Venerable Chuan Hang’s path to insight

There are moments in life when a quiet voice within calls us to step away from the noise of the world and turn towards something deeper, something timeless. For Venerable Chuan Hang, this voice first stirred during a seemingly simple moment — a senior monk delivering a Dharma talk, his words slow and deliberate, creating space for contemplation. “I thought this was very enjoyable,” he recalls, “and it began something within me.” That quiet spark was the start of a journey that would lead him from the comforts of lay life into the profound stillness of monkhood.

Like the slow unfurling of a lotus in a tranquil pond, Venerable Chuan Hang’s path towards ordination grew gradually. Nurtured by encounters with the Buddha’s teachings, he started volunteering at temples and embracing meditation practices. “I felt that this aligned with me,” he reflects. What began as curiosity slowly evolved into conviction, an inner calling that could not be ignored.

The journey to monkhood requires preparation, both inward and outward. Before stepping into the monk’s robes, Venerable Chuan Hang spent countless hours in silent meditation, studying the Dharma, and reflecting on the life he was leaving behind. “I would go to the temple to meditate, do prayers, and perform prostrations day and night,” he recalls. It was not just mental preparation but a complete reshaping of his life — learning to loosen the ties to worldly attachments and adopting the simplicity of renunciation.

As with any transformation, this path was not without its challenges. For Venerable Chuan Hang, the struggle to let go of family ties, career and personal ambitions, along with the uncertainties of the unknown was no easy task. “The greatest challenges often involved letting go of attachments,” he admits. However, these challenges became opportunities for deeper spiritual practice. Encouraged by his father’s steadfast words, “Be strong, never give up easily”, Venerable Chuan Hang found the strength to follow his calling, despite the doubts and misconceptions that often surround monastic life.

Entering monkhood for Venerable Chuan Hang was not just a change in lifestyle change, it was a complete reorientation of his being. While his daily routine might appear simple, each moment is imbued with deep meaning. “My daily life is now much more structured, focused on meditation, study, teaching, and service,” he explains, offering a glimpse into the rhythm of monastic life. In this existence, simplicity and mindfulness replace the noise of worldly distractions, creating a life rich with inner peace and purpose. Since 2016, Venerable Chuan Hang has served as a lecturer at the Buddhist College of Singapore, further enhancing his commitment to sharing his wisdom and guiding student monks on their spiritual journeys.

An essential part of Venerable Chuan Hang’s monastic practice is community service, where his compassion transforms into tangible action. “Through service, I cultivate patience and mindfulness, recognising that this path is not just about personal growth but also about supporting others,” he shares. In these acts of service, Venerable Chuan Hang lives out the teachings of the Buddha, bridging his spiritual journey with the needs of the world around him.

Although Venerable Chuan Hang’s focus has shifted to spiritual practice, his relationships with his family and friends are still a part of his life, albeit with a new depth. “I stay in touch through occasional visits or correspondence, but the focus has shifted from worldly concerns to spiritual support,” he explains. These interactions are no longer about casual chit-chat but about sharing the Dharma, “When I meet them, I will greet them with ‘南无阿弥陀佛’, and use these moments to propagate the Dharma, ensuring they are happy and well,” he shares, revealing his quiet, yet thoughtful approach to maintaining these bonds.

For those feeling the quiet call of monkhood, Venerable Chuan Hang offers this advice: “Take time to explore the teachings, spend time in retreat, and reflect thoughtfully on your motivations for ordination.” It is a path that should not be taken lightly, but for those willing to listen to their inner voice, it offers great insight and transformation.

The path of monkhood is a journey into a world of wisdom, self-discovery and quiet fulfilment. It is an invitation to listen to the stirrings within and to live with purpose, insight and compassion. If this resonates with you, perhaps now is the time to answer that call. Speak with us at 6849 5357 or visit kmspks.org/monkhood. We are here to listen, guide, and support you as you explore your inner calling.

传航法师的心路历程

人生中，总有一些时刻会唤起我们内心深处的宁静，让我们暂时想摆脱世间的喧嚣，去追寻一种更深层次、超越一切的安宁。对传航法师而言，这种召唤源于一次看似平凡的法会——当听到一位资深法师开示时，他的内心悄然泛起涟漪。回忆起当时的心境，传航法师说道：“那一刻，我的心境非常喜悦，似乎开启了某种内在觉知。” 这份觉醒的火花，也悄然点燃了他从世俗生活迈向清净修行的契机。

传航法师的出家之路，犹如一朵莲花在静谧的池塘中缓缓绽放，是一段自然展开的旅程。伴随他多次接触佛法的因缘，他开始在寺院从事义工，并逐渐沉浸于禅修。他回忆道：“我觉得这一切与我的心境非常契合。”最初的好奇心，逐渐演变成一股无法忽视的内心召唤。

踏上出家之旅，需从心灵到生活全面地准备。传航法师在披上僧袍前，花费了无数个日夜静心禅修，学习佛法，反思即将放下的尘世生活。他回忆道：“我会到寺院禅坐、诵经，日夜顶礼跪拜。”这不仅是心灵上的准备，更是生活方式的彻底转变——学习放下世俗的牵绊，迎接出家所需的简朴生活。

然而，转变总伴随着挑战。对传航法师而言，放下对家庭、事业与个人理想的执着，以及面对未知生活的忐忑，是一大考验。他坦言：“最大的挑战往往是放下内心的执念。” 然而，这些挑战也成为了他深化修行的契机。在父亲的鼓励下，“要坚强，不要轻易放弃”，他找到了追随信仰的勇气，即便面对世人对僧侣生活的种种误解，他依然不改初衷。

对传航法师而言，出家不仅是生活方式的转变，更是内心更深层次的归依。出家众的日常作息看似简单，但每一刻都充满着深远的意义。他解释道：“如今我的日常更加有序，专注于禅修、学习、教学及服务大众。”在这样的生活中，简朴与正念取代了纷扰，让他的生活充盈着宁静与禅意。自2016年起，传航法师在新加坡佛学院担任讲师，为弘扬佛法及引导学僧修行而奉献。

在僧侣的生活中，服务大众是核心的修行实践。通过服务众生，传航法师培养了耐心与正念，“服务他人不仅是对自我的修行，亦是帮助他人的途径。”通过这些善行，传航法师践行着佛陀的教诲，将自己的修行之路与世间需求紧密结合。

尽管他的重心已然转向修行，但他依旧维持着与家人朋友的联系，且更具深意。“我会通过偶尔的探访或简讯往来保持联系，但对话内容已从俗事转向心灵和精神上的支持。”他解释道：“每次见面时，我都会以‘南无阿弥陀佛’问候，并借机弘扬佛法，也希望他们安康、喜乐。”这种含蓄而真切的方式，为他与亲友的关系赋予了新的意义。

对于那些心中也有出家意愿的人，传航法师提出真诚的建议：“花些时间去学习佛法，多参加禅修，认真思索自己出家的初心。”出家之路并非易途，但对于那些愿意聆听内心觉醒回音的人，出家生活将带来深刻的领悟与转变。

僧侣之路，是通向智慧、自我发现与觉行圆满的旅程。这是一份真挚的邀请，接引人们倾听内心的召唤，以慈悲之心观照世间。如果这份回响触动了您的心，不妨把握因缘，回应您心中的召唤。您可致电 6849 5357 或浏览 kmspks.org/monkhood 与我们联系。我们会在这条路上，倾听并支持您的每一步。