Venerable Yongning on the Art of Adjusting One's Practice
An Interview with Venerable Yongning
Recorded on April 22, 2019, at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
This interview was recorded on April 22, 2019, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. Venerable Yongning discusses the essential process of refining one's practice and the importance of sincerity in the journey toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. In the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, the lotus flowers grow naturally within the Treasure Pond, flourishing according to the Buddha's light. The size and the vibrant colours of these lotuses are not merely reflections of human preferences; they are manifestations of the purity of one's heart. When your heart harbours not a single shred of doubt regarding the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you will not abandon the aspiration for rebirth simply because you have not yet realised your true self. You will not be pulled away by the whims of your own personality.
The Trap of the Ego
Think about it—human beings often find it difficult to control their speech or their actions when things do not go according to their own desires. By the time they realise their mistakes, it is often too late to undo the damage. How much is a person truly worth? Sometimes, we inflate our own importance, and it is precisely this self-aggrandisement that leads us into a state of profound confusion. The price we pay for clinging to this physical body is immense. Because we are constantly driven by an instinctive need for self-protection, it becomes incredibly difficult to reveal the genuine sincerity that lies within our hearts.
On the path of learning the , the level of sincerity you possess is not only visible in your internal practice but is also clearly reflected in your external demeanour. Even the words you speak serve as a mirror; one can discern whether those words are rooted in or if they are tainted by the influence of the ego. If one pretends to be ignorant or refuses to acknowledge one's own shortcomings, that is nothing more than deceiving oneself. In such a state, it is nearly impossible to purify one's practice, let alone nourish the colourful lotuses of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Facing the Truth of Selfishness
Throughout our lives in this world, from childhood to adulthood, we are shaped by our families, our upbringing, and our working environments. It is inevitable that we naturally pick up certain habits and develop ingrained patterns of behaviour. We often use these habits without realising that they are obstacles, and we fail to recognise that, from the perspective of Buddhist practice, these behaviours are what we call 'selfishness.' When people hear the word 'selfish,' they often experience an immediate internal backlash. Under the guise of a perfect external appearance, they cannot tolerate such criticism, and certainly, they do not wish to admit it.
However, the scope of selfishness is vast, and until one has truly awakened to their self-nature, everyone possesses it to some degree. The desire for specific foods, the attachment to favourite objects, the obsession with certain people, or the clinging to the karmic connections of this life—there are so many things we find impossible to let go of, and all of these are facets of selfishness. When the time comes for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, if there is even a trace of these attachments remaining in your heart, you will be unable to resonate with the Buddha. The Dharma talks of Practitioner Su are clear and precise in every word and sentence; everyone should internalise these teachings, apply them to their own self-nature, and put them into practice.
A Sanctuary for the Soul
Today is a day of three thousand prostrations at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The collective spirit of diligent practice among everyone here is truly magnificent. As long as you are willing to adjust your habits and transform your approach to practice, you will undoubtedly experience breakthroughs that you have never known before. I, Yongning, along with the various Dharma protectors, are constantly watching over all of you. As long as you remain under the guidance of the Truth, we will do our utmost to counsel all beings not to interfere with your progress.
The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is the best place to rediscover your true self. You should all cherish this present moment, make the Ultimate Vow, and dedicate your lives to the salvation of all beings. Namo Amituofo."
Message recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin.
More from Master Yongning
The Path to a Pure Heart
Venerable Yongning discusses the profound necessity of purifying the heart, explaining how the depth of one's practice is determined by the degree to which one can relinquish the self and worldly attachments.
The Transformation from Demon to Practitioner
Venerable Yongning shares his profound journey from a powerful demon to a dedicated practitioner, reflecting on the transformative power of the Dharma and the moment he was subdued by Practitioner Su.
The Prison of a Stubborn Heart
Venerable Yongning explores the destructive nature of stubbornness, revealing how a rigid heart traps spirits in cycles of suffering and how letting go is the only path to liberation.
Transcending the Cycle of Suffering
Venerable Yongning reflects on the root causes of human suffering, the profound regret of spirits trapped in the cycle of rebirth, and the path to liberation through repentance and chanting Namo Amituofo.
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