The True Meaning of Spiritual Practice
An Interview with Venerable Chang Ren
Recorded on April 27, 2019
Venerable Chang Ren is a dedicated monastic who has sought deliverance through the teachings of the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. Residing within the community and committed to the path of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, the Venerable offers these insights on the nature of spiritual cultivation. This interview was recorded on April 27, 2019.
Venerable Chang Ren speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Every single moment of our spiritual practice holds profound significance. This is especially true when we are faced with trials or when specific manifest before us. In those moments, we must be hyper-vigilant—we must be able to discern clearly between what is right and what is wrong. To truly understand where we need to adjust ourselves, where we need to refine our character, and where we need to correct our path—only then does our practice become meaningful and authentic.
The Complexity of
To engage in genuine practice is by no means a simple task. The problems we face are immense, and the complexity is overwhelming. Why is it so complex? It is because our personal ego—the 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness—is far too strong. When one truly begins to practise, one must constantly face oneself, constantly modify oneself, and constantly adjust oneself. Only through this relentless process can we keep pace with the transformations required by the path of practice. Have you ever asked yourself: Do you truly understand who you are? And more importantly, do you truly desire to practise? As long as you remain tethered to the ways of the world, it is incredibly difficult to change, and it is equally difficult to engage in diligent practice. You must be able to subdue your own ego and adjust the latent habits or bad character traits you have cultivated over time. There is nothing that cannot be changed; the only question is whether you are truly willing to do the work to change it.
Breaking Through the Inner Turbulence
Spiritual practice requires us to confront the many conflicts within our own personality. It is a strange irony: the more you strive to be still, the more inner turbulence, inexplicable emotion, or stubborn personality traits seem to arise. This is, without a doubt, a major test in our practice. It is a barrier that we absolutely must break through. When your practice remains shrouded in a fog of confusion, it is a sign that you lack sufficient awareness and that you have not yet truly entered the gate of practice. Genuine practice requires you to be crystal clear about your own latent habits or bad character traits. You must know exactly when and how to make adjustments. That is what makes practice real. Those who remain lost in confusion are not truly practising. Furthermore, they are often susceptible to having their bodies taken over by external spirits, simply because their own latent habits or bad character traits remain unchanged. Is that not a tragic waste of a human life?
Purification and the Path to Achievement
If you have the opportunity to practise, you must seize it with both hands. Do not let your own personality issues become an obstacle to your progress. It is truly not worth sacrificing your liberation for the sake of your ego. You must learn to change everything. Face your problems with a sharp, clear awareness. Gradually refine and transform yourself, allowing the process of practice to continuously purify your heart. Only then are you truly practising, and only then will you eventually witness the fruits of your achievement.
The Urgency of Transformation
Practice must be earnest and grounded in reality. Do not allow inappropriate personality traits or behaviours to become stumbling blocks on your path. Even the accumulated over accumulated lifetimes should not be allowed to dictate your future. You must know how to adjust and transform; only then can the of this life be shifted. Our Buddha is full of , and we should all cherish this opportunity. Do not continue to sink into the cycle of the world. Change, seek liberation, and reclaim the true meaning of your practice in this lifetime.
I am grateful to Grandma for her guidance. Namo Amituofo."
Venerable Chang Ren
This interview was recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi.
More from Master Chang Ren
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library