The Path to Transforming One's Personality

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Gao, who discusses the profound process of transforming one's personality and habits through Buddhist practice. The interview was conducted by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on April 26, 2023, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.

Venerable Chang Gao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. In the course of our practice, we begin to learn how to change our own personalities and habits. But have you ever deeply contemplated what kind of changes actually occur within the physical body during this transformation? Let me tell you, it is a profound and visible shift that touches the very core of our existence.

The adjustment of one's personality is by no means an easy task. Every single trait we possess is deeply rooted, clinging to us like a second skin. These personalities may have been with us for thousands of years, reincarnated time and time again, continuing to manifest through our physical bodies with every new life. To change them now requires immense perseverance and iron-clad determination. Otherwise, these habits remain as hard as solid rock—difficult to move, difficult to alter, and forever stuck in their original, stubborn form. Without a resolute heart, one will find that these traits remain unchanged, regardless of how much time passes."

The Vital Role of Listening to the Dharma

"The most important first step in changing oneself through practice is the need to listen to sutras and hear the Dharma. Without listening to sutras and hearing the Dharma, it is absolutely impossible to change your personality. I am certain of this. You see, from the time we are small children, our thinking patterns gradually become fixed. Many of our concepts and values have already solidified. If we continue to practise while clinging to these same old thought patterns, concepts, and values, we will never reach a point of breakthrough or transformation.

At this juncture, if you can truly let go of these personal ideas, open your heart, and begin to listen to the sutras—taking the Dharma spoken by the Buddha into your heart—and then engage in deep self-reflection, you will experience a truly magnificent change. It is like clearing away the thick fog to see the sun for the first time. This is the only way to break the cycle of our habitual responses."

Self-Reflection and the Will to Change

"The act of 'self-reflection' is incredibly important. Only through constant, diligent self-reflection can you elevate your awareness. Many people make the mistake of thinking that when the Dharma is being taught, the speaker is talking about someone else—not them. They think, 'Oh, that does not apply to me.' But in reality, we all possess these same personality flaws; it is just a matter of degree, whether it is more or less. We must be humble enough to recognise our own shortcomings.

Once you have developed this awareness, you must also have the 'willingness' to change. Only when you are truly willing to change can you begin to take action after discovering your own problems. Otherwise, you fall into the trap of knowing but not doing—or knowing what is right but finding yourself completely unable to put it into practice. This willingness is the fuel that drives our spiritual elevation."

The Internal Struggle and the Spirits Within

"Finally, in the process of change, you will inevitably encounter significant setbacks. This is when you need 'perseverance,' 'tenacity,' and an unchanging 'original heart'—the beginner's mind—to help you stay the course so that you do not give up easily.

Throughout this entire process of change, you can actually observe the internal adjustments by looking at the changes in the space within your body. When a personality trait is being transformed, you will experience a sense of struggle. During this struggle, you may feel the influence of many sentient beings within your body who share that same personality trait. Over many years of living, they have become closely integrated with your body through these shared habits. So, when that personality trait manifests, these sentient beings become active along with it.

Now, when you decide to change that personality, it is equivalent to suppressing or reducing the influence these sentient beings have on your body. If you use a 'hard' or forceful method to change, these sentient beings will inevitably resist. But if you choose a 'gentle' approach—by listening to the Dharma and truly changing from within your heart—then these sentient beings are also simultaneously undergoing a process of change. Naturally, their resistance toward your body will weaken, and they will not exert such an intense influence on you."

Purification and Spiritual Elevation

"The process of change is, at the same time, a process of purifying yourself. When you successfully change a personality trait, you allow a vast amount of 'corresponding space' within your body to be cleared. For example, when you change a personality that is prone to comparison or jealousy, you are purifying the space where you have created enmity throughout your many lives due to these very feelings of comparison and jealousy.

The karmic creditors residing in that space can be softened by this change. When the Buddha-light shines upon them, they can then follow the Buddha-light and depart. Therefore, the process of changing your personality is precisely the process of purifying your inner self. It allows your body to return to a state of purity, and the complex spaces within you gradually become clear and bright. This is far more beneficial for your own practice and for your spiritual elevation. Namo Amituofo."