The True Essence of Buddhist Practice

Venerable Chang Ren is a monastic who has dedicated their life to the path of the Buddha, seeking deliverance through the teachings at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Currently residing at the Centre, Venerable Chang Ren offers guidance to those who wish to truly understand the essence of the Dharma. This interview was recorded on November 22, 2019, to provide clarity on the often-misunderstood nature of spiritual cultivation.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Throughout a lifetime of studying the Buddha's teachings and chanting Namo Amituofo, how much have we truly learned? How much have we truly internalised? The critical question is: have we truly managed to integrate these teachings into our own true nature?

In truth, the most difficult aspect of practice is not the study of the sutras, nor is it the act of chanting itself. The most arduous part of the path is the process of changing oneself. Our own personal issues, our volatile emotions, our stubborn personality traits—these are the true obstacles. These are the most challenging areas of our practice. If a person is willing to confront and transform these internal barriers, then achieving a breakthrough in their practice is within reach. If one does not face oneself, then no matter how many hours are spent chanting or how many formal lessons are completed, one will never achieve true success in practice. Genuine transformation must be explored within oneself, rather than merely accumulating countless external methods. To do otherwise is simply 'practising' in form, not in substance."

The Trap of Superficial Practice

"Today, there are far too few people who truly understand how to practise. Most people believe that practice is simply about completing a checklist of tasks. They assume that such diligent, mechanical effort is the correct path, yet they fail to realise that practice can be far more magnificent and profound. Many people misunderstand the very nature of practice, and as a result, they spend their entire lives without ever reaping the true benefits that practice should bring. This is the common state of practice in the world today, and it is truly a great pity! People in the world simply cannot see what true, effective practice looks like.

The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a pure land for practice. To come here to practise is to engage in true practice. Why? Because coming here is not just about performing tasks or adhering to external forms. The practice at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly capable of helping one realise one's true nature and recover one's original, innate abilities. Everything we do here must return to the heart. The importance lies in the adjustment of the heart, not in the external display of rituals. Everyone here must practise with their heart, truly implementing the realisation and transformation of their own character. Such practice is fundamentally different; it is far more effective at helping one reclaim the innate power of their true nature. People in the world do not understand this. They hide the obstacles within their own hearts, or they conceal their own shortcomings. Such practice will only lead to aging and confusion, leaving one without any understanding of the true meaning of practice, ultimately resulting in a life of wasted effort."

A Path of Compassionate Guidance

"My Buddha is compassionate, leading everyone step by step to learn how to practise and how to recover our innate abilities. Here, as long as you are willing to change and practise with a sincere heart, everyone possesses the same potential. It all depends on whether you are willing to put in the effort. I, Chang Ren, hope that everyone can come to this realisation. I am deeply grateful for the compassion of the Buddha and the compassion of Grandma. Namo Amituofo."