Venerable Chang Ren, who sought deliverance through the teachings at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, shares his profound insights on the nature of genuine spiritual practice. Having attained the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, he offers this guidance to those still navigating the path. This interview was recorded on November 16, 2019, by the chief writer, Shi Fa.
Venerable Chang Ren speaks:
". True spiritual practice is the ability to maintain one's awareness and a heart of repentance at every single moment. It is the genuine realisation of how to correct one's own behaviours and emotions. Only such a breakthrough and transformation define a true practitioner. If one lacks this, then one is merely learning the surface-level appearances; it is not true practice at all.
The Purity of Hsiang Kuang
At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I have witnessed a level of purity that I have never encountered before. This is an exceptionally conducive environment for practice. Because of this pure land, combined with the series of educational lectures that gently temper one's temperament, this is an unprecedented opportunity—a rare chance that everyone should strive to learn from diligently.
To be able to come here requires immense and Causal Conditions. One must also possess a truly compassionate heart to have the opportunity to join in the Buddha’s teachings to save the world. Throughout the many years that the Buddha’s teachings have been present in this world, there have been countless bodhimanda and practitioners. Yet, for the most part, many have not yet achieved spiritual success. Many have been practising in their own way, following the teachings of the sutras and adhering to their own self-imposed daily practice. Many practitioners have spent their entire lives practising in this manner, but this style of practice has left many unable to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Most still fall back into the six realms of rebirth because a single, subtle thought manifests and causes interference, preventing them from heading to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Truth Behind Failed Practice
This is the reality I have observed: many practitioners fall because they do not understand the truth of their own practice. They continue to practise according to their own preconceived notions. They spend their whole lives at it, yet fail to achieve success. It is truly a great pity. In reality, now that the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is here to demonstrate the , and with the Buddha personally guiding us, everyone’s practice and heart should undergo a change. Do not continue to practise based solely on your own ideas, because that path easily leads to having too many of one's own opinions and attachments. The subtle aspects of practice are not easily discovered, and such practice is incomplete and prone to flaws. Many people have missed their opportunity for success precisely because of this.
A Call to Cherish the Opportunity
I am currently in the midst of my own practice, and I must ensure that such mistakes do not happen again. I must be able to grasp my own practice firmly so that it can be perfected. Otherwise, once a lifetime passes and the practice has not been completed, what is one to do? My Buddha is compassionate. Everyone must know how to be grateful and how to cherish this. Be grateful to Grandmother. Namo Amituofo."
