Paving the Way for a Meaningful Retirement
An Interview with Chang Yung-fa, Founder of the Evergreen Group
Reflections on Life, Impermanence, and the Path to the Western Pure Land
This interview was recorded on September 1, 2018, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. Chang Yung-fa, the founder of the Evergreen Group, sought spiritual guidance and deliverance at the centre. In this testimony, he reflects on the transient nature of his worldly achievements, the harsh reality of ageing, and the necessity of preparing for the future through the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo. The record was compiled by the chief writer, Shi Faxin.
Chang Yung-fa speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Chang Yung-fa. The word 'retirement' carries with it a multitude of complex emotions. For some, it brings a sense of relief; for others, it is a source of ; and for many, it is simply a descent into boredom. Have you ever stopped to consider what people actually do in their retirement? I have observed so many people spending their days in the park, waving their arms about, performing various exercises, and chatting with others. And what do they talk about? They talk about the past—what they achieved, how their family life was, or how their children are doing. To put it bluntly, they are either venting their frustrations or boasting about their past glories. That is about the extent of it.
The Inevitable Cycle of Worldly Decline
They cling to their homes, guarding the savings of a lifetime, all for the sake of their children. They want to buy houses for them, or perhaps set them up with a shop. They pour their entire heart into their children, but what do they receive in return? One word: 'old.' In a very short span of time—usually within five years—illness finds them. Ten years later, they are accompanied everywhere by a foreign caregiver. The days are spent with the caregiver, and the caregiver spends their days with them. They start with a walking stick, shuffling along, and eventually, they end up in a wheelchair. Their legs simply refuse to obey them anymore. 'It is infuriating!' becomes their constant refrain as their health continues to deteriorate.
When you think about it, human life is truly tragic, and not a single person can escape this cycle. Life is so short, yet we spend it all struggling and fighting for things that do not last. It is exhausting. In the end, everything is empty. The heart beats restlessly, never finding a place to settle, because death is already standing right before them. The first time you lose control of your bodily functions and wet your trousers, the dignity you held as a parent vanishes. The fear that fills your heart at that moment is absolute. You blame yourself, thinking, 'I am useless.' You do not know where to hide your face. This is the reality of human existence.
A New Plan for the Final Chapter
I hope that everyone can avoid this fate. Only by chanting Namo Amituofo can you avoid losing your essence. Everyone should now give themselves a new plan for their retirement. Come to the Amituofo Village at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and become a clear-minded person who truly follows Namo Amituofo. By doing so, you can avoid the suffering I have described. Come to this place of quiet retreat in Australia, and truly walk the final chapter of your life with purpose. Death is not the end; it is a true migration to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss through the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo.
Paving the Way for the Next Generation
By taking this step yourself, you also provide your children with the opportunity to learn the Buddha's teachings. This ensures that they will not have to live such a difficult and exhausting life. To give the gift of the is to give the gift of yourself. The education that the Buddha's teachings provide to your children will prevent them from becoming extreme or lost. When an individual is stable and calm, they help the entire society remain stable and calm. Everyone should believe in what I have seen: you cannot wait to learn the Buddha's teachings, because human life is highly impermanent.
I hope that everyone can make a trip to this pure land in Australia to find some stillness. This is a way to transform your own life and, at the same time, pave a meaningful path for your children. Namo Amituofo."
Chang Yung-fa
Message recorded by the disciple of the Buddha, Shi Faxin.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library