. This is the power of purification at work, assisting the body in recovering its most original and pristine condition—a state as pure and unblemished as that of a newborn infant.

Consider that the body is not a solid, impenetrable mass. It contains vast internal spaces. Whether we speak of the skin, the blood, the sinews, the bones, or the internal organs, there is space within all of them. These spaces are not empty; they are inhabited by sentient beings. In the course of secular life, when we are constantly provoked by rising emotions, attachments, and the stubbornness of our own personalities, we are effectively triggering these internal spaces to open.

The Awakening of Sentient Beings

Once these internal spaces are opened, the sentient beings residing within the body are awakened. Naturally, their presence exerts a profound influence on the physical form, leading to the manifestation of illness and the acceleration of the aging process. It is a cycle that many fail to recognise, yet it is the root cause of much of our physical suffering.

However, the body of a practitioner is different. Through the discipline of practice, these internal spaces are effectively 'frozen' or sealed. Alternatively, the practitioner may invite these sentient beings to depart, thereby shielding the body from being easily influenced by them. By maintaining this state, the practitioner can remain free from illness and premature aging, and instead, remain filled with vibrant, abundant energy.

The Unmoved Mind

The distinction between these two states—the secular and the practicing—rests entirely upon the difference in the 'heart'. One heart is constantly moving, agitated by external stimuli and internal cravings; the other is an unmoved mind, steady and calm. One heart acts solely for the benefit of the self, while the other acts for the benefit of all sentient beings. This difference in intention creates a vast chasm in results, a difference that is clearly visible and manifest within the physical body itself.

Namo Amituofo."