This is a record of an interview with Venerable Changren, a monastic practitioner who shares profound insights on the nature of and the path to true liberation. This account reflects upon the challenges of personal transformation within the context of the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on April 25, 2019.
Venerable Changren speaks:
". I am Venerable Changren. Many people claim to possess a distinct personality, yet there are moments when they are completely blind to the nature of that very personality. When someone points out their flaws, they often react with confusion or defensiveness, wondering, 'How could I possibly be like that? Is this not just a misunderstanding on their part?' It is a common human tendency to focus only on our positive traits—to fixate on our own diligent practice and hard work—while completely ignoring the personality traits and habits that have already manifested. Yet, these are precisely the areas where we must begin to adjust and change."
The Blind Spot of the Self
"Every individual possesses a unique personality, and with it, habits that are notoriously difficult to tame. Even those who appear perfect on the surface often harbour their own tempers and deep-seated tendencies. These are inherent characteristics of being human. However, the true purpose of our practice is to refine this uniqueness. We must work to transform our temperament until it becomes gentle, pure, and luminous. When we achieve this, those around us will naturally feel a sense of softness and in our presence. There will be no hurtful words, no stubborn ego-attachment, and no obsessive cravings. By addressing these worldly issues and correcting our errors, we have the rare opportunity in this lifetime to truly find our original nature."
"We are often bound by too many worldly attachments and obscured by the dust of our own habits. These personality traits and ingrained behaviours prevent us from seeing our true self. Furthermore, it is precisely these attachments that keep us trapped in the cycle of reincarnation. If we refuse to face the existence of these problems, we will never witness any real transformation in our practice. If we cannot confront our own mistakes, there is simply no possibility for growth or breakthrough."
The Scrutiny of the World
"The process of practice often brings our habits and personality traits into sharper focus. Because we carry the identity of a practitioner, our behaviours become more visible to others. In the secular world, a particular personality quirk might go unnoticed, but within the context of spiritual practice, every issue is placed under a microscope. People are particularly keen to examine the temperament of a practitioner, as it is seen as a reflection of one's actual cultivation. The modern world is incredibly realistic; there are many sharp eyes constantly scrutinising us, evaluating our level of attainment. If we still cling to our old habits, our practice will appear inauthentic to others. If we wish to spread the , this lack of genuine change creates immense obstacles and invites others to slander the very existence of our practice."
Facing the Mirror of
"Sometimes, when our personality flaws manifest, it is a sign that our spiritual obstacles are intensifying. We must possess the awareness to adjust ourselves rather than simply indulging in our own nature. Indulgence in this context is dangerous; it leads others to disregard our practice, which is never a good outcome. I sincerely hope that everyone can take the initiative to change. When you see your own mistakes during your practice, you must be proactive in breaking through them. That is the only way to gain the greatest benefit and elevate your own spiritual state."
"Practice is not easy, but one must know how to proceed. You must learn how to transform your own predicament. Practice itself is not difficult; the difficulty lies in one's own unwillingness to change. I hope that everyone can practise with sincerity and truly transform their own hearts. That is the true meaning of practice. I am grateful to the grandmother for her guidance. Namo Amituofo."
