The Root of Illness and the Path to Healing

This interview was recorded on June 5, 2023, with Venerable Changren, a monastic who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where they currently reside and continue their practice.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Why do some individuals succumb to illness while others remain in good health? Naturally, the karma accumulated throughout your many lives plays a significant role in this. However, beyond that, one can often discern clues within a person's character. Those with intense personalities, or those who frequently indulge their temperaments, are inevitably more prone to physical illness. Some fall ill in their youth, while others suffer severely in their later years. Regardless of the cause, every illness is rooted in the laws of karma and cause and effect; it never arises without a reason."

The Necessity of Inner Transformation

"How can one avoid falling ill? I believe most people desire peace and health, as this body is vital for our existence in this world. Living without a healthy body is a form of torture—not only for oneself but also for those who must care for us. Therefore, everyone wishes to stay away from illness.

What is the method to stay away from illness? In truth, there is no other way but to 'change.' You must change your heart and change your personality. Only through genuine transformation can one resolve the conflict of their own karma. Otherwise, caught in the churning currents of karmic retribution, the possibility of escaping illness is extremely low. This is the path most humans are destined to walk."

The Reality of Karmic Retribution

"One only needs to look at the number of patients in hospitals today to see this truth. More and more people are falling ill. The reality of karmic retribution is visible everywhere. Karma is chasing us down rapidly. If you do not truly change yourself, it is difficult to escape; you can only watch as your body gradually suffers the consequences, eventually leading to death.

In daily life, it is inevitable that we encounter people who are difficult to get along with. From such individuals, we can clearly see the manifestation of personality. Their traits are often quite externalized, which is why those around them are easily influenced and feel they are hard to deal with. When you encounter such people, do not be quick to anger. Instead, calm your heart and observe them. Use them as a mirror for self-reflection. You may find that you possess the very same traits, which is why you are affected by them and why you are so quick to point out their faults."

The Danger of Unchecked Temperament

"I have observed that most people are unaware of their own personality flaws. This is because people rarely point the finger at themselves; they are much quicker to blame others. When your finger is pointed at someone else, it is impossible to see your own mistakes. Even if the mistake is subtle, it must be unearthed, for within that tiny error lies a significant personality flaw or conceptual error. If you do not peel back the layers to subdue these traits one by one, you cannot thoroughly change yourself.

In the moment you let your personality flare up, you might feel comfortable or relieved, as if you had to vent that 'breath' to feel better. But that relief is only momentary. Every time you indulge your temper, your karmic creditors manifest within your body. They are all preparing for ten or twenty years down the line. When the time is ripe, your body will begin to decay, and the great assault of illness will begin. At that point, you will no longer have the strength to indulge your temper, for your body will be sick and weak. Regret will come too late."

A Call to Change

"Do not trade your long-term health for a moment of emotional satisfaction. Start changing now. Thoroughly transform your body and mind through the Buddha’s teachings. Follow the teachings, and only then will you be able to stay away from illness and avoid suffering.

Namo Amituofo."