Witnessing the Morning Service: A Testimony from Venerable Changren

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land, having transformed from his past in the demon realms. This account reflects upon the profound significance of the daily morning services and the urgent need for genuine spiritual practice. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on August 31, 2017.

Venerable Changren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Since I entered the demon realms, I had long ceased to participate in the magnificent and sacred rituals of Chao Du. However, due to a recent karmic opportunity, I have been able to witness the daily morning services here. Every single day, every single session, and every single morning is so incredibly rare and precious. It is difficult for me to find the words to describe the magnificence of what I have seen—a scene of infinitely layered, boundless liberation where all beings are able to leave suffering behind and gain happiness. It is such a wonderful thing, yet so few people in the world are aware of it. It is a feeling that is truly beyond words, and yet, most people remain fast asleep in their delusions."

The Discipline of the Early Hours

"Every day, the morning service begins before the break of dawn. The earth is still shrouded in absolute darkness; the midnight hour has not yet passed, and the time remains in the 'Zi' period. Modern people likely do not understand the significance of these ancient timekeeping methods, but rising at one o'clock in the morning is the daily required practice here. There is not a single day of laxity in this practice. Based on this sincerity alone—the ability to overcome the human desire for sleep—the demon realms hold this place in great respect. Although there are still many who struggle with drowsiness, the diligent heart displayed here is undeniable. Of course, I have also seen many karmic creditors from the demon realms coming to collect their debts, but have you not noticed that the intensity and force of their attacks have softened significantly? This is entirely due to the transformative power of the sincerity found here. If this were anywhere else, the situation would be far more dire. This is the true reality I witness every single day."

The Spectacle of Deliverance

"During the morning prostrations, when one hundred and eight bows are made to the Buddha, countless spirits and beings are already waiting to participate in this grand occasion. Some may not be fully focused on the Buddha-name, perhaps drifting into a state of lethargy, but these spirits are bowing with the utmost sincerity to every single recitation of the Buddha-name. If you could see this scene, you would be deeply moved. Then comes the morning walking meditation—this is the most magnificent moment of all. The countless manifestations of Practitioner Su are real and true. The Chao Du performed by her Dharma Body is not only immeasurable and boundless, but it is also a truly spectacular sight. When I first arrived here, I stood to the side and watched for quite a while before I truly took action and joined the ranks of those performing Chao Du. The existence of such a capable being in the human world is nothing less than the reappearance of a living Buddha, here to save the world from its dust and suffering. It is incredibly rare and precious. When Practitioner Su extended the invitation, I accepted immediately, and now we work together to save this world."

The Truth of Life and Death

"The act of Chao Du is truly beneficial to both oneself and others. By performing Chao Du for the entire Dharma realm of emptiness, one is effectively performing Chao Du for the emptiness within oneself. For the human world, this is a true benefit for both the living and the deceased. In the process of performing Chao Du, I have seen many beings with whom I have karmic affinities, including all the spirits within the realm of technology—an infinitely vast number of spirits. If it were not for this power of Chao Du, given that the laws of karma and cause and effect are never empty, even if I were to be reborn again and again, I might never be able to repay these debts. This is the truth of life and death as I know it. Perhaps many people are skeptical: 'Is it true that a person only lives one life?' What does this even mean? Just look at me, Venerable Changren. With the debts I have incurred, could I even return to this world? Even if I could, I would not have an easy time. Having owed so many people, it would be impossible for me to survive. And within the six realms of rebirth, it is very difficult to frequently be born in a human body. Do you understand what I am trying to express? I know that many of you are thinking, 'I am not like you; I have not created such immeasurable and boundless sins.' If you still hold onto these excuses, you are destined to fail in your attempt to achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land, because you are too difficult to save. My current state is a reflection of everyone's state. Now that I am in the spiritual realms and have no physical body, I see things much more clearly than anyone else. If you are willing to believe and start anew, you are destined for rebirth."

The Challenge of Cultivating Goodness

"I am not a master of giving Dharma talks; I have simply experienced many, many lifetimes, and I know a little more than you do. I see the truth of the universe more broadly. I want to share with you that many things—right and wrong, existence and non-existence—are never just superficial phenomena. They have deep, profound meanings. If you remain lost in superficial illusions, you are doomed. You will never survive this life because you cannot repay the sins you have brought with you. When the time comes, you will be dragged away to walk the path of the underworld, not the path of light leading to the Western Pure Land."

"Today, Practitioner Su hopes that I can help turn the people of this world toward Goodness. Sometimes, this is even harder than destroying evil. It is not that I, Changren, do not have the heart to help—that is absolutely not the case. Have you heard that a good reputation is hard to build but easy to pollute? If you want to turn toward true, pure Goodness, you need to change bit by bit, polishing your heart and cultivating your character. As Practitioner Su says, 'cultivating the heart and nature' is essential. The beings in the sea of karma have personalities that are difficult to tame and subdue. This is because improvement requires immense strength. Of course, it is a well-known fact that 'at birth, human nature is inherently good,' and everyone possesses the wisdom and virtue of the Tathagata, but because of delusions, discriminations, and attachments, they cannot realise it. I do not know how deep, how thick, or how hard the external dust covering this once-kind heart has become, but through bit-by-bit transformation, one can eventually see the bright heart within. It is true that the power of our demon realms makes it very difficult for these humans to develop this pure Goodness. Now, I will educate my old acquaintances and have them help you all as well."

A Call for Sincere Support

"The demon realm does not have to remain the demon realm. They are highly efficient in their work, but one must understand their hearts. I used to ignore these matters, but now, for the sake of everyone, I will talk to them. Let me be the one to develop the seeds of Goodness in the hearts of those in the demon realm, and then we can turn back to change the people of the world."

"Practitioner Su's hope is to have strong support for the founding of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This intention is one of true, great compassion; it is by no means the foolish, worldly idea of 'seeking alms.' If you hold such evil, selfish thoughts, you will certainly suffer the consequences, for you are slandering the Buddha’s teachings. What Practitioner Su is leading now is a ship of the True Teachings. Because she has dedicated her entire being to this cause, it naturally requires the resources needed for this world to achieve this great undertaking together. The merit of giving lies in having 'no mind'—a state of selflessness—and the standard for success lies in true, frank sincerity. If you are still calculating gains and losses, or if you remain selfish, not only will you fail to achieve anything, but if you stand on this front line, you are creating karma, because you are dragging down the morale of this great Buddhist undertaking."

Success is the Only Option

"Success is the only option; failure is not permitted. Too many lives across the Dharma realm of emptiness are betting on this Buddhist undertaking. I am so willing to support this with all my strength because I understand these truths. My nature has never been one to act for selfish reasons. Such a great, righteous vow—I will support it to the very end. These foolish humans who think they are wealthy do not understand the severity of the situation. They are exhausting the blessings they brought into this life, not knowing that there will come a day when their resources are completely depleted. I will teach them a good lesson. Some of my trusted subordinates are perfect for these tasks. As long as they are properly disciplined, they will be brought to submission. The karmic creditors who are waiting for revenge, and the demon realms that want to take people away, must also respect their creditors. Moreover, these people are likely all of the same type: greedy for life and afraid of death, clinging to their wealth, and looking at others with arrogant eyes without a sense of equality. We have many ways to polish them. If they want to come to this pure land, they need to change. At the very least, there should be no obstructive forces around them; it will be much more convenient for them to come here then. Regarding Li Ka-shing and Liu Baoyou, whom Practitioner Su mentioned, leave them to us. The demons on these businessmen are not major characters. I will have my subordinates invite these demons to come and see me first. That is no problem. But if they themselves have no genuine vow, and their coming here serves no great purpose, I, Changren, will eliminate them. If the paths are different, why should we conspire together? There is always someone better; there is always a higher authority. Hypocritical, fake goodness is not needed here. We certainly need more talent, and I, Changren, will be responsible for finding them. But please do me a favour: when people come, let them see the materials—the websites, the publications—that allow everyone to see the promotion of this place. It must be solid. Only then, when I bring people in, will they have a way to understand this place. Practitioner Su, I, Changren, will work hard. Namo Amituofo."

Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Australia

Contact: Venerable Hailiang / Practitioner Cao

Phone: +61-456-793-638

Blog: http://purelandstone07.pixnet.net/blog

E-mail: pureland.stone@outlook.com

Address: 120 Gordon Smiths Road, Goombungee, QLD 4354, Australia