The Heart of True Practice

Venerable Chang Ren, a dedicated monastic who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, currently resides at the centre to focus on her spiritual cultivation. This interview, which captures her profound insights into the nature of true practice, was recorded on April 21, 2019, by the chief writer, Shi Faxi.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. When you come here to practise, if your heart is not sincere—if you are still harbouring resentment or clinging to your own opinions—you will not be able to learn anything. In fact, you will only end up attracting more spiritual obstacles. You must remember that the beings in the spirit realms are watching every one of you at all times.

The Necessity of Shedding the Ego

To practise in this pure environment, everyone must strive to change their habits, their personal ego, and their incorrect views and behaviours. You cannot continue to insist on your own way. When a teacher provides instruction, if you still hold onto strong emotions or personal thoughts, that is a great act of unfilial piety. The words of a teacher are like those of a parent who gives you a second life. Their teachings are intended to help us resolve the karmic debts we have carried through countless lifetimes and to correct our misguided views and actions.

You must be willing to accept instruction and be capable of changing yourself. Only then will your practice be diligent and meaningful. It is not enough to simply let the days pass by while your habits and ego remain unchanged. If you allow yourself to fall into a state where you are controlled by other beings, losing the ability to govern your own body, how can you still have the energy to lose your temper? You should realise how incredibly dangerous that is. You must be alert to your own precarious situation. Think about how many beings are waiting for the chance to take you away. It is not that the practice itself is difficult; it is your own ego that allows these beings to prevent you from practising. Because the karmic debts you owe from the past are so heavy, these beings are not willing to let go easily. At this very moment, you should know that you must repent and change your ways. You must be more diligent. If you continue to cling to your ego and prevent yourself from practising, the loss will be truly immense.

The Power of Sincere Repentance

Right now, your practice depends entirely on yourself because you are the one who must change. You must be able to absorb and internalise what the teacher has said. Just as the Grandmother has said, for those who truly wish to be diligent, she is willing to provide even greater support. This is because when the beings see your sincere heart and your willingness to be diligent, they will sense it and be willing to loosen their grip, giving both you and them a chance. As long as you act with true sincerity, these beings will be willing to let go and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, because they, too, are waiting for an opportunity for liberation and to escape the cycle of rebirth.

A Final Call to Reflection

Therefore, everyone must change. You must practise with true honesty. Do not continue to sacrifice everything for the sake of your habits, your ego, or your own selfish concerns. The loss is far too great; the price you pay is simply too high. I hope everyone can think this through very clearly: is it not time to truly and properly commit yourself to your practice?

I am deeply grateful for the Grandmother's compassionate teachings. May the Buddha be compassionate. Namo Amituofo."