The Integrity of a Vow

This interview was recorded on September 18, 2017, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Venerable Changren, a monastic who sought deliverance through the teachings of the centre and now resides there, shares profound insights on the nature of vows and the necessity of sincerity in one's practice.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"The physical body is a heavy burden to transcend; it is truly difficult to manage. One may clearly articulate a vow, yet find it nearly impossible to fulfil. How many people in this world have made great vows and exerted immense effort, only to find that their hearts remain tethered to the dust of the world? Before long, such intentions are pulled down again by the Five Desires and the Six Dusts. As time passes, the original vow is slowly forgotten, fading into the background as if it were never spoken at all. When you forget, when you can no longer recall your commitment, you lose that essential awareness. You begin to follow your worldly heart more and more, and without your vow, it is as if the very foundation of your practice has been hollowed out. In that void, other influences will naturally step in to take its place. You will no longer be the radiant, brilliant version of yourself; you will change, becoming someone unrecognisable. This is why, in the realm of integrity and faith, one must never let go of their vow.

The Erosion of the Original Vow

Perhaps this does not happen through deliberate action, but in reality—and indeed, throughout the entire expanse of the universe—what is required is nothing more than a sincere heart and a firm vow. It is not necessarily required that you be perfect or flawless; what is acceptable is that you are constantly striving. However, if you completely abandon your vow and act in total opposition to it, the consequences are severe. It becomes very difficult to progress in your practice. Initially, all vows—whether large or small—when made with a sincere heart, serve to eliminate original karma. You come here to settle your debts, and you can transform that into coming here to fulfil your vow. How many people, after making a sincere vow, have become radiant, as if they were reborn? They fill everyone they meet with Dharma joy. This is the power of a sincere heart and a firm vow.

Everyone has heard that once a vow is made, it must be fulfilled; otherwise, a false vow will inevitably lead to retribution. This is not meant to frighten anyone, but sincerity and truth are of the utmost importance. If one lacks integrity, the universe will often turn its back on such a person. Those who act with full integrity find their footing in the universe and will naturally receive a certain level of respect in ways that cannot be seen. Without this, it is difficult. This explains why the bodies of many great masters collapse or show signs of severe ageing. If you look closely, their eyes have actually become dull. No one dares to describe a highly respected elder master in such a way, but if it is the truth, is it better to choose not to face it?

The Danger of Hypocrisy

If the latter half of one's life is no different from that of a worldly person—or even more aged and exhausted than those who do not practise—then only the followers who are infatuated with the idea of you as a Buddha will still show you respect. Others who see this will certainly not want to learn the Buddha’s teachings, and there may even be many voices of criticism. Does an appearance that is not in accordance with the Dharma indirectly stifle the transmission of the Dharma lineage and the positive influence of the Buddha’s teachings?

If, because of one's own actions, the transmission of the Dharma lineage faces problems, one becomes a most unfilial child before the Buddha. Why not then behave properly, so as to avoid the need to suffer retribution? This is a very serious issue. Most people in the world today speak of having vows, yet they grasp onto this world far too tightly. I can list them one by one; see which ones you are holding onto: grasping onto emotions, family, children, spouses, parents, relatives, and friends, as well as all fluctuations of sentiment. Some who have left the home life still grasp onto a sense of gratitude towards their teacher, mixed with a desire for possession. In terms of external matters, they grasp onto gain and loss, right and wrong, competitiveness, showing off, perfection, applause, praise, or even criticism. Some who have a little fame grasp onto their reputation, status, and position. There are also those who grasp onto the fourfold community of disciples and their followers, and generally, people grasp onto their own feelings. They spend all day using their thoughts to torment themselves. Everyone must take all of this—everything that involves 'me'—and set it aside. Only then will you be happy; otherwise, you will never be satisfied, and new thoughts will always emerge. In your current situation, you may not realise that you have these desires, and you might even think you have long since abandoned such thoughts, but in reality, you are grasping tighter than anyone else. This is why one must have Wisdom and awareness.

Unmasking the Ego

The human body is truly troublesome; it creates layers upon layers of illusory environments. This is also a change brought about by a strong ego. Everyone is adept at using this to cover up their true nature. Do you truly understand yourself? Can you be with yourself without any disguise? If you want to resolve this thoroughly, you must examine yourself, select the issues, and see how much you are still secretly hiding. These things you have covered up will still manifest at some point. To all practitioners who wish to realise their true nature, I advise you: dig it all out and cleanse it thoroughly. All thoughts and intentions must be understood clearly. Are you still thinking? If you are still unclear, you are truly pitiable, living a life of hypocrisy. When will you ever be real? What is most frightening is the subtle, deep-seated hope hidden within. You must see this point; only then is it possible for you to progress further in your purification. Otherwise, you will always be caught, often stuck at that very point. If you do not face it, amidst your complex character, you will never see the true cause.

How, then, should one let go of this physical body? What does it truly mean to dedicate one's body and mind to the service of the Dharma? When you give everything completely, what you gain is total autonomy. This is a very fair trade, but it depends on whether you can do it and whether you have the determination. It is not just about empty words. I think it is good to be able to set your heart and make a vow, but most people fail in the 'persistence' that follows. I have seen too much. Is there any difficulty in practice? As long as your meditative concentration is sufficient during the process and you are not tempted, everyone can succeed. There is nothing good in this world; it is better to let it go. Everyone must truly see through and let go, and properly fulfil their own vow. That is enough. Do what you can with the ability you have. This body, and everything connected by karmic affinity, is merely a temporary condition. It is impossible for you to have everything you want, and you cannot hold onto it anyway. Be smarter: just let go and do what you are supposed to do. Do not think too much about the rest.

The Path to True Liberation

Actually, to speak of it, not thinking too much is sufficient. Nothing will happen. Just focus on doing things that benefit the masses, and never get involved in your own affairs. Try it this way. In truth, there is nothing to say about 'the self'; it is really just about not thinking too much and not planning too much. These habits of worldly people are not good. If you have the heart to change and the determination to let go, you must properly investigate how to do it. Otherwise, if you speak of all these vows but cannot fulfil them, is that not even more troublesome? I have already proven this to everyone through the universe; words cannot be spoken lightly. The universe is full, and your thoughts and intentions are all under the control of others. Do what you can. Of course, you are someone who can do it completely; everyone has the same ability. It just depends on when you truly set your heart to it. Practice is only good when you follow Causal Conditions. You must properly counsel yourself. Only in this way—if you demand too much and it becomes pressure, that is even more troublesome. Walk freely; do not set your requirements too high at once. Sometimes you should also lead yourself with compassion. When walking slowly, do not demand speed; when walking fast, encourage yourself; when you pause, counsel yourself. Be compassionate and teach yourself; deal with other things as they arise.

However, if you want to practise well, you must face everything you encounter, thoroughly change your ways, and let go. If there is even a shred of concealment, it means you have not changed, and it will be difficult to resolve your situation in this lifetime. When things have not manifested, do not create trouble out of nothing. Even if something existed in the past, do not grasp at it or awaken the past. In this way, you will become clearer and clearer. How you live is your own choice. I have given so many lectures; after understanding, you should go and do it. I believe everyone will walk a more and more correct path. One day, everyone can be a Buddha. Why not try to do it well now? Gradually, you will be able to find yourself. Let go of everything in the world, and your vow will naturally arise from within. Constantly examine yourself; that is the right way. This is an easy lesson, yet it is also not an easy lesson. Practise well. Seeking liberation is your only path to life. Do not be half-hearted anymore. If you are going to do it, do it with a sincere heart. Namo Amituofo."