The Danger of Holding onto the Self
Teachings from Venerable Changren
Recorded on October 29, 2020, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
This interview was recorded on October 29, 2020, featuring teachings from Venerable Changren. Venerable Changren, who sought deliverance through the guidance of the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, currently resides at the Centre, where they continue their dedicated practice and service to the . This record was transcribed by the chief writer, Shi Faxi.
Venerable Changren speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Often, we find ourselves unable to distinguish between the dream world and reality. What, then, is truly real? We must realise the necessity of change and the importance of . One should keep a clear heart and mind, for to remain in ignorance is to self-destruct. Our teacher has delivered so many Dharma talks, and the infinite space of the universe is constantly performing its own lessons, but how much of this are you truly absorbing? How many of you have genuinely understood these teachings and, more importantly, how many have actually changed?
The Illusion of
Everything in this world is relative. If one event occurs, it inevitably triggers another; this is the nature of the laws of and cause and effect. When you cannot perceive the underlying reasons for why things happen, you easily become lost. You find yourself trapped within the space of your own illusions. The things you cling to are merely products of your own mind, not the actual truth of what has transpired. People often say that one should not judge by appearances alone. Do not easily trust what you hear or see, as these are prone to error. If this is true for what you have personally witnessed, how much more cautious should you be regarding things you have not even heard or seen? The words of others can be fearsome, and this is something everyone must be wary of. Do not let yourself be trapped in your own illusions, suffering the consequences of your own erroneous associations. It is truly not worth it.
The Trap of Subjectivity
Many people are prone to impulsiveness because they are accustomed to reacting to their immediate . Often, this leads to profound misunderstandings. What you think is not necessarily correct, and this is an area where everyone must exercise great caution. Do not let your own limited knowledge form a barrier that obstructs your progress. People are accustomed to living within their own thoughts, yet they fail to realise that it is precisely this 'self' that leads to mistakes. This is something you must awaken to.
When I look at the fourfold assembly of disciples, I see that everyone has their own subjective ideas. Each person holds their own views, and in their work, they have their own habits and stubborn attachments. In the context of practice, this makes it difficult to follow the path of the Dharma. It may appear that everyone has their own opinions, but in reality, none of you are truly in control. Because what you think is not what you truly think, and it is certainly not always correct. Everyone’s heart is still bound by the 'self.' As long as this form of the 'self' exists, you cannot be truly autonomous. Most of the time, you are unable to be clear-minded because of this attachment. The moment you think of yourself, your heart ceases to be pure.
The Path to True Autonomy
I invite you all to reflect deeply: when are you truly at your most clear and awakened state? It is when you are selfless, when you are serving the greater good. In those moments, you are not acting for your own sake. You can let go of your own thoughts and exist with a single heart, dedicated to serving the fourfold assembly. To learn how to be autonomous, you must learn how to be selfless. Not acting for your own benefit is the best way to help yourself. By helping others, you are, in truth, benefiting yourself.
The teachings provided by our teacher are always meant to help us learn. You must understand the importance of having awareness. You must know that you need to change, rather than stubbornly clinging to your own ways. The Buddha is full of , granting everyone this opportunity for practice. You should cherish it, seize this chance to practice in this lifetime, and ensure you achieve success. Only by finding your true self will you avoid wasting this precious opportunity. I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha, and I am grateful to our teacher. Namo Amituofo."
More from Master Chang Ren
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Venerable Changren shares his journey from a life of deep-seated resentment and demonic existence to his current path of deliverance, offering profound insights on how to release the burdens of the past.
Purifying the Thoughts of the Head
Venerable Chang Ren discusses the habitual nature of human thought, the spiritual consequences of a cluttered mind, and practical methods for achieving mental purity through the practice of Namo Amituofo.
The Labyrinth Within: Understanding the Space of Thoughts
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Venerable Chang Ren reveals the hidden truth behind the aging process and physical illness, explaining how uncorrected personality flaws create loopholes that allow spirits and karmic creditors to occupy the human body.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library