This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, who has been providing dedicated support at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. This account reflects upon his observations regarding the nature of spiritual practice and the challenges faced by those seeking true liberation. Recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi on April 1, 2019.
Venerable Changren speaks:
". I am Venerable Changren. To come to this place, one must be committed to true practice and true action. There is no room for pretense here.
I have been here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre for quite some time, and I have witnessed countless practitioners come and go. I have seen so much—from the social dynamics of centuries past to the complexities of the modern era. Practice has always been a difficult and arduous path to walk. In particular, attempting to save beings in the human world is an incredibly daunting task, primarily because human nature is so fickle. People may say one thing in this very moment, yet by the next second, they have completely changed their stance. The outcomes are often entirely different from what one expects, frequently catching us off guard.
The Test of Impermanence
However, we must learn to accept these shifts with a calm and peaceful heart. This is simply the nature of the trials one must face when working to deliver beings from this world. Selfishness and impermanence are constantly in flux, but there is one thing that must remain constant: your own heart must always be 'unmoved.' Your resolve to practice must not waver. No matter what others say or how they act, you must remain steady. Only then can you call it true practice.
From ancient times until now, there have been very few people who can truly achieve this state. To keep the heart constantly unmoved requires a very deep level of meditative concentration. This is especially true for what we call 'meditation in motion'—the ability to remain calm and composed even when facing a crisis. Practitioner Su possesses this remarkable ability. She is someone who has truly seen through the illusions of this world. When she faces worldly affairs, she does so without any effort at all. She does not let these things touch her heart; she remains unmoved. Naturally and effortlessly, she completes her tasks with ease. This is what we call 'true cultivation' and 'true skill.' This is what it means to be a true practitioner.
Superficiality Versus Genuine Cultivation
There are far too many people who appear to be practicing deeply, yet the moment they encounter a real challenge, a sudden change in circumstances, or a significant life event, their worldly heart is quickly exposed. Often, the personality traits they have been hiding beneath the surface come rushing out. Such practice is not practice at all; it is merely a superficial performance. Practice is a profound and demanding lesson. To gain anything real from it, you must engage in true practice and true action. You must be able to break through every single test that comes your way.
Seizing the Opportunity
Practitioner Su’s true skill is one that has stood the test of time and adversity. Everyone who has the opportunity to practice here must truly cherish it, for there is no other place like this—a place of such purity, offering such authentic education. Ultimately, practice is a personal responsibility. If you have the good fortune to come here to practice, you must learn these true skills. However, you must also be able to master the complex emotions and personality traits within yourself. You must know how to adjust, how to change, and how to refine your character. For every bit of effort you put in, you will receive a corresponding reward. Even if the process requires you to endure certain trials, the result of such genuine, diligent effort will undoubtedly be the most authentic achievement.
I hope that everyone will study diligently, rediscover your true skills, and cultivate your true capacity. By doing so, you not only help yourself but also benefit all beings. I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."
