The Vital Necessity of Purifying the Body and Spirit

This interview was recorded on June 26, 2023, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Chief Writer Shi Fajing sat down with Venerable Chang Gao to discuss the fundamental importance of purifying the body, heart, and spirit as an essential component of genuine spiritual practice.

Venerable Chang Gao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. When we speak of 'practice,' we must inevitably begin to transform this body and this heart. The transformation within the heart drives changes in the body, and conversely, the changes in the body allow the heart to evolve in synchronicity. The process of practice is, at its core, a process of purifying this body. Before purification can truly take hold, there must be fundamental changes; otherwise, the body remains in a state of chaos, rendering it impossible to be purified.

Defining True Purification

What exactly is 'purification'? In the context of modern spiritual practice, I have observed that many people hold vastly different views on what it means. Some believe that sitting in meditation is the only form of purification. Others think that remaining silent is enough. Some feel that staying in a clean, quiet environment is sufficient, while others even believe that participating in activities that make the body feel happy constitutes purification. Everyone defines it differently. However, the purification I wish to discuss with you today is a deep, profound purification—one that aids the cleansing of your inner spirit. It is not merely the kind of purification that provides a fleeting sense of external comfort.

The Accumulation of Spiritual Pollution

The longer this body lives in this Five Turbidities and Evil World, the more easily it becomes contaminated. In particular, every time our six roots come into contact with the six dusts, the heart fluctuates. Each of these fluctuations is, in itself, a form of pollution. This kind of contamination does not merely affect the body in this lifetime; much of it penetrates deep into your very spirit. Such pollution follows you throughout your many lives, and when you are reincarnated, it manifests once again in your new body.

The Obstacle of Personality

'Personality' is also a form of pollution. Every body carries its own unique personality. Take the trait of 'attachment,' for instance—it is a specific type of personality. Many people possess an attached nature, though the objects of their attachment, the intensity, and the mindset behind it may differ. This must be gradually purified through practice to keep the body pure. Otherwise, an attached personality will only continue to stain this body bit by bit, making it impossible to achieve any real purification.

The Complexity of the Alaya Consciousness

Human personalities are incredibly diverse, and this body is remarkably complex. Our inner spirit has undergone countless cycles of rebirth throughout accumulated lifetimes. A vast amount of memory is stored within the Alaya consciousness. Therefore, the level of complexity within this heart and this body is something we can scarcely imagine.

The Path to Inner Clarity

The method of purification involves removing all obstacles that hinder the clarity of the spirit, helping the body, heart, and spirit return to a state of purity. As I mentioned earlier, this requires one to 'change personality traits.' Personality exerts a powerful influence on this body, and it also attracts the karma you have accumulated throughout your many lives. Thus, the existence of a rigid personality forms a major barrier to the purification of the body. You must change your personality to help your body purify itself, bit by bit.

'Severing thoughts' is also a form of purification. Within everyone's mind, there are densely packed thoughts. For many, severing these thoughts is not an easy task, because it cannot be done simply by saying the words. Behind these thoughts lie many factors, including personal character traits, personality, habits, the influence of one's upbringing, one's physical and mental state, and the interference of selfishness. You must process and change these underlying factors simultaneously; only then can thoughts be purified and reduced.

A Deep and Lasting Transformation

I have listed several methods of purification. All of these are achieved through internal adjustment and change, which in turn helps to purify your body, heart, and spirit. This kind of purification involves thoroughly digging out, changing, and refitting the 'dirt' within the body. It is a deep purification that reaches your very spirit. Consequently, once you have undergone such purification, your heart will be able to remain calm and pure in any environment, and you will not be easily influenced or contaminated.

The Ultimate Goal of Practice

Why is purification necessary for practice? The purpose of practice is by no means just to make your body feel comfortable; that goal alone cannot be called 'practice.' True practice allows you to recover your true self, reclaim your innate abilities, and elevate your spirit. Therefore, genuine practice can produce profound changes in both body and mind. During this process, 'purification' is indispensable. This contaminated, turbid body must be purified so that you can see its original, pure appearance, reveal your inner essence, and witness the radiance of your spirit.

Therefore, when we speak of practice, we must speak of deep purification. It is not just about remaining silent; it requires a thorough internal adjustment to achieve true, complete purification and meditative concentration.

Namo Amituofo."