The Essence of True Practice
An Interview with Venerable Changren
Recorded on April 9, 2019
This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, who shares profound insights on the nature of true spiritual practice. The interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on April 9, 2019, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. This account reflects upon the essential requirements for achieving spiritual success in the Pure Land tradition.
Venerable Changren speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Changren. When we speak of spiritual practice, we must understand that the goal is to cultivate the Truth. It is not merely about going through the motions of practice; true practice requires one to be wholehearted and singular in focus. If your mind is cluttered with a multitude of trivial matters or weighed down by complex, conflicting emotions, these serve only as obstacles. They hinder the degree of purity you can attain within your practice. The most vital aspect of Pure Land practice lies in the nourishment of the heart. You must stop being pulled back and forth by the affairs of the secular world. Your heart should be purified; it cannot remain stained by excessive worldly attachments, for one cannot cleanse one's own nature while clinging to the dust of the world.
The Preciousness of Time and
In our practice, we must strive for awakening. When you hear the principles of the explained so clearly and thoroughly, your heart should naturally experience a sense of awakening. It is not acceptable to simply let time slip away, second by second. That is a grave mistake. Time is incredibly precious, and the opportunity to encounter the teachings that can lead you to awakening is a rare and magnificent chance. You must be vigilant and ask yourself: 'Am I still too far from a state of purity? Has my heart truly let go of its burdens since arriving here?' If your heart still holds even a single thread of attachment, then no matter how much you practise, you are still operating within the realm of the secular world. You will not be able to achieve spiritual success, and it would be a profound tragedy to waste the opportunity of having come to this place.
Transcending the Worldly Web
People in the world often fail to understand the magnificence of true, pure practice. In reality, being able to find one's way back to one's true self is a wonderful thing. That state of pure ease, that authentic life of the spirit—how free and joyful it truly is! However, the attachments and desires of the human world are enough to ruin everyone. They prevent people from waking up, keeping them trapped in the pursuit of worldly pleasures. Day after day passes, and they remain unable to wake up, unable to realise their true nature. It is my sincere hope that everyone who comes here will take their practice seriously. You must find your innate Wisdom. Only then will your presence here have any real, lasting significance.
A Call to Diligent Practice
Spiritual practice is a personal responsibility. You must seize every opportunity to engage in diligent practice. Do not waste your time or your chances; to let them slip through your fingers would be a regret too great to bear. I hope that everyone can break through these barriers and find their true selves. Namo Amituofo."
Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi.
More from Master Chang Ren
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library