The Path of Generosity and Self-Deliverance

Venerable Chang Ren is a dedicated practitioner who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, where he now resides. This interview, recorded on May 27, 2019, captures his profound reflections on the nature of worldly existence and the vital importance of the Dharma. The following account was documented by the chief writer, Shi Faxi.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Chang Ren. Many people in this world spend their entire lives focusing solely on their own well-being. They become so preoccupied with their own affairs that they completely forget the importance of helping others—a practice we call Generosity. Think about it—how many people live their lives with the sole objective of mere survival? They dedicate their precious time, their energy, and their very life force to the daily grind, as if existence were nothing more than a struggle to stay alive. They fail to realise that this world is, in truth, nothing more than an illusory dreamscape. I have seen through many of the truths of this world. These realities are playing out in the lives of every single person, yet it requires a certain level of blessings to be able to truly hear and internalise these words of wisdom. It is not enough to simply exist; one must understand the nature of the reality we inhabit."

The True Meaning of Learning Buddhism

"Learning Buddhism can truly lead to liberation from the cycle of being reincarnated, yet I observe that the vast majority of people do not understand what it truly means to practise the Dharma. To learn Buddhism is to be free from attachments, yet so many people remain burdened by countless worries. They are weighed down by material possessions and emotional entanglements that they simply cannot let go of. This is not the sincere heart of a practitioner. If there is still attachment in the heart, then one has not yet become an awakened being, and all of one's actions remain superficial and lack true substance.

The world is filled with deceptive appearances—there is no lasting reality here, only temporary, illusory desires and imaginations. People in this world care most about emotions and desires, constantly seeking more, yet every one of these pursuits carries a painful price. Now, however, the world finally has an opportunity for liberation. With the emergence of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, everyone should truly understand the necessity of letting go. It is time to reclaim the self that has been lost for so long, to realise one's true nature, and to take command of the Truth."

The Illusion of Wealth and the Power of Merit

"Many people fall into the trap of believing that what they possess in this life constitutes their true achievement. This is a dangerous delusion. Look at the many wealthy individuals today who obsessively calculate and cling to their assets, even as they approach the end of their lives. In reality, they cannot take a single thing with them. Their lives are gradually slipping away, and their wealth will only serve to bury them; they will never truly enjoy it. A person of true Wisdom understands the value of Generosity. They know how to transform these burdens into virtuous deeds, which is the only way to truly help oneself.

By using the means available to you to accumulate merit and virtue, you can also deliver sentient beings. This is far more important than the mere accumulation of wealth. It prevents you from living a life of illusion and allows you to find a sense of lightness and clarity that no amount of money could ever purchase. Only through Chao Du and the practice of Generosity can one attain such a state of purity and brightness."

Gratitude and the Urgency of Practice

"We must be deeply grateful for the compassion of the Buddha, whose presence has made this magnificent opportunity for deliverance possible. If you do not cherish this chance, time will continue to slip away, and you will grow old. In the end, when life concludes, there will be nothing left but a vast, dark night. You must take advantage of the light while it still shines. Practise Generosity and deliver yourself. Do more things that are beneficial to your spiritual growth; accumulating merit and virtue will bring you far more peace and truth than clinging to your wealth ever could.

You must learn to be grateful, or you will miss this rare opportunity. Do everything within your power to uphold this Truth. Only then will your life not have been lived in vain, and only then will you have the chance to find your true self once again. I am grateful to the Grandmother for her guidance. Namo Amituofo."