This interview was conducted with Venerable Chang Gao at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre on August 23, 2023. In this discussion, the Venerable explores the fundamental difference between practitioners who possess a genuine renunciation mind and those who do not, explaining how this heart of renunciation is the key to liberation from the cycle of being reincarnated.
Venerable Chang Gao speaks:
". You ask a question that strikes at the very heart of our practice: what truly distinguishes two practitioners, one who possesses a genuine renunciation mind and one who does not? It is a question that every serious student of the Buddha must eventually face.
The Heart of Renunciation
Renunciation mind is not merely a concept; it is a profound, deep-seated yearning to break free from the endless cycle of being reincarnated. It is the wisdom to recognise that everything in this world—every possession, every relationship, every fleeting pleasure—is ultimately illusory. A practitioner with this mind understands that these things are like shadows; they cannot be grasped, and to cling to them is to invite suffering. Their singular focus is liberation, a steadfast vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, where the chains of being reincarnated can no longer bind them.
Consider this: a person who truly possesses this renunciation mind understands the value of diligent practice. It is not about showing off, or trying to become the most knowledgeable or powerful person in the room. No, it is about grasping the limited time we have in this human body to its fullest potential. They use this life as a vessel to help both themselves and all other beings. They do not crave the things of this world because they see clearly that when the final moment of life arrives, all these things will vanish in an instant. This is the wisdom that prevents them from becoming entangled in the traps of greed and possession.
An Unshakeable Foundation
When a practitioner possesses this renunciation mind, they can achieve true success on the Buddha's path. Why? Because they are not easily swayed by external circumstances. You can see it in their demeanour—their heart is in a state of meditative concentration, calm and unmoving. Even when the world tries to interfere, even when swirl around them like a storm, they remain steady. They know their ultimate destination is the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Until they reach that goal, they will not be easily deceived by the illusions of this world.
Conversely, consider the practitioner who still lacks this renunciation mind. Their heart is still deeply submerged in the and the Six Dusts of this world. They do not yet fully grasp the necessity of escaping this sea of suffering. On their path of practice, you will often see them moving forward and then retreating, like a tide. Their hearts are constantly fluctuating. One moment, they understand the beauty of the Buddha’s teachings and want to calm their hearts; the next, they are swept away by external influences, and their hearts are in turmoil once again. Without this stability, how can one achieve success in their practice?
The Path of
However, we must be compassionate. Not everyone begins their journey with a deep, fully formed renunciation mind. It is a process. Through listening to the sutras and hearing the , one begins to understand the truth of life and death. They begin to see through the illusions of existence. It is through the small, daily realisations in life that one slowly cultivates this heart of renunciation.
In this process, one may encounter many trials and tribulations. These are not bad things! These challenges are the crucible that purifies us. Through these hardships, we are forced to see the false nature of this world clearly. Only then do we truly learn to let go and seek genuine liberation. Many people in this world suffer immensely—whether it is the pain of family discord, the loss of health, or the heavy burden of worry and sorrow. They are suffocating under the weight of these afflictions. They look for a place to hide, a place to rest, a place to escape.
Beyond Temporary Escape
But let me tell you: even those who suffer greatly do not necessarily possess a true renunciation mind. Their suffering might only make them want to escape temporarily, but they still harbour a desire to return to their old ways. They might turn to the Buddha’s teachings as a form of comfort, a temporary refuge, but their hearts are still tethered to their family members and worldly attachments. They are not yet practising with a pure heart.
The ultimate goal of practising the Buddha’s teachings is to escape the six realms of existence and achieve liberation from being reincarnated. The difference between a practitioner with renunciation mind and one without it is vast. Through the process of practice, we must slowly realise this truth, help ourselves cultivate this heart of renunciation, and then, with that same heart, help all beings achieve liberation and leave suffering behind. Namo Amituofo."
