The Human Body as a Shelter for Sentient Spirits
An Interview with Venerable Changren
Recorded by Shi Fajing on November 6, 2022
Venerable Changren, a monastic who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre and currently resides there, shares profound insights into the spiritual nature of the human body. This interview was recorded on November 6, 2022, by the chief writer, Shi Fajing.
Venerable Changren speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. When I speak of the human body as a 'shelter for sentient spirits,' I am describing a reality that most people are entirely unaware of. It is a concept that touches upon the very essence of our existence in this world.
The Human Body as a Vessel
The human body is in a state of constant spiritual attachment. Think about it—the space around us is absolutely teeming with sentient spirits. They are everywhere. At any given moment, these spirits can enter the human body. It is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of resonance. If your heart, your character, and your personal energy field are in sync with these spirits, they can enter your body with incredible speed. They come from all four corners of the earth, drawn to the resonance of your own state of mind.
You might wonder if one needs a large body to house so many spirits, but that is not the case at all. Whether you are tall or short, thin or heavy, the human body is capable of housing an immeasurable and boundless number of sentient spirits. We are, in effect, a shelter for these wandering souls, providing them with a place to stay. This is why I describe the human body as a 'shelter for sentient spirits.' It is a vessel that carries more than just flesh and blood; it carries a multitude of lives that have nowhere else to go.
The Hidden Spirits in Our Daily Sustenance
Everything in this world possesses a spirit. This is a fundamental truth that was revealed to us after the of Practitioner Su opened the dimensions of space. This includes the very food we consume. Whether it is the vegetables, fruits, snacks, water, or beverages you ingest, there are sentient spirits present within them. This is especially true for complex foods—the more processed a food item is, the more spirits it contains. Think of a dish that has been heavily seasoned, or a product that has undergone numerous industrial manufacturing stages; the more ingredients added and the more complex the processing, the greater the number of spirits trapped within that food.
When we consume these foods, the vast majority of these spirits remain trapped within our bodies. Some are eventually expelled through waste, but for those who do not drink enough water, the process of elimination is much slower. These spirits accumulate in , piling up layer upon layer. As these spirits gather in greater and greater numbers, they naturally begin to affect the physical body, often leading to the manifestation of illness. The presence of these spirits is not neutral; they have their own needs, their own suffering, and their own influence on the host body.
A Simple Method for Universal Benefit
Because of this, Practitioner Su now teaches us a vital practice: before eating anything, chant Namo Amituofo ten times to purify the food before you. This simple act helps the spirits within the food to shed their 'outer garments,' leave the space of the food, regain their human form, and seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is truly an exceptional practice. It benefits all sentient beings, purifies the food you are about to consume, and helps these beings leave their suffering behind. At the same time, it purifies you, ensuring that as you fill your stomach, you are not inadvertently consuming and trapping more spirits within your own body.
Reclaiming Sovereignty Over the Body
The 'shelter for sentient spirits' that is your body can be appropriately adjusted. You have the power to reclaim your own sovereignty. By chanting Namo Amituofo at every moment, you not only purify your body but also prevent your thoughts from attracting further spirits. This constant practice of purification helps the spirits already residing within you to find liberation and leave their suffering behind. It is a path of for them and a path of clarity for yourself.
Namo Amituofo."
More from Master Chang Ren
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The Occupied Body: A Spiritual Reality
Venerable Chang Ren reveals the hidden truth behind the aging process and physical illness, explaining how uncorrected personality flaws create loopholes that allow spirits and karmic creditors to occupy the human body.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library