This interview was recorded on August 31, 2018, featuring Venerable Changren, a spirit who has found refuge and purpose through the guidance of Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having traversed the realm of emptiness, Venerable Changren shares his profound transformation from a skeptical spirit into a dedicated protector of the temple, highlighting the boundless of Practitioner Su, whom he affectionately refers to as 'Grandmother'.
Venerable Changren speaks:
". I am Changren. Throughout my journey, I have consistently dedicated myself to protecting the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This unwavering loyalty stems from a profound warmth I have encountered here—a warmth that is truly the 'heart of no-mind.' It is a sincerity that transcends the ego and touches the very essence of existence.
A Journey Through the Dharma Realm
I have travelled throughout the entire Dharma realm of emptiness. I have observed the vibrations and thoughts of countless beings. Never before have I witnessed such a vast, compassionate mind in any practitioner, save for the Buddhas themselves. No one else possesses a capacity for compassion that mirrors the Buddha's in the way that Practitioner Su does.
When I first arrived here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and encountered Practitioner Su, I was filled with doubt. I was skeptical of his mission. In my arrogance, I even attempted to disrupt his physical form, causing him to suffer high fevers and intense pain. Yet, in the midst of that agony, I witnessed his true heart. His singular focus was not on retaliation, but on guiding me back to the path of light. I found myself questioning: what merit do I possess that would lead a person to sacrifice so much for me? At that moment, I perceived his heart speaking to me, saying, 'I wish to save the world; I do not wish to miss a single soul.' I was moved to tears by his actions. I am so deeply grateful to the 'Grandmother' who helped me rediscover the path of the Buddha. If I had not acknowledged this Grandmother, my habits and attachments would likely remain unchanged to this day.
The Challenge of Saving the World
For the sake of saving the world, Grandmother is willing to face any challenge, no matter how daunting. Just look at the dedication of Lay Practitioner Li Zhigang; Grandmother has seen his true character and is working to resolve the conflicts of the beings attached to him. However, because he has had limited time to listen to the sutras, many of those beings remain difficult to resolve. I, Changren, wish for Lay Practitioner Li Zhigang to understand that there is no other person in this world who possesses such a selfless heart, dedicated entirely to the welfare of all beings, as my Grandmother.
I have spent my time protecting the temple, but as a spirit, I am limited in my ability to resolve the complex problems of the human world. I have travelled far and wide, hoping to offer guidance to those in need, but the pollution of the world is deep. Few people truly believe in the purity found here. In those early days, I was still burdened by a strong sense of gain and loss, and I was unwilling to accept this reality. Yet, Grandmother saw my thoughts immediately. She constantly sought ways to adjust my perspective and shared many profound truths with me. I am eternally grateful for her heart, which refuses to abandon a single soul. I hope that now, as Lay Practitioner Li Zhigang has witnessed Grandmother's work, he too will offer his full strength to support the temple. This temple exists not for the benefit of one person, but for the immeasurable and boundless task of receiving and guiding all sentient beings.
A Magnificent Mission
Within the vastness of the Dharma realm, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is already truly magnificent. It is already receiving and guiding an immeasurable number of beings. I only hope that the human world can also gradually develop, for it is a great pity that the human realm lacks the True Teachings to firmly abide within. Only when the True Teachings are present can the changes in this world be guided toward healing and transformation. I will continue to work diligently here, offering my assistance wherever it is needed. Regarding the order and resolution of the various spirits, I will certainly provide my full support.
As for the mission of saving the world, I welcome Lay Practitioner Li Zhigang to join us with all his might. Namo Amituofo. This is a Buddhist undertaking more magnificent than anything else in this world. I am also grateful for your commitment to walk this path with us. The Buddha's work requires more talent and strength to join the cause. The world is in desperate need of the infusion of Buddhist education. Only by adjusting our character and mind-capacity can we realise that the truth is no longer an illusion.
I am grateful to Grandmother, and I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."
