The Poison of Desire

Venerable Changren, a monastic who sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, currently resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This interview was recorded on September 4, 2018, by Chief Writer Shi Faxi.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Changren. I understand deeply that everything within this world possesses a profound and deceptive allure. So many people easily become addicted and trapped within these worldly phenomena, simply because they do not understand the true, subtle changes occurring within their own hearts. They are completely captivated by external appearances, mistaking the fleeting for the eternal. Human desire, in particular, tends to grow larger and more insatiable once it becomes an addiction. Too many people in this world have forgotten how to let go of their attachments or make wise choices; they operate only on the basis of a shallow, impulsive logic: 'I like this, so why shouldn't I have it?'

The Blindness of Attachment

I have spent time in this world in the past, and I have even manipulated its affairs. I have seen all sorts of different situations and circumstances, witnessing the rise and fall of worldly power and emotion. However, the question remains: are you truly able to see things as they are? If you do not know how to discover the truth hidden within these experiences, your heart will inevitably become increasingly blind. In the end, no one will be able to stop you from falling, because the intoxicating taste of what you love will always make you forget your true self, leading you further away from the path of the Dharma.

There are far too many things in this world that lead to obsession. The various sensations of sweetness, bitterness, and pain—these are the 'black hands' that keep everyone tethered to this world. If you are willing to look into your own heart, the first thing you must do is identify these unnecessary pollutions that you have allowed to stain your spirit one by one. These are the desires that have harmed you deeply, clouding your meditative concentration and preventing you from seeing the reality of your own existence. You must learn to recognise these traps for what they are.

The Poison of the Moving Heart

No matter what it is that you think you want, the moment your heart begins to stir with craving, those things become toxic. There is no justification for allowing these things to disturb your original, inherent peace. When you allow yourself to change in this way, you must also confront the reality that you are still trapped in the cycle of birth and death. Only by calming yourself down and learning to let go can your life and your existence truly find stability. It is a matter of life and death, and it requires your full attention.

Every temptation in this world is designed to confuse you and cause you to lose your direction. If you cannot pass this test, then this lifetime will have been a wasted journey. I have seen too much—the endless cycle of birth and death, and so many people still sleepwalking through their own reincarnation. I truly hope that everyone will seize the moments when they are clear-headed. Life only lasts for this one lifetime. I pray that you can truly see the truth and seek liberation immediately. I am grateful to all the Dharma protectors, grateful to my grandmother, and grateful for the compassion of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."