This interview with Venerable Chang Gao was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on October 10, 2022, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. In this discussion, Venerable Chang Gao explores the profound and hidden dimensions within the human body, revealing how our cellular structure serves as a repository for the memories and karmic imprints of our past lives.
Venerable Chang Gao speaks:
". The space within the human body is truly vast. Within a single cell, there can exist an entire world. In this sense, when we perform for a single cell, we are effectively saving the space of an entire world. It is a truly profound and mysterious process.
The Complexity of the Human Brain
The brain is the central hub of human bodily functions. Without the activity of the brain, the human body cannot operate. When we observe the human brain through the machines developed by modern science, we see a structure of immense complexity. Every tiny component, every microscopic screw, carries its own specific responsibility. If even one is missing, the system fails. It is a remarkably complete and miraculous structure that governs the operation of the entire human body.
However, there are spaces within the brain that these machines cannot see. Within these hidden dimensions, there exist the memories of our reincarnated lives from time immemorial. Every scene, every image from our past lives, forms a space that resides within the brain. If modern technology could truly perceive these layers, humanity would be absolutely astonished. The sheer number of these overlapping, countless spaces is deeply shocking to behold.
The of Past Habits
Our personality and latent habits or bad character traits in this current life are, for the most part, brought over from our past lives. These are deeply rooted habits that have not yet been transformed; even as we go through the cycle of rebirth, they remain. What I, Chang Gao, wish to convey is this: when these same personality traits and habits begin to manifest again, the corresponding spaces within our bodies are all awakened. Even if you do not yet have a clear conscious feeling of this, the moment these spirits within those spaces are awakened, your body has already begun to undergo changes.
The Thief and the Karmic Debt
Consider a person who spent several lifetimes as a thief. After cycling through the cycle of rebirth, he finally obtains a human body again in this life, born into an ordinary, kind-hearted family. In this life, he does not become a thief. However, the habits from his past lives cause him to be more inclined than others to use opportunistic or cunning methods whenever he encounters problems. This tendency for opportunism was not taught to him by his current family; rather, it is something he understands innately. It is the result of past habits trailing into this present life.
When he begins to use these cunning methods as early as the age of five, the corresponding spaces within his body are opened, and the spirits residing there begin to awaken. Many of them have already started to exert an influence on his body from within the brain. Although this influence may not be obvious at first, as he grows older, the power of the interference from his becomes increasingly strong.
Taking Control of Your Life
It is not just this boy; all human beings are the same. The spaces within our bodies have existed throughout our many lives. You can only imagine how many sentient beings reside within the brain. When our personality and habits awaken them, it becomes impossible for the human body to remain the master of its own actions. This is because the power of these sentient beings is immense; they can easily manipulate the train of thought within the human brain. Even the most subtle intentions can be seized and controlled by these beings.
Therefore, the only way to avoid suffering from illness and to stop being entangled in these cycles of rebirth is to thoroughly change your personality and habits. You must ensure that you do not awaken the spirits within these spaces. Furthermore, you must make a vow in this life to save these sentient beings and guide them to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Only then can you be free from the suffering of sickness, no longer entangled in the cycle of rebirth, and eventually attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss together.
