This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changgao, who shares insights on the nature of attachment and its role in the cycle of reincarnation. This account was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on October 25, 2022.
Venerable Changgao speaks:
". I am Venerable Changgao. How many people in this world have truly learned to identify the nature of attachment? If you look around, you will see that almost everyone is bound by it. While the degree of attachment may vary from person to person, and the specific aspects of life to which they cling may differ, the heart of attachment is something that nearly every being possesses.
The Engine of Reincarnation
Why does this physical body become so attached? It is a fundamental trait of human personality. From this very quality of attachment, we can see that it has become the primary factor—the very fuel—for the cycle of reincarnation. Because there is attachment, the cycle of reincarnation continues without end. It is the invisible chain that keeps us bound to this world of suffering.
When we look into the minds of those who are deeply attached, we can see that they are not truly in control of their own thoughts. They are being controlled. What is controlling them? It is the spirits residing within their bodies—spirits who share the same attachments—as well as other beings who wish to keep them trapped in the cycle of reincarnation through these very attachments. This personality of attachment forms a powerful force that causes interference with . Consequently, whenever a person performs any action, they naturally fall under the influence of this force, sinking into a space of attachment where they cling to every jagged edge of their desires.
The Trap of Perfectionism
Consider, for instance, a person who is obsessed with perfection in everything they do. You can observe that before they even begin a task, their mind is already racing. They fall into a deep state of meditative concentration, and this mental state is the very space of their attachment. They are quickly pulled into it and begin to be controlled by it. Before the work has even commenced, they have already established a multitude of rigid standards within their own heads—standards of perfection that they have defined themselves. They believe that they must reach this specific level of excellence to feel satisfied. This entire process occurs so naturally, operating within the body without the person even realising it, which is why most people are completely unaware that they are being controlled.
The Accumulation of Spirits
After this process of attachment concludes and the task is finished to their satisfaction, it may appear that they are happy. However, if you look at The Head, you will see that every time they indulge in an attachment, the space of attachment within them expands. In other words, the spirits residing within their head have occupied even more of their mental territory. Under such circumstances, when a human being harbours a specific attachment, they will inevitably become more and more attached as they grow older. This is because their head is being increasingly occupied by these spirits, making it harder and harder for them to be the master of their own mind.
The Path to Liberation
From this, we can clearly see that the heart of attachment is something that should not be pursued. Where there is attachment, there is inevitably afflictions. Why should we allow our own bodies to suffer so much? It is far better to let go of these attachments, to empty the heart, and to seek nothing. Do not force anything to happen. Instead, focus your entire heart and mind on chanting Buddha's name.
