The Vital Importance of Listening

This interview was conducted with Venerable Chang Ren, who shares profound insights on the essence of true practice at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This account reflects upon his teachings recorded on November 11, 2020. The record was transcribed by the chief writer, Shi Faxi.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Everyone must learn to listen. To listen properly means to truly grasp the underlying meaning of the words, rather than filtering them through your own preconceived notions or personal interpretations. Consider the act of listening to the sutras. The purpose is to deeply understand the principles the Buddha teaches us, to follow those principles to correct our conduct, and to put them into action. It is not enough to simply hear many teachings while remaining unable to truly practise.

The Trap of Superficial Practice

Practising the Dharma is not merely about what you say; it is about genuinely transforming your behaviour. Many people follow a path of practice they have constructed for themselves, but this is often a flawed approach. Because they are blinded by their own perspectives, they cannot see where they are going wrong or identify where they are clinging to attachments. They fail to notice that their practice has veered off course. This is a common error among many practitioners today. Some spend their entire lives studying the sutras and commentaries, and some even share these teachings with others, yet they remain unaware of the need to constantly examine their own practice. They do not realise they have fallen into error. These are extremely subtle matters; if one does not possess a keen and sensitive awareness, it is truly difficult to discover these hidden pitfalls.

Breaking Through the Internal Barriers

I often see practitioners who are eager to reach a certain level of spiritual attainment. They study extensively from the sutras, commentaries, and the experiences left behind by those who came before them. They are incredibly diligent in their efforts, and in their daily lives, they even carry the outward appearance of a practitioner. Yet, their practice remains unfulfilled. This is because they are still clinging to certain aspects of their ego, or their deep-seated personality traits have yet to be adjusted. Consequently, they cannot break through their own limitations and fail to recover their true self.

This kind of practice is too focused on external behaviour, which may not always be visible from the outside. Many people do not show their personality flaws on the surface, making it impossible for them to identify the problems in their own practice. However, this is the very crux of spiritual cultivation: can you truly achieve a genuine transformation? Can you break through your internal personality?

The Path to Genuine Transformation

Practice must be authentic, and it must involve real change. You cannot choose your path of practice based on your own habits or preferences. Instead, you should follow the Truth and make honest, necessary adjustments. Many people’s actions are merely 'seemingly correct but actually wrong'—this is something every practitioner must be cautious and vigilant about. Do not spend your entire life in diligent practice only to find that you have failed to transform yourself in the end. If your direction has drifted, it is a truly regrettable outcome. This is something you must pay close attention to.

If one lives a life without practice, one will continue to suffer in the cycle of rebirth. But if you do not break through your own limitations while practising, your efforts will be in vain. You must be mindful; you must save yourself. I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha, and I am grateful to Grandmother. Namo Amituofo."