The Hardness of Attachment

Venerable Yongning sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where she now resides. This interview, recorded on November 14, 2021, by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, captures her reflections on the nature of attachment and its impact on one's spiritual character.

Venerable Yongning speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Yongning. When we speak of those who possess attachment, we are describing individuals who find it incredibly difficult to be gentle or flexible. This is because the strength of their attachment is far greater than the softness of their heart. They are like stone—hard, unyielding, and refusing to be easily changed or influenced by the truth.

The Compassionate Effort of Practitioner Su

Regardless of the actual circumstances or what may be happening behind the scenes, the compassionate Practitioner Su simply acts. He exerts his utmost effort, doing everything for the sake of all beings, with no other agenda. As for the final results, the heart of Practitioner Su is always in accordance with the Law of Cause, Condition, and Effect; he does not force things. Yet, in this process, there are two words that are absolutely indispensable: 'effort'—a sincere, genuine effort made for the benefit of all beings.

When the Buddha’s teachings are unable to transform a person's character, that powerful force operating within the human body can be described as demon nature."

The Hidden Influence of Demon Nature

"Everyone possesses this demon nature, not just a select few; it is merely a matter of the degree of its intensity. In those where this demon nature is stronger, one can observe a more intense personality. Sometimes this intensity is clearly visible, while at other times, it remains hidden deep within the body, not yet overtly expressed. However, the negative power residing within is extremely potent.

Consider the personality trait of attachment alone—it contains such a powerful demon nature within it. This is a type of demon nature that can be easily packaged and hidden. It influences an incredibly wide range of aspects, including every decision a person makes and how they perceive the world. It can even dictate the intensity of one's personality. In every respect, a person can be influenced by this demon nature, which ultimately comes to dominate their entire life.

When one is strongly attached to a particular view regarding a person or an event, that perspective easily becomes biased due to the rigidity of the attachment. Because of this attachment, the person is influenced by demon nature, which makes their view even more entrenched. They become unable to see through a situation comprehensively, causing their perspective to lose touch with reality.

The Illusion of Being Right

Yet, human beings with such attachment find it difficult to perceive their own errors. They often mistakenly believe that their own thoughts are absolutely correct, and thus, they bite down hard on their own established viewpoints, refusing to let go. They have lived this way for many years, as if poisoning themselves, dwelling within a world of incorrect cognition. Because of this attachment, they find it hard to see the truth; because of this attachment, they misunderstand their entire lives.

Those who possess this attachment find it difficult to be gentle, for the strength of their attachment overrides the softness of their heart. If one wishes to discuss or debate with such a person, or to present a different view or insight, they will inevitably be as hard as stone. They will not allow themselves to be easily changed, as they are busy protecting their own rigid ideas. This is also a form of confidence in their own cognition—a belief that what they think is absolutely correct—which carries an arrogant air within it, making them even harder to change.

Breaking Down the Walls of the Heart

Even setting aside the Teacher, I, Yongning, have observed many among the fourfold assembly who possess a strong sense of attachment. Although their original nature is Goodness, this intense attachment causes them to live in a space that is not reality—a space they have constructed themselves. Their body and heart are like those bound by ropes, stiff and unable to move freely.

In the process of learning the Buddha’s teachings, it becomes difficult for such individuals to be subdued or transformed. Their own rigid beliefs, carrying a strong demon nature, dominate The Head and all their thoughts. It is truly a pity.

If one wishes to seek change, one must let go of their deep-seated attachment, accept the suggestions given by others, and break through the walls of their own heart. One must allow the Buddha-light to shine in, to warm the inner heart, and to adjust a 'hard heart' into a 'soft heart.' If one can accept the viewpoints of others and is willing to cultivate and change oneself, the arrogant air will simultaneously diminish.

The attachment within the heart of a Teacher can also be observed, and this attachment invites the demon to enter. When one is attached to an incorrect thought, it is easy to be controlled by demon power without even knowing it. Yet, there is no one who can speak to them, as the masses are confused and unclear. This makes it difficult for a Teacher to find a moment of change, which is truly a great tragedy.

Namo Amituofo."