The Profound Essence of the Buddha's Teachings

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Gao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his insights into the profound nature of the Buddha's teachings. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on July 1, 2019.

Venerable Chang Gao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Our teacher, Practitioner Su, understands with absolute clarity exactly how beings must be saved. During her Dharma talks, she can articulate the very fluctuations within our hearts and identify the true voids we carry within. This is why, when we listen to the scriptures being expounded, we feel such a profound sense of being embraced and transformed. Practitioner Su's achievements were not built in a single day. Beyond her acute sensitivity to every move and intention of those around her, she relies on constant purification to attain the Buddha Eye, the Wisdom Eye, and the Dharma Eye. Through this, she truly perceives the needs of beings and is able to lift them up and save them.

The Barrier of Doubt and the Path of Sincerity

Human nature is heavily tainted by the impurities of society. Most of the time, in order to protect ourselves, we lead with 'doubt.' It is only after enduring many tests of human nature that we gradually let go of the barriers in our hearts and begin to face the world with a sincere heart. It is this ultimate sincerity that saves beings from the six realms of existence, the ten directions, and even spirits from beyond this universe. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and different environments of growth, yet the lack within their spirits and the underlying desire to escape the cycle of rebirth are the same. Because of different Causal Conditions and the laws of karma and cause and effect, they have fallen into different places.

Today, the beings who come to listen to Practitioner Su's Dharma talks originate from every realm: the hells where they wail in agony, the ghost realm where they are bound by attachments, the heavenly realms, and even from beyond the known Dharma Realm. The success of these deliveries comes from Practitioner Su's great vow. Every single morning, she performs Chao Du, her Dharma Body travelling through various spaces, emitting vast and boundless golden light. This light illuminates the earth, the sky, and the infinite spaces where sentient beings intersect, allowing them to find liberation. It is a vastness that words simply cannot describe. As one who belongs to the Dharma Realm, I, Chang Gao, often sigh in admiration, feeling that I fall short. I frequently reflect upon my own vows and the strength of my practice, asking myself if I am as steadfast as Practitioner Su.

The Essence of Learning to be a Buddha

Our teacher is always smiling, and when she smiles, it is with such immense compassion. This is the true Dharma joy that arises from within. During her Dharma talks, her wisdom flows naturally, like a spring gushing forth. It is a state of being where there is no need for conscious thought or intention—it is pure, genuine, and selfless. The essence of the Buddha's teachings is simply this: 'To learn from the Buddha, one must learn to be like the Buddha.' Naturally, this leads to the attainment of Buddhahood.

When one maintains a heart of true sincerity, there is no need for many words. Once you truly settle your mind, you can feel the profound stability within. As I watch Practitioner Su expound the Dharma and perform Chao Du, I truly grasp the profound essence of the Buddha's teachings. Because I no longer possess a physical body, I follow her in the role of a protector. For those of you who still possess a physical body, true practice allows you to experience this for yourselves. The magnificence of this work not only saves the local beings but also breaks through time and space in a way no one has ever done before. This inconceivable and magnificent Dharma affinity is something to be cherished above all else. May you achieve what is to come, and may what is to come be achieved. Namo Amituofo."