The Inner Effort of True Practice

This interview with Venerable Chang Ren was recorded on July 10, 2019, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Venerable Chang Ren, who resides at the Centre and has dedicated their life to the path of the Buddha, offers these teachings on the vital importance of self-reliance and the necessity of active, diligent practice in one's journey toward awakening.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I have observed many individuals striving to transform themselves, each employing their own unique methods of diligent practice. While everyone is putting forth significant effort, the approaches vary greatly. Within the hearts of these practitioners, there exist diverse dreams and aspirations. Even though some individuals still carry the lingering dust of worldly desires and the deep-seated habits accumulated over countless lifetimes, I can clearly perceive the side of them that is striving. To varying degrees, there is a genuine heart that yearns for change."

The Responsibility of the Individual

"In truth, the path of practice is entirely in your own hands. Are you truly willing to commit to diligent practice? That depends solely on whether you are prepared to execute the work yourself. Practitioner Su has provided teachings on this matter many times. No matter how frequently you hear the same principles, you must truly put them into action to derive any real benefit. If you continue to listen without ever truly practising, then no matter how much you hear, it remains merely a set of theories. It has not been integrated into your own practice, and you have only squandered the opportunity to find your true self."

Moving Beyond Dependency

"Practice must rely on your own efforts; it cannot depend on anyone else. This includes the reliance that many of you place upon Practitioner Su—that is not the way. I know that many people hold Practitioner Su in such high regard and feel a strong desire to cling tightly to her, but in doing so, they forget that they should be focusing on their own practice and transforming themselves. If you wish to follow Practitioner Su in your practice, you should be proactive and diligent. You should not simply want to lean on her; instead, you must focus on recovering your own innate abilities."

The Path to Awakening

"Learning the Buddha's teachings is about finding your true self. Within these magnificent Causal Conditions, everyone should strive to become an awakened being. Engage in diligent practice to recover who you truly are. The effort you put in now is for your own benefit. Practice must result in changes that you can carry with you; do not let your opportunities for growth slip away day by day."

The Danger of Unchecked Habits

"Day by day, time continues to move forward, and I see this very clearly. If you still hold onto your temper and personal ego, then not only are you failing to practise, but you are also creating karma. It is a truly regrettable thing. Learning the Buddha's teachings requires one to awaken oneself. Do not think only of yourself; if you can let go of that self-centredness, you will reach awakening much faster."

"I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha, and I am grateful to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."