The Magnificent Mission to Save the World

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Ren, who reflects on the mission of saving the world at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on September 18, 2018.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Chang Ren. I can see that the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is gradually opening up to the world. Many people and events are undergoing profound transformations, and the atmosphere within the temple is steadily growing and maturing. Everything is falling into place, and I believe everyone here understands that we are embarking upon a truly magnificent mission to save the world.

As I look out into the vastness of the universe, I see that a great multitude of Dharma protectors and holy beings have arrived. Among them are many eminent monks and virtuous practitioners from our past Causal Conditions, as well as monastics who have cultivated deep and profound skills in their own practice. All of them are now re-engaging in this magnificent and large-scale Dharma work. Everyone is prepared to receive and guide beings, and they are all filled with joy to be part of such a magnificent opportunity. They are eagerly preparing to begin this work of salvation. However, when such a wonderful opportunity arises, tests are an inevitable part of the process. I have observed that several individuals are currently undergoing verification—a test to see if the sincerity of their practice is truly genuine."

The Test of Sincerity and the Hidden Self

"In truth, many people have made great vows to be here to save the world, to cultivate and purify themselves, and to rediscover their true self. Yet, within that sincerity, there often remains a hidden side of hypocrisy. This is a remnant of the negative habits that still linger within every person's nature. Whether these habits are many or few, it all depends on whether one is willing to face them and then commit to reorganising oneself.

The so-called tests are designed to examine whether one truly has the vow to change these imperfect aspects of oneself. If one can truly break through—break through one's own limitations and break through one's own personality—then at the moment of achievement, one will be able to know all and do all. Conversely, if one is already bound by one's own habits and personality, even if the vow is sincere, there will always be a slight deviation in one's path. In such a state, achieving liberation becomes quite difficult. In the past, I did not understand these things, because I had never seen such a genuine method of practice—one that involves a complete and thorough change of heart and a total renewal of the self. Over the many years I have spent in various bodhimandas and after seeing so much of the world, I have truly never seen a place where such change and practice occur. It was only after seeing this place that I realised this is what the True Teachings are."

The Rare Opportunity for True Practice

"The practice of following the Buddha in the past is exactly like the purification practice everyone is undertaking here today. You must seize this magnificent opportunity for practice; it is truly a rare blessing and a precious Causal Condition. By changing yourself, you are the one who achieves the result. If you are unwilling to change for even a single day, you remain trapped in the darkness of the world, unable to find liberation or escape. In the end, you only cause yourself to suffer. The Buddha has truly come to be by our side, and I have never seen such excellent conditions for practice. I hope everyone can see this, face themselves honestly, and change themselves. This is a matter of the utmost importance. I hope everyone truly understands the pure Dharma of this practice.

I sincerely hope that everyone can cherish the blessings of being able to cultivate this pure practice. You must truly grasp this opportunity. Do not hold onto your personality, your attachments, or your old habits. By the time you feel regret, you will have already lost too much. I hope everyone can understand what I am saying. Please, put it into practice, change with a sincere heart, and do not be afraid to face yourself. If you honestly and truly change yourself, you will ultimately be able to manifest your infinite true self. This is because this place is a Buddha-land, and only here can such Causal Conditions exist. I am deeply grateful to Grandma, and I will continue to support this place. I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha. Everything will become increasingly magnificent. Namo Amituofo."