The Hidden Depths of the Mind

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changgao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his insights into the nature of practice and the hidden habits of the mind. Recorded by the disciple Shi Faxin on June 6, 2019.

Venerable Changgao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. As I walk the path through the human world, I observe the myriad affairs of life—the trivial, the complex, and the overwhelming. One must ask: what should be considered important? With what mindset should we face these things? When we contemplate these matters, what is it that truly resides in the depths of our hearts? What should be done, and what should be avoided? We must possess a 'ruler' within our hearts. This ruler is not for measuring others; it is for measuring one's own heart.

The fleeting pleasures and joys we find in this world are merely temporary. While the path of practice may sound dull or uninteresting to some, it is the only path that walks upon the Truth. Without the Truth, the body becomes misaligned, the soul drifts, and one's journey becomes obstructed. What we perceive often falls into the trap of our own consciousness, and within that consciousness, it is our ego-attachment and biased views that are at work. Often, we are unable to listen to the advice of others because we remain trapped within our own habitual spaces, spinning in circles within a comfort zone of our own making."

The Physical Manifestation of Habits

"Under these conditions, our 'form' is deepened. This 'form' is what others see in the world, and it is constantly changing. As these transformations occur, we follow our own personalities completely. Our personality can manifest at any moment, sometimes even erupting in ways that are difficult to manage. Such chaotic situations shake every cell in our bodies. These microscopic collisions and the resulting pressure cause our body and mind to feel profound discomfort. Through Meditation, I have been able to perceive the subtle state of the body.

First, one must slowly harmonise their breathing. I am very clear about the extent to which my body has become still. Gradually, I began to see my own cells—I could see where the dark spots remained within them. Upon seeing these dark spots, I would strive to keep my heart in a state of balance. These dark spots represent the habits and personality traits that are hidden deep within, some shallow and some profound. Subduing these traits so that they do not manifest is the task that has taken me the longest time in my practice."

The Endless Journey of Practice

"Ultimately, through Meditation, one may transcend the ordinary and enter the realm of the sages. However, the stains hidden deep within often still exist. When one reaches a state of extreme subtlety, these stains will manifest. Others may not know of them, but I know them all too well. The depth of practice is boundless; even now, as beings in the spirit realms, we are still practising. Without this physical body, it seems that many of these hidden habits still accompany us. Of course, through the Dharma talks of Venerable Master Chin Kung, we are all working to correct ourselves.

It is not only the human world; the spirit realms, the ten directions, and even the galaxy beyond the ten directions are all listening to the Dharma talks of Venerable Master Chin Kung. After understanding the Truth, we seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss at the time of Chao Du. Countless beings are reborn there day after day. This is a magnificent Dharma at this very moment; we must cherish and grasp the practice of the present."

The Illusion of Home

"What is the feeling upon returning to one's place of origin? Is it the mindset of returning to one's hometown, or is it the mindset of saving beings? Where is one's true home? Upon returning to my hometown, it felt as though I needed to see familiar people and familiar scenery. I had to examine whether my heart was still unable to let go. The attachments I thought I had overcome would completely collapse the moment I saw the people I missed. I would find myself dissolving into the joy of family, or the desire for things I once wanted and activities I once enjoyed would surge forth one by one. Through this, one can understand what Venerable Master Chin Kung often tells everyone about 'not being able to let go'—it contains such an intense exchange of emotions.

Namo Amituofo."