This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Gao, who offers profound insights into the nature of human and the obstacles encountered during spiritual practice. This session was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on August 6, 2023.
Venerable Chang Gao speaks:
". I am Chang Gao. In my observations of the many beings who come to the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, I have spent a great deal of time looking into the workings of the human mind. The human head is a relentless engine of thought. Before an event even occurs, there is thinking; while the event is unfolding, there is thinking; and even after the event has concluded, the mind continues to churn. This stream of thought is seemingly endless, causing the mind to race without pause. Often, people try to force their minds to be still, yet they find they cannot stop the flow. This is the situation I see within the minds of so many people.
The Danger of Subjective Thinking
Among this vast ocean of thoughts, there is one particular type that is exceptionally damaging to oneself. It is what I call 'subjective thinking.' Those who are trapped in subjective thinking find it incredibly easy to form their own opinions and interpretations of every situation. When they handle matters, they almost always rely on their own established style, their own rigid logic, and their own methods. These individuals are often quite confident in themselves, firmly believing that their own perspective is absolutely correct.
However, from my perspective, there is not a single person in this world who is one hundred percent correct. This is because the human body is a complex vessel, and it is highly susceptible to external control. Often, the thoughts that appear in your mind are not truly your own; they are the result of control or interference from the spirits residing within your head. Because the mind is so easily influenced, it is impossible for these thoughts to be entirely accurate. Consequently, those who cling to subjective thinking are prone to making grave errors.
The Barrier of Habitual Patterns
I have observed that many among the fourfold assembly of disciples also struggle with this tendency toward subjective thinking. When faced with the various affairs of daily life, they are quick to form their own opinions, interpret events through their own lens, and then make decisions based on those interpretations. When this subjective thinking arises, the individual often does not even notice it, because they have become so accustomed to it. This 'habit' is the very key to why humans fall into error so easily. Because of habit, one overlooks many details that require attention, or because of habit, one lets their guard down.
Habitually performing an action or habitually reacting to a situation in a specific way—these are all part of a fixed, repetitive pattern. When such habitual patterns occur frequently, they become a significant barrier to one's practice. Because one is so accustomed to acting in a certain way, it becomes difficult to change. In particular, one's personality and habits become incredibly stubborn, precisely because these traits are the habitual patterns we have carried with us throughout our many lives in the cycle of rebirth.
Purification and Awareness
The subjective thinking I mentioned earlier is also a form of habit or inertia. Because you have done it so often, has become familiar with it, and it has become a natural reaction. Such habits are usually cultivated from a young age, though they are also influenced by one's own , which creates the conditions for the mind to fall into such states. To address this, you must face your subjective thinking squarely. Every time an event occurs, you must be aware of your thoughts and learn to slow down. Do not allow yourself to be immediately influenced by your subjective views.
As you gradually change these subjective thoughts, you will be able to reduce the extent to which you are controlled by other spirits. At the same time, this process will help you grind away your arrogance, your stubborn attachments, and your strong sense of self, eventually allowing you to shed the rigid personality traits that have held you back for so long. Regardless of the type of thought, once thoughts become excessive or too intense, they will cause you harm. Not only do they attract external spirits into your body, but they also awaken the already residing within you. By learning to purify your thoughts during your practice, you will be able to reduce these obstacles and move forward on the path to liberation.
