The True Essence of Learning from the Buddha

This interview with Venerable Changren was recorded on November 18, 2019, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. In this session, the Venerable addresses the common misconceptions regarding the study of Buddhism and the pitfalls of intellectual attachment, offering a path toward genuine spiritual alignment.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Let us begin by reflecting on the fundamental question: what does it truly mean to learn from the Buddha? Across the path of cultivation, many practitioners harbour the firm belief that they possess a deep understanding of the Dharma. Some even go so far as to claim they have mastered the art of learning from the Buddha. Yet, I must ask: upon what foundation do you base such an assessment? How can one truly verify the authenticity of this claim? What tangible evidence exists to demonstrate that your practice has reached such a level of maturity?

The Illusion of Superficial Practice

What does it actually look like to learn from the Buddha? Have you truly grasped the essence of this path? Are you genuinely learning, or are you merely performing the motions? Learning Buddhism is not merely about the external appearance of being a practitioner. True practice is to be like the Buddha—selfless, without wandering thoughts, filled with great compassion, and holding a vast, noble vow. Ask yourself: does your current state reflect the path of the Buddha? Does your life mirror the teachings you claim to follow? If your heart is not in sync with the Buddha, then your external actions are but a hollow shell.

The Trap of Seeking Answers

Many practitioners love to 'ask questions'—seeking guidance from masters, elders, and true spiritual friends. While it is natural to have doubts, this behaviour is not always correct. True learning is about aligning your heart with the Buddha’s, rather than becoming lost or attached to any single issue or question. I am not saying you cannot ask questions; rather, I am reminding you to be cautious. Are the questions you raise merely manifestations of your own attachments and obstacles? You must examine this carefully. Do not let your questions become a cage for your own mind, where you become trapped by the very act of seeking.

The Necessity of Emptiness

It is normal to have things you do not understand. However, if your questioning is rooted in confusion or the mere pursuit of intellectual knowledge, it misses the true meaning of the Dharma. In your practice, you must find your own clarity and awakening. Do not blindly pursue answers. Do not cling to any point. When you ask a question, do not let your mind stop there. If you stop at any point, you develop an attachment that is difficult to detect. It is a great pity to start with a sincere heart for learning and end up trapped by a rigid, clinging mind.

I have observed all of you who have come here today. Many lay practitioners are indeed diligent and eager to learn. But learning Buddhism requires the quality of emptiness. If you are overly attached to anything—even just a single principle or concept—your mind becomes cluttered. If you hold onto these thoughts, your daily practice cannot be purified. It cannot even be called practice. This requires extreme caution.

A Path of Purification

Purification is a unique and supreme Dharma method, distinct from worldly pursuits. You must adjust your approach to truly benefit from it. My Buddha is of great compassion. I am grateful to the Grandmother. Namo Amituofo."

This interview was recorded and transcribed by the disciple Shi Faxi.