The Joy of the Garden: A Spiritual Sanctuary

Venerable Chang Ren, a dedicated practitioner at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, shares his profound insights on the spiritual significance of the centre's vegetable garden. This interview, recorded on April 10, 2019, explores how mundane tasks can become a path to enlightenment.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The radishes have sprouted, and the young vegetable seedlings are growing as well. The garden is brimming with vitality, a scene filled with pure joy. In truth, within the invisible space, there are countless Dharma-protecting Bodhisattvas providing their support. A small vegetable garden like this is, in reality, a bodhimanda—a place of practice. The insights to be gained within this bodhimanda require one who possesses true awareness to perceive them.

The Living Dharma of the Garden

If you still look at these seedlings and see nothing more than mere vegetables, then you are no different from those in the mundane world. In fact, these seedlings are quite extraordinary; they are unlike the vegetables found in the ordinary world. These seedlings possess an extremely high level of spirituality. Those with sensitive perception can tell at a glance that these plants are different—they are filled with spiritual energy and vitality. They are flourishing because they are blessed by the Buddha-light and nourished by the Buddha-water. These seedlings, which have manifested specifically to demonstrate the Dharma, are all transformations of Bodhisattvas. Their Causal Conditions have matured, and they are seeking to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

As the Grandmother often says, 'The Buddha teaches the Dharma using various sounds, and all beings understand according to their own nature.' Every single little sprout is listening to the sutras and is in the process of realization. Each plant carries infinite joy and boundless spiritual power. At this very moment, they are welcoming infinite lives to join in this magnificent Dharma Assembly, all striving to escape the cycle of rebirth and seeking to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Everywhere is a Bodhimanda

Why do I say that the vegetable garden is also a bodhimanda? It is because all manifestations of the Dharma—from every Causal Condition, every dimension of space, and every performance of life and death—are cleverly presented here. The stories of the cycle of rebirth are all subtly revealed. The space within this garden is truly spectacular; it is a bodhimanda where one can achieve awakening through practice. Those who know how to appreciate and reflect upon these things will understand.

Practice does not necessarily have to take place inside a temple hall to be considered true practice. One can achieve awakening in many different places. Therefore, if you can maintain your awareness at every moment and not let any experience pass you by, you will find that there is truth in every subtle detail. Even the work of tending to the garden or sweeping the grounds can lead one to enlightenment. This is what practice is—learning in every situation, at every turn.

Gratitude and Awakening

When you see the new life in the garden, filled with spiritual energy, you should know the heart of gratitude. You should practice the conduct of contentment, believe in the laws of karma and cause and effect, and understand the principles of space. You can realize your true nature everywhere; it simply depends on whether you are capable of awakening. May the Buddha’s compassion continue to bless the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, making it increasingly magnificent and dignified. I am grateful to the Grandmother. Namo Amituofo."

This interview was recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi.