The Heart of Chao Du

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Ren, who reflects on the profound nature of Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on February 15, 2023.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The work of Chao Du is something that never ceases; it continues day after day without interruption. It is only through this process of Chao Du that the suffering spirits trapped within various spaces can truly leave suffering behind. This is, at its core, an act of supreme compassion.

The space in which Practitioner Su performs this Chao Du is vast and boundless. It encompasses a scope so immense that it cannot be explained by the limited understanding of the human world. These spaces are infinitely layered, extending into depths and breadths that have no limits. It is truly magnificent.

The Internal Space of Beings

The space that Practitioner Su reaches through her Chao Du is not limited to those spirits wandering in the void. She is also able to extend her compassion to the internal spaces within the bodies of human beings. She reaches into these hidden realms to provide the help they so desperately need.

Recently, Practitioner Su has been performing Chao Du for the beings residing within the bodies of the fourfold assembly. The results of this work vary significantly depending on the state of each individual. The reactions of the beings within each member of the fourfold assembly are never the same. This is not because there is any difference in Practitioner Su's ability to perform Chao Du, but because the 'heart' of each member of the fourfold assembly is different. That heart is the true key to the entire process.

The Mirror of the Heart

The personality of the beings within a person's body is often a reflection of the person themselves. When a person’s heart is stubborn and rigid, the beings within them are inevitably just as stubborn. They reside within the person, and as the person's mental notes shift and change, so too do the beings. Therefore, for those who are habitually stubborn, the beings within them are equally difficult to resolve. They often become filled with resentment and may even lash out, attacking Practitioner Su during the process.

Because of this, Practitioner Su must endure immense physical suffering while helping the fourfold assembly. These beings, refusing to accept that Practitioner Su is trying to save the person they inhabit, often resort to harmful or aggressive behaviour. Yet, Practitioner Su is filled with such compassion that she endures every attack. Driven by a heart dedicated to saving beings, she is willing to pay the price with her own body, hoping only that more beings might leave suffering behind as soon as possible.

The Power of Sincerity and Repentance

Regardless of the character or personality of the members of the fourfold assembly, the most important element during Practitioner Su's Chao Du is the 'heart' within the person. I have witnessed cases where beings were so stubborn that no matter how many times Practitioner Su brought them into the space for Chao Du, they refused to resolve their conflicts with their karmic creditors. They were consumed by a desire for revenge, completely ignoring the salvation being offered.

In those moments, I could see that the heart of the karmic creditor lacked gratitude, compassion, and gentleness. Their rigid attitude and dismissive demeanour made it impossible to resolve the conflict with their own beings. However, through a change in Causal Conditions, the person would eventually shift their mental state. They would begin to feel a flicker of true repentance and gratitude for Practitioner Su's compassionate Chao Du. Once their heart softened, the Buddha-light would shine upon them, and the continuous sound of the Buddha-name would begin the process of purification. The beings, sensing this change, would soften their own stance, shedding their rigid exterior and finally departing amidst the Buddha-light and the chanting of the Buddha-name.

A Call to True Change

This situation is something we see quite often. It applies not only to the fourfold assembly but to everyone who registers for memorial tablets. Whether these beings are willing to resolve their conflicts depends not only on the power of the Buddha but also on the person's own power. This 'self-power' is a heart that truly admits its mistakes, feels deep repentance, and is genuinely willing to change.

Only by putting in the work from the bottom of one's heart and thoroughly transforming oneself can one possess enough sincerity to repent to these beings. Otherwise, the effort remains merely a formality. To the beings, such a gesture is false and hypocritical. They will not only ignore it but will refuse to accept it, which is a great tragedy.

Practitioner Su is single-mindedly devoted to all beings. Regardless of the state of their hearts or how many spirits exist within the space, she performs Chao Du daily to help them leave suffering behind. She has no worries for herself and dedicates her entire being to this cause. The public should cultivate true repentance and gratitude, transform their own mental notes and character, and resolve to help save beings together. Only then can we truly help more beings achieve liberation and leave suffering behind.

Namo Amituofo.

Chang Ren"