The Path of Sincerity in Pure Land Practice

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Ren, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his insights regarding the practice of the Pure Land Dharma Gate. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Xi, on July 18, 2019.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The essence of practice lies in sincerity. If you are not sincere, you are not truly a practitioner. Today, there are so many people who claim to be practising, yet why do so many remain trapped within the six realms of rebirth? It is because their hearts are not sincere. Often, they are still indulging in the Five Desires and the Six Dusts, enjoying the fleeting pleasures of their cravings. Practice requires the cutting off of these desires, yet this is precisely what people in this world find most difficult to achieve. When the heart is not sincere, it is naturally difficult to attain a state of inner coolness and clarity."

The Difficulty of Believing in Pure Land

"Since ancient times, few have practised the Pure Land Dharma Gate, and even fewer have promoted it. This is because it is so difficult for people in this world to delve deeply into the Pure Land. They are burdened by so many desires, so many things they wish to pursue, and so many memories and worldly matters that are hard to let go of. This makes it difficult for them to believe that the Pure Land can be attained. Because they feel their own hearts cannot achieve this, they become unwilling to practise. Looking at it now, this is truly a great pity. If we are to say that practising the Pure Land leads to achievement, then we must have methods to lead the masses. We must use the wisdom of skillful means to help beings enter the Pure Land Dharma Gate, to understand how to truly purify their own hearts and change their true self. Practice requires a true spiritual friend and the right Dharma to guide and adjust one's path. But if the masses remain in ignorance, it is difficult for them to approach the True Teachings."

The Trap of Superficial Practice

"Too many people choose convenient ways to practise, or they seek the enjoyment of certain states or experiences. By doing so, they lose the opportunity to truly change their hearts and their nature. If you cannot even recognise where your own faults lie, how can you expect to transcend life and death? How can you truly resolve the obstacles to your own liberation? You must possess the Truth; within your practice, you must know how to change."

Moving Meditation and True Achievement

"Practice in meditative concentration must also include 'moving meditation.' It is not acceptable to feel as though you have lost your skills the moment you are in a dynamic environment. Such practice is not in accordance with the Dharma, yet in the world today, there are far too many who practise this way. Practice should lead to change; one should not remain with a worldly heart. Since following Practitioner Su, I have felt this deeply. I have seen that while there are so many Dharma gates and ways to practise, the hearts of most practitioners are still easily moved. Some even continue to speak of worldly matters. When we discuss practice, these approaches are still far from the mark. How can they possibly achieve the goal?"

The Responsibility of Spreading the True Teachings

"Many monastics, lay practitioners, and believers in this world worship the person of the teacher or focus too much on the literal text of the sutras. If your heart is deluded, how can you change yourself? This is something that must be adjusted. I am very happy to be here as a Dharma protector, because there is a Great Dharma that can truly lead to achievement, and there are real fruits of attainment that can be realised. This is something everyone should cherish. In these past few days, I have heard what Lay Practitioner Gao Tianlin has said. We should all strive to spread the Pure Land teachings. These are words of truth. In this chaotic world, we must introduce a clear stream to these confused beings and teach them with the Truth of the Pure Land. This is indeed a responsibility and an obligation that you and I must share. It is truly important for us to work together to support and propagate the True Teachings."

A Final Call to Action

"If Lay Practitioner Gao Tianlin can become a pioneer in the propagation of the Pure Land, then the physical weakness he suffers from will surely begin to improve. There will be Dharma protectors assisting in the transformation of his body. For every bit of effort you put in, you will receive a corresponding reward. When you consider the needs of all beings, you will naturally receive benefits yourself. I hope he will work hard and dedicate himself to the True Teachings, making this the most important decision of his life."

"I am grateful to Practitioner Su and to the compassion of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."