The Essence of a Meaningful Life

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Gao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his early journey in the Dharma. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on June 20, 2023.

Venerable Chang Gao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chang Gao. When I was in the human world, I often pondered the very essence of existence. What truly constitutes a meaningful life? What kind of life is merely a dry, flavourless existence? We see lives spanning thirty years, and lives spanning sixty years, but what is the common thread that makes any life—regardless of its duration—truly valuable and significant?

I remember a time when a friend asked me, 'Is it not good to marry and have children? Why must you insist on studying the Buddha’s teachings?' At that time, I was merely a beginner, just touching the surface of the Dharma. I did not fully grasp the profound depths of the Buddha’s Wisdom. My friend was genuinely puzzled by my choices, and his question was born from a place of concern. I did not overthink my response; I simply spoke from the heart: 'Choosing to marry and have children is choosing to follow the path of fate. I choose not to follow fate. That is why I study the Buddha’s teachings—to carve out a different path amidst the long, winding road of reincarnated suffering.'

The Choice Between Fate and Freedom

My friend did not quite understand what I meant then. What I was trying to express was this: as long as we possess this physical body, we are bound by the dictates of fate and karma. Since I had been fortunate enough to obtain this human body, why should I allow myself to be manipulated by these forces? Why not strengthen myself, break free from the shackles of fate and karma, liberate my spirit, and cease this cycle of suffering?

Beyond that, when I was at home, every time I opened my eyes, I saw the suffering of the world. Whether it was my neighbours, my relatives, or the people I saw on the streets—regardless of whether they wore rags or fine, expensive clothing, regardless of their age or gender—in my eyes, there was no difference. Everyone was suffering. Deeply, profoundly suffering.

Seeing the Universal Suffering

Once I was able to perceive this suffering, I knew I had to seize the opportunity. I had to help those who were suffering every single day, yet remained unaware of their own plight. I wanted to reach out, to pull them up, and to offer everyone a chance at liberation and escape from this cycle.

Now, as I share my state of mind from those early days of practice, I do so to encourage all current Buddhist practitioners. The world is filled with hardship. If we have even a shred of strength, and a heart filled with compassion and Goodness, we must seize the time we have in this human body. We must engage in diligent practice, purify ourselves, study the Buddha’s teachings, and thoroughly adjust our inner character. We must transform ourselves into individuals capable of helping others.

A Call to Diligent Practice

If every person could make such a vow—whether that vow is large or small—it would undoubtedly help the Earth and bring about real change. I see the suffering of beings intensifying more and more, and I feel an immense sense of gratitude that I have the opportunity to follow Practitioner Su in the work of Chao Du.

It is precisely because I can follow the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su to deliver sentient beings that I, even now, without a physical body, can still contribute my efforts for the sake of all beings. I hope that all those who still possess a human body will join this mission to save the world. Let go of your attachment to the body, learn the compassion of the Buddha, and maintain a heart that is pure and filled with Goodness. No matter where you are, you can use Wisdom to help sentient beings at any time and in any place.

A Life of True Significance

A life lived in this way—where every day, every minute, and every second is dedicated to benefiting beings, benefiting both oneself and others—is a truly precious life. It is a life that is deeply, profoundly meaningful.

Namo Amituofo."