This interview was conducted with Venerable Changren, who resides at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. In this discussion, recorded on March 10, 2020, the Venerable shares profound insights on the transformative power of positive energy and the critical importance of cultivating a pure heart to avoid the pitfalls of negative .
Venerable Changren speaks:
". Among all the forces that exist, positive energy is the one that brings light and strength to a person. Furthermore, positive actions and mental notes can truly bring about a profound transformation in one's life.
The Danger of Extreme Emotions
People often possess an extreme side, characterised by volatile emotions and drastic shifts in character. Frequently, individuals fail to realise that changing oneself is merely a matter of shifting one's perspective. Instead, people often allow their character to mutate, especially by leaning towards negative energy. As they allow their hearts to be twisted by adverse situations, most people remain unaware of this process. As their thoughts fluctuate, their hearts gradually become shrouded in darkness. This layer of inner darkness causes them to involuntarily think of evil and commit bad deeds. Sometimes, they cannot even control their own thoughts, and an infinite number of strange, distorted ideas emerge. This is a common aspect of the evil side of the world—a malignant transformation of the mind.
The Cost of Malice
Although this is considered 'evil,' it is extremely common in this world. Negative tendencies have become the dark side of our society. Most people in this world exist in a grey area, where Goodness and evil are in constant conflict, often without a clear distinction. People in this world do not realise that the price to be paid for such malice is severe. They often think that if they harbour evil thoughts in their hearts, no one will know. In reality, all evil natures, evil thoughts, and even evil actions will eventually require one to bear the responsibility of retribution. Every person should reflect deeply upon this vital lesson.
The Necessity of Self-Reflection
When discussing the many mundane affairs of this world, it seems that quite a few people still do not understand the mistakes they have committed, or perhaps they are not even aware that they have committed any wrong at all. In truth, any evil heart or evil thought is unacceptable. However, because people do not understand these principles, some believe that they are simply protecting themselves and that there is nothing wrong with that. Yet, in the end, they must pay the price—whether it manifests as physical illness or as various situations arising within and mind. One must never allow the heart to become corrupted. Whether in the light or in the shadows, the human heart must never be allowed to turn towards evil!
A Call to Positive Change
The hearts of modern people change too drastically, which leads to the occurrence of many negative accidents. A person's evil heart and evil nature have a very detrimental influence, and they will inevitably attract unexpected disasters to oneself. This is a personal issue that everyone must pay close attention to.
Only by shifting towards a positive outlook—viewing everything in a good light and thinking good thoughts—can one avoid the disasters of impermanence and the influence of negativity. One must be cautious; changing oneself is the most important task of all.
My Buddha is compassionate. I am grateful to Grandma. Namo Amituofo."
Venerable Changren
This interview message was recorded by the chief writer, Buddhist disciple Shi Faxi.
