The True Purpose of Practice

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, who resides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having sought deliverance through the teachings of the Elder Matriarch and Practitioner Su, the Venerable reflects upon the essence of spiritual practice. This account was recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi on April 13, 2019.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. When we speak of spiritual practice, we must first ask ourselves: what is it that we are truly seeking? What is the genuine purpose behind your decision to come here and practise? Our founder, the Elder Matriarch, has often said that anyone from the age of one to one hundred is welcome to join our group cultivation. Today, you are among those who have answered that call. But I must ask you: are you truly practising with your whole heart?

Whether you are young and full of vigour, or an elder in the sunset of your life, you must pose this question to yourself: Why have I come here to practise? It is a question that demands total honesty. You must look into the mirror of your own heart and ask if you are truly engaged in the work of the Dharma, or if your mind remains tethered to the mundane concerns of the world.

The Mirror of the Heart

Regardless of your age, you must ask yourself why you have arrived at this point in your journey. Once you are here, are you truly practising, or are you merely going through the motions? This is a matter of the utmost importance. Every single person must be brave enough to face their own heart. Does your inner life reflect the true appearance of a practitioner, or is it still filled with the same worldly attachments you brought with you?

When you arrive at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, have you ever truly cherished this karmic connection? Since the day you first stepped through our gates, have you maintained that same sense of gratitude for the opportunity to practise in this sacred space? If your heart has changed, can you see that transformation? Can you see the way your own mind has mutated, even as your physical face shows the signs of ageing? If you are still burdened by worldly emotions while you are here, then you must ask: has your practice actually progressed? Do you possess a pure heart? Do you truly resemble a person who is walking the path of the Buddha?

A Rare and Magnificent Blessing

The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a place of rare and magnificent blessings. You should treat your time here with the greatest caution and respect. To be able to come to this place for pure practice is a blessing that has been cultivated over countless lifetimes and kalpas. It is a karmic opportunity that is incredibly difficult to encounter.

You must know clearly what it is you are trying to achieve by learning the Buddha’s teachings. If your thoughts and concepts remain rooted in the ways of the world—if you are still constantly thinking of yourself, prioritising your own ego, or clinging to your own personal feelings—then you are not truly practising. You are simply passing the time within the walls of a bodhimanda. How tragic it would be to waste such a precious opportunity and squander the blessings you have worked so hard to earn.

The Meaning of Diligent Practice

How can one truly define 'diligent practice'? You must take the time to understand this question deeply. Do not let another day slip by as you waste your precious time. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is unlike any other place in this world. The opportunity to be here is truly extraordinary. In the future, this temple will continue to lead more and more people toward the light. You must ensure that you achieve success in your own practice so that you do not waste this life and this rare connection to the Great Dharma. You must achieve the goal of liberation.

I am deeply grateful to the Elder Matriarch, and I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."