The Fragile Innocence of Childhood

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changgao, who reflects on the spiritual development of children at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on April 11, 2019.

Venerable Changgao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I recently observed a child at the temple, a little one, and I noticed a distinct change from when I last saw him. He has grown significantly taller, yes, but he has also developed a complex web of thoughts and discriminations. Even in the span of just a few months, this once simple child has begun to construct an ego within this simple environment. He has started to wonder: 'What do I want? What do I want to eat? What do I want to do? What should I say? How should I act?'

The moment a child begins to dwell on these things, the trouble begins. It is exactly the same for adults. When an adult begins to dwell on their own desires, there is immediate turbulence. Every thought and intention creates a ripple, and these ripples attract various beings. It is best not to think at all, but if one must think, one should only focus on what is good and virtuous. One must never dwell on what is harmful.

The Danger of Unchecked Thoughts

The moment a person thinks of something good, they cultivate Goodness, and they attract good conditions and beings with pure intentions. Conversely, the moment one thinks of something harmful, they attract evil, negative conditions, and beings with malicious intentions. Watching this child, I see that while his nature is still simple, his thoughts are constant. This is the natural process of human growth. If we were not here at the temple, with the Master and these true spiritual friends helping to watch over the child and point out these issues, parents and elders might often miss these blind spots. They might become accustomed to these behaviours, failing to realise that this is actually a dangerous situation. Even if they are aware of it and try to correct the child, the child may not necessarily be able to change.

Adults often assume that a child's innocence means their thoughts cannot be truly harmful. However, if a child occasionally acts out and this is not discovered, addressed, or corrected, these thoughts will persist. They will eventually solidify into the child's character and habits, making them incredibly difficult to change later in life. We must act while they are still young. As soon as an adult notices something is wrong, they must intervene immediately. You must stop it right then and there. You must never spoil them. If you wait until they are grown, it becomes nearly impossible to adjust their behaviour or shift their mindset. The one who suffers the most from this neglect is the child themselves.

The Pollution of the Modern World

As children grow and learn, their thoughts, desires, and mental notes multiply, and they become increasingly susceptible to spiritual attachment. The computers, televisions, and various media they are exposed to are all sources of pollution. Yet, often out of a fear that their children will fall behind others, adults constantly use various educational channels to fill and indoctrinate the child with all sorts of knowledge and common information. Consequently, the children begin to develop discriminations, comparisons, and attachments—'I want this,' 'I need that.' Their originally pure and kind character begins to be tainted by these impurities.

Looking at these children, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of emotion. These two children truly possess a tremendous blessing. At such a young age, they have the opportunity to meet the Master, to learn the Dharma, to chant Namo Amituofo, and to undergo purification. They are far luckier than most other children. Having been away from the temple for only a few dozen days, I could already see the signs of pollution taking hold. Fortunately, after returning, they have gradually begun to recover their original, pure state. If this is the case for children in such a supportive environment, imagine the state of other children. It is no wonder that the Buddha instructs us to ensure that chanting then becomes a continuous, flowing stream that never stops, so that we are constantly in a state of purification.

Cultivating a Buddha-Centred Home

A Buddha-centred home is essential. The whole family should bring the children along, cultivating their kind and pure character from a young age. They should start chanting Namo Amituofo, chanting sincerely, and chanting with a true heart. They must never stray from the teachings of the temple and the Master. In such a magnificent environment, we and the Dharma protectors will be looking after these two little Bodhisattvas. If we teach them well and guide them properly, they will eventually be able to lead the other children in the temple, serving as model students for them all.

From this moment on—right now, in the present—we must begin to teach them. The most important thing is to listen to the Buddha-name at all times. It is even better if they chant it themselves, as they will receive the Buddha's blessings, maintain their purification, and keep their hearts simple. It is my sincere hope that these children will realise their true nature at an early date."