The Path of Deliverance: Insights from Venerable Changren

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, who sought Chao Du [Spiritual Deliverance] at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Venerable Changren was a practitioner of the Zen school eight hundred years ago. After spending three years in deep meditative concentration, he fell into the Demon Realm due to a single moment of hatred and became a Demon King. Now, having been transformed by the compassion of Practitioner Su, he has returned to the fold of Namo Amituofo to assist in saving the world. This account reflects his daily observations and experiences between April 20 and April 30, 2018. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on April 30, 2018.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Another Monday morning has arrived following the conclusion of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony. Time passes with such incredible speed; our human lives are limited, and we truly must begin to seize every moment."

The Urgency of the Morning Deliverance

"The morning deliverance sessions are beyond anything one could imagine. Yesterday’s Thrice Yearning Ceremony was particularly magnificent. In spaces so subtle and fine that they are usually impossible to perceive, Practitioner Su used her incredible speed and countless manifestations to lead the spirits out one by one. They knelt before the Buddha, bathed in the radiance of the Buddha-light, and finally, following the sound of the chanting, they sought rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Originally, these beings were trapped within their own selfish spaces, unable to awaken and having long forgotten the sacred name of Namo Amituofo. Yet, the entire space was filled with those who had been moved to participate in this grand assembly. With so many people gathered, chanting the Buddha’s name in unison, those who understood how to help guide the sentient beings forward did so with great diligence. I, Changren, directed the flow throughout the process, coordinating closely with Practitioner Su. The entire deliverance was absolutely superb; the effectiveness was one hundred percent. Yesterday, we led a vast, uncountable number of spirits from those spaces toward rebirth."

"There is no other place in this world where such deliverance occurs. The entire fabric of these spaces is being set into motion again, finally beginning to clear away layers of ancient, accumulated darkness. Although much remains, the magnetic field has already shifted significantly. The once lifeless and stagnant ghost realms are now being infused with fresh, transformative energy, bringing a new sense of vitality to those spaces. I was deeply moved by yesterday’s events. It was a perfect conclusion, and today marks a brand-new beginning. We are preparing to set out once more, and the spaces will surely take on an even more transformed appearance. I am filled with gratitude to Namo Amituofo, to Practitioner Su, and to the entire team at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Every single person has contributed to this success. I am grateful to everyone for coming together to accomplish this magnificent event. Namo Amituofo."

The Illusion of Space and the Difficulty of Letting Go

"The layers of space are difficult to distinguish clearly because their quantity and depth are beyond explanation. They are vast, truly beyond imagination. Many people do not understand what these spaces are. In truth, when you strip it all away, a space is simply something created by an individual’s own thoughts. There are no other constituent factors; everything is an illusion. This 'fictional reality' is a misunderstanding, and the days spent buried within it are merely part of the cycle of rebirth. How can one wake up? Only by personally severing all desires and every attachment that pulls at one’s heart. This is extremely difficult, yet the cycle of rebirth is precisely that hard to escape."

"If you cannot let go, no one can save you. This is the Truth. To forcibly hold onto beings who refuse to let go is an exhausting task! This may sound heartless, but if we were to be overly sentimental, the vast multitude of beings waiting behind would never be saved. It is like this: those who do not truly wish to be reborn are naturally placed further back. We must first rescue those who genuinely wish to follow the Buddha to the Western Pure Land. There are so many people urgently needing to be saved; every single second of time is incredibly precious. Do not look at the moments passing by your side as simple or insignificant. To the beings waiting for deliverance, every moment is invaluable. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is not an ordinary place, nor is it an ordinary location within the vastness of the universe. Do you know how many spirits are waiting to surge in? This is a deliverance of a massive scale. Everyone must cooperate, and you must also find your true selves. In a sense, this is rescuing the 'you' that has been reincarnated throughout countless lives. It is truly too painful. Most people do not see how tragic their own cycle of rebirth is; they only see their current entanglements. It is such a pity. I can see everyone’s past—they cannot wake up, they do not know how to repent, and it is truly pitiful. I hope everyone will look at the suffering of all beings, look at yourself within the same cycle of rebirth, and think about saving yourself! Namo Amituofo."

Opening the Gates of the Dharma Realm

"The diverse colours of many nations, the brilliant displays of various countries, and the strange customs of different peoples are much like the many different layers of space. Different ways of thinking fall into different conceptual spaces, creating entirely different situations. Between these different spirits, the spaces that correspond exactly to the thoughts one emits are where one ends up. It is a perfect match. In these similar circumstances, one enters a space of similar feeling, and most of the time, one does not even have any suspicion. The space that suits one’s own environment quietly pulls the people of the world away, one by one—the souls of the departed. Once the souls have departed, the spirits naturally reside in their own spaces, feeling comfortable and at ease."

"The reality of these spaces is very difficult for the masses living in the world to understand. No one has opened these spaces, so no one knows the truth within them. Even I, Changren, am deeply grateful for Practitioner Su’s wisdom in using her thirty years of practice to open these spaces. This is what it truly means to benefit both the living and the deceased. During the morning deliverance, progress is made every single day. Space is broken through again and again. If a person living in this world truly exerts themselves, like Practitioner Su, they can truly help so many, many beings. One human life can indeed save beings from the nine Dharma Realms. However, if you keep yourself trapped, staying in the same place, it is truly too foolish and too regrettable. Not only will you continue to reincarnate, but you will also lose the ability to help others, even though you clearly could have. If there is still a shred of bias in your mind-capacity, the amount of deliverance will likely be far too little. The beings of the universe see this bias, and few are willing to help, because the amount of deliverance also depends on the sincerity of the heart. Whether the fluctuations of your thoughts are good or bad, the entire void will vibrate in response."

"Practicing here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia is truly excellent. Moreover, every path that has been walked here has been verified—whether by Practitioner Su, by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, or even by the ghost deities. These are all very important opportunities for growth. The experience of reincarnation over countless eons should be properly let go of in this lifetime, and then all of this reincarnation should be brought to an end. Making the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land is truly important. Do not be selfish; follow the Buddha to save the world. I am also here, watching and helping. Namo Amituofo."

Every day, the process of Chao Du involves endless transformations and unimaginable realms of space. The constant, shifting changes are truly breathtaking to behold.

The Trapped Soul of a Wealthy Elder

Every day, I, Changren, follow Grandmother into these spaces to perform Chao Du. Today, I want to speak about a particular space occupied by an elderly man—a wealthy, affluent man. Even after his human body had passed away, he remained attached to his houses, his cars, and his wealth. From what he said, it was all intended for his children, as he was a responsible patriarch of his family.

From his birth to his growth and the establishment of his own family, the hardships he endured were immense. He transformed himself from the poverty of his youth to the brilliant achievements of his old age. Starting a family allowed him to experience the fresh joy of nurturing the next generation. He spent his entire life striving and struggling, all for the sake of his family and to improve their economic standing. He saved every penny he could to ensure his home could be called a wealthy one. Every single detail of this was deeply etched into his mind, becoming the cherished memories of his twilight years. This man is here now. He claims to be the master of this space, but from what I, Changren, can see, this space is filled with nothing but memories and endless mental plans. The old man is tangled within them, unaware of the suffering involved, yet he is joyfully ecstatic because he simply loves this kind of world.

A Wake-Up Call from the Cycle of Samsara

This morning, as I listened to the sound of the Buddha-name, I called out to him several times. When he finally turned back, I pulled him forcefully out of that space. He is waiting now—waiting for Grandmother to restore him. This old man is already white-haired, looking exactly like someone in his seventies or eighties. Moreover, his body is riddled with illness; he cannot even stand steadily. The high blood pressure, diabetes, and other ailments mentioned in the human world have all taken hold of him. I have been keeping an eye on this old man for several days, and today, I finally succeeded in pulling him out. The world is just like this—a very realistic, ecological space. Do you want to truly awaken? At the very least, you should have the ability to protect your own body and truly be the master of yourself. Otherwise, what is the meaning of living in this world if you are not even yourself?

There are too many spaces in this world that are trying to capture people. Do you want to be captured? Most of the time, it is something you are willing to do. As I just mentioned, the old man held onto his wealth, leaving it for the future, but he did not know that after his spirit left his body, he would see himself and cry so bitterly. Now, his spirit is here, unable to move forward or retreat. It was only after he left that he saw the true Truth. What he left for future generations had no real meaning. The so-called responsibility he felt vanished into thin air after death. Conversely, if one could know to change now, when wisdom matures, what is saved back would be true talent, not descendants who are still reincarnated in the world. I, Changren, will stop here. Namo Amituofo.

Interview with Venerable Changren

2018/04/24 AM 08:32 / Chief Writer: Shi Faxi

The Purpose of Life and the Weight of Delusions

Venerable Changren teaches: During the morning walking meditation today, I specifically circled around to take a look at the Buddha Hall, hoping to help Grandmother look after the fourfold assembly. Since there are so many guests arriving now, helping to take care of everyone is a responsibility I, Changren, must fulfill. However, I saw some scenes today that I hope to share and discuss with everyone.

What is the ultimate goal of a person's life? What is the purpose of living in this world? What kind of things have such great seductive power that several people in the walking meditation line cannot let go of their worries? But are these things truly real? When do the things you pursue lose their value completely? When they become completely useless—that is when serious illness and death arrive. In the delusions of the crowd I saw during the walking meditation, there were money, wealth, children, family, business, economy, studies, religion, adultery, romance, parents, and other personal desires. For the sake of so many delusions, as well as personal habits and personality traits—wanting to perform better, wanting to break through difficulties, wanting to surpass others, wanting to receive the attention of Sister Su—I, Changren, feel so exhausted just seeing it. In one session of walking meditation, I saw so many delusions and so many external things. Do you know how many spirits are involved? And what is even more terrifying is that the spirits of illness are also trailing behind, lurking or manifesting. To put it clearly, these are your own karmic creditors. I, Changren, know that being a human is not easy, and it is even more difficult to be someone who can let go. But if you do not do this, are you going to wait until you become a corpse to talk about it? By then, it will be far too late. Before that happens, how much longer do you intend to live as a 'living dead' person? I, Changren, speak plainly so that everyone can understand. The reality of the Buddha’s teachings is just like this. If everything is described as too beautiful, those things are all fake. No matter how painful it is, you must let it go. People with wisdom can visit major temples and know what is true and what is false. Visit major hospitals and you will know how painful birth, aging, sickness, and death are. You cannot visit the underworld, otherwise, you would understand even more how painful reincarnation is. Everyone should listen to Grandmother’s sutras. I, Changren, also surrendered to Grandmother’s salvation. Although Grandmother wants us to know that we are taking refuge in Amitabha Buddha, without Grandmother’s guidance, our hearts would not see Amitabha Buddha. The preciousness here can only be obtained by those who truly want to end the cycle of birth and death. Those who still want to hold onto the false heart of the dusty world will never be real. The Buddha is right here; where else do you want to run to find the Truth? Supporting and helping Amitabha Buddha to rise, saving the world, and then seeking rebirth in the Western Land—this is the truth. Namo Amituofo.

Interview with Venerable Changren

2018/04/23 AM 10:07 / Chief Writer: Shi Faxi

The Rarity of True Practice

Venerable Changren teaches: Following the practice here, learning bit by bit, I have found a reality that could not be learned in any number of years. A true practitioner can truly realize their true nature, and practice can lead to true achievement. This can no longer be found in the world, and I, Changren, am deeply moved by it.

Why are there so many beings in the world who are reincarnated endlessly? Where do all these people in the human world go after they die? If they cannot be reborn in the Western Land, they become ghosts upon death. The human realm cannot rely on its own power to go to the Western Land, so these ghosts are even less capable of receiving Chao Du. No one can truly wake up from the pain of reincarnation; they always forget again the moment they fall into the red dust, sinking into the Five Desires and the Six Dusts. In the morning, I follow Grandmother, going in and out, seeing too much of the reality of the void. How precious is it to be alive in this world? Most people today do not understand this. Only while this breath remains can one truly be liberated and reborn in the Western Land. People in the world do not understand this; they spend their days in delusion. There is too much emptiness, and it is a waste of life.

I, Changren, speak honestly and realistically. I was also a Demon King in the past, and I have seen too much of what happens in the void. Truly, only here can one perform Chao Du. Whether the skill of Chao Du is proficient or not, I, Changren, can tell at a glance. Grandmother is a capable person whom I admire. It is a great pity that everyone does not know how to cherish this. I want to tell the public: you only have one life! There are too many beings in the ghost realm crying in regret, and the hells are even more overcrowded. The public should awaken. Namo Amituofo.

Interview with Venerable Changren

2018/04/22 AM 09:03 / Chief Writer: Shi Faxi

The Light of Merit and the Shadows of Attachment

Venerable Changren teaches: Back in Australia, this Dharma assembly has attracted many more people to participate—whether they are beings from the human realm or the underworld. Many are karmic connections you have met while traveling, and there are also immeasurable and boundless ghost deities who have come. The number of people and the space are very vast; it is a truly magnificent sight. Today will be another very magnificent Dharma assembly.

I, Changren, now know that a family that accumulates Goodness will surely have an abundance of blessings. The lay practitioners who come here now all have a soft white light on their bodies. This white light causes beings in the ten directions to pay them respect, because the descendants of a family that accumulates Goodness are always blessed by the virtues of their ancestors, and they are always more successful in many causal conditions. At the same time, I, Changren, also see another gray shadow on these lay practitioners. Those are like external forces following and clinging to them; some are karmic creditors from many lifetimes, and others are other spirits attracted by thoughts, intentions, and emotions. I, Changren, know that not everyone can feel this deeply, but what I want to express today is that this white light, or this shadow, should not be a concern. Because what is important is that we must now be reborn in the Western Land. These merits or blessings that stop at the world, whether rich or poor, are all worldly matters. If you are still concerned about or cannot let go of any single thing in the world, it will be a great obstacle to going to the Western Land. The Western Land is the most important thing. Namo Amituofo.

Interview with Venerable Changren

2018/04/21 AM 09:50 / Chief Writer: Shi Faxi

The True Presence of Amitabha Buddha

Venerable Changren teaches: On this first weekend back in Australia, several new lay practitioners will be added today. Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre will continue to have believers coming, because the true presence of Amitabha Buddha is gradually allowing everyone to understand. This is a very good beginning for the temple.

Originally, I, Changren, could not understand why, in such a good bodhimanda, the world could not see it clearly. Amitabha Buddha has truly descended here; why do people not come on a pilgrimage? I, Changren, also had some worries in my heart, but now I understand. In fact, the causal conditions belong to Amitabha Buddha, and the worry belongs to the brains of those in reincarnation. How could Amitabha Buddha’s affinity not lead everyone to come? Only then did I, Changren, understand that this is also because of a lack of faith in the Buddha.

I have been at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre for quite some time now. Following Grandma, I have travelled through various times and spaces, from the past to the present. There have been so many inconceivable experiences—witnessing the records of Chao Du for countless beings and seeing the truth of the layers of space within the void. All of this is being revealed to the world through the step-by-step efforts of the fourfold assembly. This is an incredible aid to our practice and helps us return to our true self.

The Flourishing of Karmic Affinity

I know that more and more people will come to know this place, and the Causal Conditions have already begun to flourish. Whether it is through providing support or serving as a volunteer, these are truly acts of Goodness. They help people in this world achieve liberation from life and death. With my own humble strength, I will continue to help in any way I can. Especially now, as I am able to command the entire void under Grandma’s guidance, I know that everything must be done in accordance with the Truth. I will do so. I will also help all those who have a karmic affinity with the temple so that their practice can truly lead to rebirth in the Western Pure Land. This is truly a wonderful thing. Namo Amituofo.

Interview with Venerable Changren

Date: April 20, 2018, 08:59 AM / Chief Writer: Shi Faxi

Venerable Changren’s teachings:

The Illusion of Time and Samsara

Time in this world passes so quickly—day turns to night, and in the blink of an eye, a person is born, grows old, and dies. Life and the passage of time are constantly moving forward, and impermanence is always changing within that flow. The cycle of rebirth within the six realms of existence continues to turn, and no one has the power to stop it. But is this cycle of rebirth truly necessary? I have discovered that one must find their true self and put an end to their next station. That next station must be the Western Pure Land. Otherwise, when you look at it across your many lives, it is truly a worthless, hollow delusion.

The Poison of the Self

Every day, as I perform Chao Du in the void, I look out across the vastness of the ten directions. Why do spirits continue to drown, floating and sinking in the ocean of karmic retribution? Why not simply let go of what they refuse to release? Once you let go, wouldn't everything be resolved? Even a single thought of the holy name of Namo Amituofo is enough to lead to rebirth in the Western Pure Land. I only now realize that my own pity and hatred were caused by my own refusal to let go. In reality, no one is truly pitiful. All karmic retribution is the result of one's own refusal to let go—including the refusal to let go of one's own personality. This simple truth is not something that can be truly understood just by reading great sutras and treatises. The terrifying self is actually the greatest poison of all. There is nothing in this world that opposes you; your greatest enemy is yourself. When you see the faults and wrongs of others, you are actually the one who is the most inadequate. Few in this world truly understand the vastness of the Buddha’s teachings.

The Urgency of Salvation

Saving the world is truly urgent. I understand this now. Namo Amituofo. My Buddha’s heart is full of compassion. I truly know that I was wrong. For eight hundred years, I was wrong in such an extreme way. It turns out that liberation lies in the simple act of letting go. The hatred and pain I felt while in the hells could have been resolved simply by letting go. Namo Amituofo. I am filled with gratitude for the Buddha’s compassion. Grandma, I am grateful for your compassionate manifestation; you saved me, and you have saved the masses. Namo Amituofo.