The Path of Diligent Practice
An Interview with Venerable Changren
Recorded on April 17, 2019
Venerable Changren is a monastic practitioner who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. This interview, recorded on April 17, 2019, captures his reflections on the nature of spiritual progress and the importance of maintaining a dedicated heart.
Venerable Changren speaks:
"When we practise here, we must ask ourselves: are we truly putting in the effort? How much of our potential are we actually fulfilling? Think about it—the diligent practice we showed yesterday allowed us to achieve a breakthrough, but how much of that heart of diligent practice remains with us today? Have we allowed the fatigue of the physical body to cause us to retreat from that spirit of diligent practice?"
The Perseverance of the Heart
"Practice is not an easy path. We must look to the example of Grandma, whose dedication remained constant for thirty years, day after day. That is a truly extraordinary experience of practice. Her spirit of diligent practice and her unwavering perseverance are qualities that every member of the fourfold assembly should strive to emulate. We must learn from such dedication if we are to make real progress on this path."
Beyond the Physical Form
"Learning the should not be merely for the sake of this physical body, for this body will eventually decay and return to the earth. The real question is: within these limited years, can your spirits achieve substantial elevation through diligent practice? This is the true purpose of learning the Dharma, and it is the very skill required for liberation and transcendence. In this pure and dignified Pure Land, we should be achieving a level of transformation that sets us apart from the mundane world, ensuring that we do not miss such a precious opportunity for practice."
The Urgency of
"Every bit of effort we make today, every small step of elevation, must be taken with total sincerity. We cannot afford to be sloppy or slack. We must constantly uplift our spirits so that we can truly rediscover our true self-nature. Only then can we return to the world to function effectively and save beings. Our personal growth is not just for our own benefit; it is a means to benefit the masses as well."
Facing the Truth of Existence
"Everyone comes to the Pure Land with different intentions, but do you have the firm determination to find your true self? After listening to Grandma’s Dharma talks, you should have developed this resolve. If not, what is the purpose of coming into this world? What meaning can life truly hold? Marriage and raising children are merely worldly affairs of establishing a family; they do not necessarily bring about any spiritual growth. Especially as we grow old, the presence of children does not guarantee help, and the companionship of a spouse cannot alter the destiny we must face alone."
Seizing the Moment
"If you lack the ability to be autonomous, you will eventually face extremely cruel realities. Can you break through the limitations of your life? The answer lies in whether you can seize this very moment to become an awakened being. Everyone must see the truth of this situation clearly. I am deeply grateful to Grandma, and I am grateful for the of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."
Venerable Changren
This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, a disciple of the Buddha.
More from Master Chang Ren
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The Occupied Body: A Spiritual Reality
Venerable Chang Ren reveals the hidden truth behind the aging process and physical illness, explaining how uncorrected personality flaws create loopholes that allow spirits and karmic creditors to occupy the human body.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library