Venerable Chang Ren is a dedicated monastic residing at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. In this interview, recorded on April 28, 2023, by Chief Writer Shi Fajing, Venerable Chang Ren offers profound insights into the spiritual origins of physical suffering, explaining how past karmic actions manifest as persistent health issues.
Venerable Chang Ren speaks:
". I am Venerable Chang Ren. Today, I wish to discuss the profound and often hidden relationship between our physical suffering and the karmic imprints we carry within our bodies.
The Fragility of the Human Form
The deterioration of bodily functions and the damage to our internal organs have a devastating impact on our entire being; in severe cases, these conditions can be fatal. Consider how a single, tiny needle pricking the skin causes an immediate reaction. it instantly, the brain rapidly transmits pain signals, and it sends a command to the hand to pull back reflexively. The human body is so interconnected that a single hair pulled affects the whole; any minor wound can disrupt the operation of the entire system. From this perspective, everyone should come to a deeper realisation about the nature of our physical existence.
Today, I want to share insights regarding the space within the nasal cavity. Many people suffer from a persistent runny nose. Often, this is not due to a common cold, but is a chronic condition caused by allergies or other underlying factors. Through medical treatment, many have yet to eradicate these symptoms, forced instead to endure the torment of these ailments while trying to go about their daily lives.
Karmic Spaces Within the Body
It is a natural law that different people manifesting the same disease symptoms may have entirely different spiritual spaces existing within them. This is because every individual carries a unique past. I have observed that for some, there is a space within the nasal cavity resembling a massive flood. This flood represents the harm caused to countless creatures, all of whom are still trapped within that nasal space. This specific karmic cause has resulted in the karmic fruit of a never-ending runny nose.
I have also observed cases where a vast ocean space appears within the nasal cavity. In a past life, that person was once a creature living in the sea. That entire oceanic space remains within their nasal cavity, containing the very sea creatures they once harmed. Similar to the previous case, this has led to the of constant nasal discharge.
The Weight of Past Cruelty
Furthermore, I have seen instances where the nasal cavity contains a large number of insects and land animals that were cruelly thrown into water. They were harmed with evil intent and ultimately lost their lives because they could not escape the water. This karmic cause, in the same manner, has resulted in the retribution of a chronic runny nose in this lifetime.
While different people may exhibit the same symptoms of a runny nose—and from a medical perspective, they are given the same diagnostic label—within the spiritual space, these are entirely different realms of created . Although a runny nose may seem like a minor symptom, it exerts a significant influence on the body, forcing one to blow their nose incessantly, or causing discomfort that affects the eyes and the head.
Transforming Karma Through Repentance
The sentient beings within the nasal cavity manifest according to the power of karma, and this manifestation is largely driven by the same personality traits and habits one held in the past. If even a minor physical ailment can so profoundly affect your daily life, why not strive to change your personality and habits to avoid such suffering? Why continue to endure such an unbearable body?
The Buddha’s teachings are meant to educate the heart. To transform karma, one must rely on their own diligent efforts to actively change their character and thoroughly reform themselves. A heart of repenting is essential to resolve the conflict with the one has harmed throughout their many lives. You must realise that the things you fight for, the attachments you hold, and the stubborn personality you display now will all lead to deep regret when illness manifests. At this very moment, do your utmost to adjust and change. This will reduce the suffering of your body and help these beings find liberation and leave suffering behind.
