The Ease of No-Self

This article documents an interview with Venerable Changren, a monastic who has attained rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Seeking to share the profound insights of the Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings, Venerable Changren communicated these teachings through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This session was recorded on September 17, 2017, by the chief writer, Shi Fa.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Changren. This was my Dharma name while I was practising in the human world. When anger arises, it is never truly hidden; the face is the mirror of the heart, and it has already revealed everything. There is nothing to act out, for the truth will always manifest. To have a heart that hides nothing—that is the mark of true wisdom.

In the study of the Dharma, one cannot achieve success by being self-righteous or by refusing to listen. In the practice of the Pure Land path, one cannot gain clarity if the heart is filled with impurities and attachments. It is not so, it is not so! One gains benefits only in proportion to one's sincerity and respect. This is the absolute truth. When one practises with sincerity, there are no obstacles. I hope that all who practise will cultivate benevolence and truly understand the reality of these teachings. I am speaking again because I hope that one day, when we gather in the future, we can complete this great Dharma together. We are all one family; there should be no divisions or differences. If there is no division, why would the heart feel restless or itchy with desire?

The Transparency of the Heart

Have you heard of the great Dharma of the Pure Land? Do you understand the direction in which the world is heading today? The wondrous teachings of the Tathagata are being taught right now. All of you must uphold and protect them. The logic and the emotions are in balance; this is a matter of great importance for the world. Do you understand? The magnificence of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre lies in its ability to communicate with all spaces without obstruction. This is the first point. It reaches up to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, ten trillion Buddha-lands away, and it reaches down to the hells, the hungry ghosts, and all the realms of sentient beings. Whether they are sentient or insentient, the communication is unobstructed. The reason for this is purification and the natural response of the heart.

I, too, was able to convey my message and reappear in the world through this very method. In the spiritual realms, there are many things that cannot interfere with the lives of humans, but we are all clearly aware of every change. Now that this opportunity has arisen, although we may not be able to help directly in every way, we are able to honestly convey the words we wish to speak to the people of the world. We are deeply grateful for this. It allows many precious Dharma teachings to manifest in the world once again. If the public can understand and cherish the magnificence of these Dharma Jewels, the benefits of the Dharma will be beyond description.

The Unique Mission of Hsiang Kuang

I mention this in passing, but if everyone could temporarily set aside their 'self-views' and 'discriminations' and patiently read one or two of these interview articles, they would find that the meaning presented is profound. For the sake of Buddha’s teachings, this has a truly magnificent effect. It is waiting for those who are truly connected by karmic affinity to uphold the True Teachings. In fact, quite a few people have already seen these articles. I know that in your hearts, you may already have sincere faith, or perhaps you are doubting, or even slandering—all of these reactions exist. We are simply waiting for the moment when the karmic conditions align, so that this magnificent Dharma can truly spread far and wide. Then, the people of the world will be blessed.

This is not about any intention of conquest or seizure. It is simply so that everyone can see the true Buddha in their own bodhimanda. You can all remain in your original places of practice, but your practice will become much clearer. Because you will be able to understand the meaning of purification, and you will hear the true teachings of the Buddha or Bodhisattva. What a magnificent Dharma appearance this is! This is the great compassionate heart of the Buddha or Bodhisattva.

The Illusion of the Self

Within the void, there are immeasurable spaces containing countless spirits who are all waiting—waiting for the moment to make contact with you. Some have words they need to speak; some are seeking your help. But both sides have been unable to establish a true channel of communication. Those in the spiritual realms feel anxious, and you in the reality of the human world feel a sense of interference. After all, the difference in space is like the metaphor of light and shadow; there will always be some mutual interference of magnetic fields. These are real facts that exist. Everyone should believe this. I have spoken of this many times because I know that there are people currently investigating these matters.

The truth here is not afraid of the public's actual investigation. As long as you have the willingness, even if you come with a heart full of doubts, you are very welcome here. Because as long as there is even a single thread of karmic affinity, we hope to save at least one person. This is the compassion and mind-capacity taught by Namo Amituofo. We do not care about any external comments or even criticisms. We simply believe in the heart of saving the world and do our best to act accordingly. As for the rest, we learn to let go of our physical bodies and remaining lifespans completely. We know with one heart that rebirth is in the Western Land, and we seek nothing else. There is no longer any temple in the world that teaches in this way. Only when the Buddha manifests can there be such a selfless, 'no-mind' approach. Everyone should think about this carefully. How unreal the world has become.

The Burden of the Ego

When I say 'unreal,' I do not mean to reject anyone, nor do I mean to criticise. I just want everyone to think: who is still presenting their true face to the public today? How many people still have a hidden side? This is what is unreal. It is impossible to achieve success with such a facade. As the saying goes, 'Appearance arises from the mind.' This is true and not false. The true phenomena in the heart cannot be hidden at all on one's face. How many people still carry a trace of darkness? This trace of darkness is enough to completely bury your life's practice, because within that darkness lies a hypocritical heart. Your heart has already become worldly, polluted, and unclear. It is difficult for the ordinary to become a saint.

Speaking of these things, I naturally hope that everyone can achieve success. Viewing all as one body, the falseness of humanity comes from the attachment to this physical body. People do not know how to let go, and thus they have a defensive heart. Those who practise may be slightly better, but in the secular world, how many people are living their lives based on false appearances? Apart from being exhausted, the truth within the heart is slowly eroding away by oneself. That only leads to bad outcomes, not good ones, because you are 'too attached' to your own mind.

Finding True Freedom

In the society of this world, people do not know the ease of 'no-self.' Education is still filled with training on self-worth, teaching students to see the self, discover the self, and explore the self. How many such courses are arranged to elevate the self? This incorrect guidance causes so many conflicts in society that cannot be resolved because of the 'self.' And how many people cannot find balance because of the 'self,' leading to physical and mental collapse? The suicide rate is increasing year by year. Is it not because they cannot handle this 'self' that they walk onto the path of no return? The 'self' allows you to have extreme emotions and attachments. The incorrect thinking of the world makes this world very chaotic because of the 'self.'

One person mentions 'I,' two people mention 'I,' a group of people mention 'I.' Everyone's 'I' is desperately trying to express itself forward. No one is willing to show weakness or step back. Everyone puts themselves first. Some clearly express their ego, while others fight an internal war of the self in their hearts. The chaos in society is precisely because one 'self' after another manifests, losing the phenomenon of peace. We only see the struggle of personalities driven by ego-attachment and self-views.

A Call to Awakening

Between nations, because of the 'self,' they go to war for the sake of profit. Between individuals, because of the 'self,' they are not necessarily able to be of one heart and one body, often still distinguishing between 'you' and 'me.' The teachings of the Buddha teach 'no-self.' This is often heard in the secular world, but due to incorrect interpretation and prejudice, people think 'no-self' is the renunciation of a monastic. In fact, 'no-self' is not just the monastic heart of seeing through the red dust. This incorrect thought stems from a great sense of discrimination. 'No-self' is something everyone in the world should achieve, because this is true freedom. Does 'freedom' only belong to monastics? Only with 'no-self,' only by slowly understanding the reality of the Truth, will you wake up. In many secular matters, you will be more open-minded. You will not be bound to the small world of your own heart. You will be able to be more generous, more cheerful, and live your life without being caught up in trivialities. Compared to being petty, is 'no-self' not happier? Do you not agree?

These things need to be taught again, from the old to the young. Education requires everyone to work together. What is 'no-self'? It is a true 'no-mind.' Anything you do has no purpose; it is purely a heart of service, without seeking return or price. The evolution of social trends in this competitive era leaves much room for improvement to achieve such a character. People today have so much pressure in their hearts, which is invisibly built upon the 'self.' If this can be broken, it will be a very good change. Because of this 'self,' the true smile on everyone's face has been taken away. It is not necessarily just for those who study Buddhism, and it is not just for monastics. Everyone should be able to do this; only then will life have true happiness.

I see that many psychological obstacles that did not exist before have appeared in this society. From the level that everyone cannot see, those who have a strong 'self' are suffering so much. Their bodies are usually very heavy because they usually carry a huge 'self' on their heads. Perhaps they manage this 'self' very well, or perhaps they manage it very poorly. What the world sees is the appearance designed by their values. But what Changren sees is: how many people share this common appearance? How many strong personalities support the shaping of such a powerful 'self'? Competitiveness and dominance are inevitable. Then, there must be strong values. After mixing, the appearance that is formed and presented is an empty 'self.' It is nothing more than an effort to create a false self-appearance. It is like a blank cartridge; no matter how gorgeous the exterior is, it is all fake. Speaking of which, life is quite sad. In order to survive, you shape your own value; in order to survive, you live so falsely, while inside, you are so empty and uneasy. The world has endless emotions; it is a kind of changeable personality. It seriously requires the efficacy of medicine or counseling, but it still cannot be solved, cannot be cut off, as if one has contracted a terminal illness. Why is this so? Because everyone does not understand the meaning of spiritual attachment.

If there can be a power that brings peace of mind, everyone will surely follow it with all their might. Life is truly short. For the sake of the false reputation you want, you struggle to follow it. How much value does this 'self' have? The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre laments the illusion of the world and the many impermanences of life. People take the false for the true. In this fake play, how many people are performing it with great intensity? In fact, in the six realms of rebirth, there are too many such dramas. Sentient beings pay a high price because of this 'self,' and they are covered in wounds, yet they still do not know how to wake up. Now that you have the opportunity to see these things, do you want to try to change? First, you need a good environment to loosen the false 'self-appearance' you have held for years. Then, you need to meet the Truth to fill your empty heart. This will be better than any psychological treatment or medicine in the world. It can completely cure your problems. Coming here, you can truly solve these things. A true practitioner does not need too many words with you. From your eyes and your spirit, he can clearly see your deep-seated problems. You do not need any medical treatment, nor do you need any measures. It is just a few words that can settle the weak self beneath your true face and soothe all your emotions. You can be stable in all of this. This is not a myth, nor is it superstition. It is just stopping for a moment to understand you. We do not get any price from you. A sincere heart that wants to help you—this is the compassion of 'no-mind' and 'no-self,' and it is also the Truth that the Buddha wants to teach.

This can truly be done, including for those who have had difficulty sleeping for a long time; they can also begin to sleep peacefully. Because of this peace, and because we teach you to let go of the self, this is the Truth and the positive nature of the Buddha Dharma. I see it so clearly. If everyone is willing to let go of suspicion and come to this place, you do not need a day; you can experience and benefit from so much. Try it. I have finished what I wanted to say today. When a person is alive, there are not many days left. You should find out what you came to this world to do. Find the true meaning, and you will not spend your days in emptiness. Since someone can teach you, why not give it a try? Do not hold onto the thoughts in your heart too tightly. Relax a little, and you will have the answer. Namo Amituofo."

Namo Amituofo.