Venerable Chang Ren, a monastic at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, offers profound insights into the illusory nature of worldly reality and the path to reclaiming one's true nature through diligent practice. This interview was recorded on April 26, 2019, to provide guidance for those seeking to return to their true self.
Venerable Chang Ren speaks:
". Is what you see with your own eyes truly the truth? Or is what you hear from others the truth? What can truly be considered 'real' in this world? In reality, nothing in this world is truly real. Everything is an illusion—including familial bonds, romantic love, friendships, and every single relationship or event you encounter. All these Causal Conditions are false; they are not real. They are merely a game played within a dream, testing everyone's meditative concentration and the depth of their practice skills.
The Illusion of Experience
True practice requires a high level of spiritual maturity, yet most people fall short in this regard. Let me be clear: it is not that you lack the innate potential or intelligence. Everyone here is highly capable and talented. So, why does your level of practice remain insufficient? It is because of your personality, your attitude, your emotions, and your habits. Most importantly, it is because of your excessive reliance on past experiences. These things hinder your progress, making you appear as though you lack the depth of a true practitioner. Practice is something that must be cultivated bit by bit, through your own personal effort. This cultivation is intended for one purpose: to reclaim your true self, to rediscover the innate instincts of your true nature. This true nature is an essence that every single person possesses from the very beginning.
The Barrier to Seeing Truth
If you were to ask, 'Where does this true nature come from?', that is a question that can only be answered when you have truly become an awakened being. Before that moment, no answer will ever satisfy you. Even if someone were to present you with the absolute truth, you would likely refuse to believe it. This is a common situation in practice. You have not yet seen your true nature, and your practice is still obstructed. You cannot find your true self precisely because of your own internal issues; it is these very problems that prevent you from seeing your true nature.
The Truth Within the Non-Truth
The truth actually exists within what is 'not the truth.' It resides in the state of 'non-existence,' yet it is also a state of 'existence.' What does this mean? It means you should stop overthinking. Focus on doing your work, practice diligently, and apply yourself with sincerity. If you are constantly plagued by excessive questions and an obsessive desire to 'find' the truth, how can your heart ever be honest and pure? Naturally, you will remain very far from your true nature. In such a state, how could anything be the truth? You will inevitably continue to ask question after question, with no end in sight.
A Sanctuary for Diligent Practice
When you finally see the truth—which is the moment you see your true nature—you will realise that before that point, you should not have been attached to anything at all. Focusing on your practice is the only thing that is truly real. Here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, we are blessed to have the care of the Grandmother. Everyone can feel at ease and focus on their diligent practice. You must seize this opportunity to reclaim your true nature. Only then will you not have wasted this life, and only then will you not miss this magnificent opportunity. I am deeply grateful to the Grandmother. May the Buddha’s be with us all. Namo Amituofo."
