This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Gao, who reflects on the spiritual nature of memory and the influence of external spirits on the human mind. The interview was conducted by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on November 22, 2022, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia.
Venerable Chang Gao speaks:
". I am Venerable Chang Gao. Today, I wish to discuss a phenomenon that many people experience but few truly understand: the nature of memory and why it seems to fail us so often. The human brain possesses an incredible capacity for memory, yet the strength of this faculty varies greatly from person to person. Some individuals can recall events from decades ago with startling clarity, describing every minute detail as if the moment were unfolding right before their eyes. Others possess a near-photographic memory, absorbing the contents of entire books and retaining that knowledge indefinitely. They are truly gifted, never forgetting what they have once seen.
However, there are many others whose memory is not nearly as sharp. They may only have a fragmented impression of past events, or perhaps no recollection at all, as if the experience never occurred. When you ask them about it, they might look at you with genuine confusion and reply, 'Did that really happen? I have no memory of such a thing.' The event did indeed take place; it is simply that they have forgotten it entirely."
The Complexity of the Human Mind
"Beyond these cases, we often encounter people who are chronically forgetful. They are constantly misplacing their belongings or setting out to perform a specific task, only to arrive at their destination and find their mind completely blank, wondering, 'What was I supposed to do?' These lapses are common, yet they are often dismissed as mere absent-mindedness. When memory is short or unreliable, it becomes incredibly easy for important matters to slip through the cracks of our daily lives.
While the physical structure of the human brain is fundamentally the same for everyone, the functional capacity varies, leading to the diverse ways in which memory manifests. However, when we observe those who struggle significantly with their memory, we must realise that it is not necessarily a failure of the brain's biological function. Rather, it is often because the space within their brain has become overly complex and congested. It is crowded with an immense number of spirits—sentient beings—that have taken up residence there. These spirits possess the ability to consume information and swallow memories, effectively blocking the transmission of data. Because of this interference, the information that should have been processed is obstructed, and the individual forgets their original intentions."
The Spiritual Occupation of the Brain
"Think about it—events that occurred decades ago might have been perfectly clear at one time. Yet, as the years pass, day after day, countless spirits enter the brain. The space within the mind becomes squeezed and completely filled. These memories are then pushed into the deepest, most inaccessible corners of the , or they are entirely consumed by these entities. Naturally, the mind becomes unable to retrieve these past experiences.
One might ask: why do so many spirits enter the brain in the first place? Beyond the fact that excessive, wandering thoughts act as a beacon, attracting these sentient beings, there are many other contributing factors. It may be due to consuming too much information, overworking the mind, indulging in intense hobbies, or possessing an overly rigid personality. Furthermore, physical illness and the natural process of ageing also play significant roles. All these diverse causes contribute to the complexity of the brain's internal space, leading to the accumulation of an immeasurable and boundless number of spirits within."
Purification through Chanting
"This is why the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo is so vital. By chanting, we purify our own head and brain. This practice helps to alleviate the pressure, clearing the blockages and releasing the congested space within the brain. It allows the mind to be free from this oppressive burden, ensuring that memories are no longer 'swallowed' or obstructed. Through this purification, one can truly restore their brain to a healthy, functioning state.
It is a matter of cause and effect. When we clear the space, the mind naturally regains its clarity. I encourage everyone to practise diligently, for the light of Namo Amituofo is the ultimate remedy for the cluttered mind. Namo Amituofo."
