The Magnificent Power of Dharma Affinity

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changgao, who reflects on the profound work of deliverance conducted at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He shares his insights on the nature of compassion, the power of Dharma affinity, and the significance of spreading the Buddha's teachings through the distribution of Buddha cards. This interview was recorded on April 25, 2019.

Venerable Changgao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Money and material wealth are certainly useful in this human world. They allow us to purchase high-quality goods and enjoy a comfortable, even luxurious, lifestyle. However, there are things that money simply cannot buy—true compassion, selflessness, and the state of no-self. These are treasures of the spirit that no amount of worldly fortune can acquire.

This morning, I witnessed many sentient beings who arrived here feeling deeply angry and resentful. Yet, as they beheld the magnificent dignity of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and as they were bathed in the radiant Buddha-light of Namo Amituofo and our Master, their hearts gradually calmed. They found peace, and eventually, they were able to return to their original nature."

The True Currency of Compassion

"Everything our Master does is for the sake of sentient beings. This is why these beings can so clearly feel the power of the Master's compassion, which is what ultimately moves them to resolve their conflicts and let go of their grievances. This power of compassion is not something that can be bought with material wealth or worldly status. It is a force that radiates naturally from within, born of a heart that is completely selfless and devoid of ego. It is this very power that subdues the spirits and allows them to find liberation.

Money may be useful for living in the world, but it cannot purchase the qualities of compassion, selflessness, or no-self. The Master’s ability to subdue these beings and guide them toward resolution is the result of the power of her merit and virtue. When it comes to teaching the Buddha’s teachings, the Master’s own conduct—her 'teaching by example'—is far more powerful than any words could ever be. Indeed, the Master’s actions and words are perfectly aligned. It is through her diligent practice and her state of 'no-mind' that she has achieved the level of skill required to be an awakened being who can save others."

The Weight of a Mission

"Those sentient beings who are saved through the space opened by the Master are those who share a deep Dharma affinity with her. The Master’s connection to sentient beings pervades the entire Dharma-realm and empty space, reaching even into the far corners of the Milky Way. It is only through the Master’s immense vows and power that the daily morning deliverance of the Dharma Body can be accomplished. Think about it—for every day that deliverance is delayed, there are countless beings who must continue to suffer. The Master has taken this responsibility, this task, and this mission upon herself. She continues this work without interruption; even when she is travelling on an aeroplane, she seizes every possible moment to perform Chao Du.

Deliverance requires not only compassion but also the perfect coordination of wisdom. It demands the ability to make the most accurate and rapid judgements in the very first instant. Within these split-second decisions lies the result of countless subtle causal conditions coming together. The relationship between cause, condition, and effect is the culmination of past Dharma affinities. It is only because of these accumulated connections that these beings have the opportunity to be saved today. This is why Dharma affinity is so incredibly important."

The Seeds of Enlightenment

"During our class today, the Master spoke about the printing of Buddha cards and expressed her hope that everyone would take the initiative to share them with others. This is a magnificent opportunity to broaden our Dharma affinity. When a sentient being with karmic affinity receives a Buddha card, they do not only see the dignified image of the Buddha; they will also naturally recite the Holy Name 'Namo Amituofo' printed on the card. Once this Bodhi Vajra Seed enters their ear-root, it becomes a permanent seed for their path to enlightenment.

Even if hundreds of thousands of kalpas pass, and even if these beings are still wandering in the human world, the six realms of existence, the twenty-eight heavens, or the Four Sacred Realms, this Holy Name—this Bodhi Vajra Seed—will remain forever within them. It will never be extinguished. It ensures that they will always have the opportunity to be saved and to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. How magnificent that is!"

A Call to Practice

"Therefore, I encourage everyone to participate in the printing of Buddha cards and other Dharma Jewels. Let us give everyone the chance to be taught by the Buddha’s teachings, to transform their hearts and minds. If they can connect with the temple through these cards, they will have a greater chance of being saved. Helping others is, in truth, helping oneself. By helping sentient beings to be saved and to be reborn in the Western Pure Land, you are also helping yourself to accumulate the provisions necessary for your own rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

Even our two little Bodhisattvas can participate in the printing of these cards and Dharma Jewels. It does not matter how much one contributes; what matters is the heart behind the action. This can help these two little Bodhisattvas broaden their Dharma affinity, increase their wisdom, and hopefully lead them to Awakening sooner! If these little Bodhisattvas can achieve Awakening and realise their true nature, it would be as if two more Buddhas had appeared in this human world—that would be truly wonderful!"

Namo Amituofo.

This interview was recorded and transcribed by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.