The Profound Importance of Listening to the Dharma

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 regarding the practice of listening to the Dharma. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on April 8, 2019.

Venerable Chang Gao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. At this very moment, here in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I am following the fourfold assembly and the various spirits as we listen together to Practitioner Su’s lectures. Today, as we listened to Practitioner Su reading the interview testimonials of other Venerables, we all listened with rapt attention. As is often the case, we could not help but smile at the content of these interviews, for the reality of our experiences is exactly as described in those accounts. Yet, each time we listen, there is always a new layer of understanding, a fresh insight that reveals itself to us.

The Clarity of Perspective

When the events of our practice are transcribed into words, and we then look back upon them or listen to them being read, we are essentially viewing the situation from the perspective of a third party. This is vastly different from the experience of being the one directly involved in the situation. It is only now that I truly realise how lost I was in many of those past moments. If it were not for the guidance of a true spiritual friend to point out my errors, I would have remained trapped in my own delusions, never finding the coolness of heart or the moment of Awakening.

I am deeply grateful for Practitioner Su’s teachings on every single interview manuscript. I, too, am learning from them. In our daily lives, people often mistakenly believe that their own thoughts and actions are correct and virtuous, completely unaware of the karma they are creating in the process. It is truly a tragic state of affairs!

The Preciousness of Every Word

When I listen to Practitioner Su’s lectures, I dare not forget or miss even a single word or phrase. Every syllable spoken by Practitioner Su is incredibly precious. It is entirely possible that the very words that could lead me to realise my true nature and attain Awakening are contained within that one sentence or that single word. Even though I have returned to the Western Land, I must continue my practice. Since Practitioner Su is here, I must listen to these lectures with the utmost attention. This is a vital, non-negotiable part of my practice.

Practitioner Su knows the past of every one of us and understands our individual spiritual capacities perfectly. Therefore, every piece of advice given is something we can truly utilise—it is guidance that can genuinely help us achieve Awakening. This is precisely why every one of us here in the Western Dharma-Nature Land cherishes the Dharma taught by Practitioner Su so deeply. Practitioner Su is like the Buddha; the Tathagata can use a single sound, yet every sentient being understands it according to their own nature and capacity.

Overcoming the Ego

Practitioner Su teaches the fourfold assembly how to realise their true nature and how to overcome the 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness. This is truly of the utmost importance! If you listen earnestly and change your ways sincerely, you can truly realise your true nature. As someone who has already walked the path, I urge everyone: it is better to spend more time and energy now to heighten your awareness, change your ways, and engage in diligent practice. You will certainly reap the rewards. To realise your true nature, you must let go of the obstacles created by the physical body so that your true self can manifest. In my current state, I am a spirit without a physical body. This is not yet sufficient to realise my true nature; I cannot yet cultivate the Dharma Body, I cannot quickly realise my true nature and attain Buddhahood, and I cannot use the Dharma Body to save beings. I can only move forward step by step, using my spirit to follow Practitioner Su in the work of Chao Du and the salvation of spirits.

A Tremendous Blessing

I truly hope that the fourfold assembly at Hsiang Kuang knows how incredibly fortunate they are. They possess a tremendous blessing to be under the care of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. You must engage in diligent practice, hoping to realise your true nature early so that you may save beings and guide them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land, thereby repaying the kindness of the Buddha and the kindness of your teacher. Namo Amituofo."