The True Purpose of Life
An Interview with Venerable Chang Ren
Recorded on June 9, 2019
Venerable Chang Ren, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre and currently resides there, shared these profound insights on the nature of existence on June 9, 2019. This interview was recorded and transcribed by the chief writer, Shi Faxi.
Venerable Chang Ren speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. People in this world toil endlessly for the sake of 'living,' and because of this, they remain trapped in the cycle of being reincarnated. Have you ever stopped to consider the true origin of life? What does it actually mean to live? After a lifetime of effort, what is the true value of a human life?
The Illusion of Permanence
I have observed the lives of so many people. Is there anyone whose life can truly continue indefinitely? Everything eventually encounters an end, or at least a pause. Nothing in this world can progress forever. In the midst of this, all the things you strive for—your achievements, your possessions, your status—eventually become nothing left, a mere illusion that cannot be sustained. You continue to drift into the cycle of being reincarnated, but have you considered where your next destination will be? That depends entirely on what you are doing right now, in this very moment.
Your actions must be grounded in truth. People in this world mistakenly believe that this worldly life is the 'real' reality, but in truth, all of this is merely a false appearance brought about by life itself. It is this physical body that tricks you into believing that you have genuine or that your heart is truly touched. Every sensation created by , including the constant effort to adapt and survive within this space, is something you have been conditioned to believe is absolute truth. Everyone has forgotten that this body is merely a temporary dwelling place for the spirit.
The True Utility of the Body
The meaning of life is often lost because people are so deeply attached to the sensations of the body and the things the body possesses. What is forgotten is actually the greatest loss of all: you are squandering a rare and precious opportunity. You should be using this body to diligently engage in practice. You must draw upon the power within to adjust and improve your spirits, allowing your true self to emerge from within. That is the only real purpose of this body. It is not meant for mere survival, nor is it meant to become an object of attachment in this world. To live only for the body is to create the very conditions that keep you bound to the cycle of being reincarnated.
A Path to Clarity
To practise effectively, you must clearly understand the greatest goal of this lifetime. Only then will you have the opportunity to change your destiny. You must cleanse your heart, reduce your desires, and bring your spirit into balance. This is the path to liberation.
I am deeply grateful for the of the Buddha and the compassion of the grandmother. Namo Amituofo."
More from Master Chang Ren
Letting Go of Past Pain
Venerable Changren shares his journey from a life of deep-seated resentment and demonic existence to his current path of deliverance, offering profound insights on how to release the burdens of the past.
Purifying the Thoughts of the Head
Venerable Chang Ren discusses the habitual nature of human thought, the spiritual consequences of a cluttered mind, and practical methods for achieving mental purity through the practice of Namo Amituofo.
The Labyrinth Within: Understanding the Space of Thoughts
Venerable Chang Ren, a practitioner at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, explores the complex, layered spiritual spaces created by our thoughts, explaining how these mental landscapes are often influenced by karmic forces and how we can regain mastery over our own minds.
The Occupied Body: A Spiritual Reality
Venerable Chang Ren reveals the hidden truth behind the aging process and physical illness, explaining how uncorrected personality flaws create loopholes that allow spirits and karmic creditors to occupy the human body.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library