The Illusion of a Splendid Life

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Zhang Rongfa, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account was recorded on October 12, 2019.

Zhang Rongfa speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zhang Rongfa. People in the world are always yearning to 'live a splendid life.' But what exactly is this 'splendid life' that everyone craves? Let me be clear: it is having everything. You have the cars, the houses, the lover, the family, and the health. You are expected to know everything—politics, economics, social etiquette. You are seen as a person of vast experience. You have been everywhere and done everything. You say you like mountain climbing? You have conquered the world's highest peaks. You say you like swimming? You have challenged yourself in the vast ocean. You talk about romance? Your life has been filled with rich emotional experiences. You talk about interpersonal relationships? When you open your contact list, it is so long it could stretch for miles. You talk about your career? You are constantly busy with social engagements, with companies spanning across the globe. Is this the 'splendid life' that people desire? A life where one is never lonely and always fulfilled?"

The Mirage of Success

"Many people envy such a life. They use all sorts of glowing adjectives to describe it. Some say they are 'successful in both family and career,' while others call them 'the happiest people in the world.' From a worldly perspective, it is true that they possess a great deal. But now, having learned the Buddha’s teachings, I realise that all of this is unnecessary. The more you possess, the more your desires grow, and the harder it becomes to let go. If I were given the chance to choose the life of Zhang Rongfa again, I could choose to have billions in assets and enjoy the glory and wealth of this world. But I would refuse. I would say: 'If this money is not used for Generosity in the Buddha’s teachings, to help the people of the world achieve liberation, then I would rather be an ordinary civilian. At least that would allow me to practise the Buddha’s teachings in purity.'"

The True Value of Wealth

"Only after dying and being reborn did I see clearly how foolish people in this world are. These luxurious villas are built with a lifetime of blood and sweat. You ask, what is the value of this house? It represents a person's status and is an indicator of a successful life. But at the very moment you stop breathing, this house is called an 'inheritance.' It is something left behind, something you cannot take with you. No matter how high your net worth was in this world, the moment your body becomes a corpse, your value instantly drops from billions to absolutely nothing. You are simply buried in the ground to be eaten by insects or cremated into ashes and placed in an urn. So, what exactly are you pursuing? A lifetime of desperate struggle is nothing but a waste of life."

The Reality of Samsara

"Up to this point, I have not even touched upon where one goes after death. If one is glorious in life but miserable in death, then life is truly tragic. That spirit will be forever reincarnated in the cycle of samsara. The suffering of samsara is difficult for people to understand because it feels so far removed from daily life, like a fantasy story or religious superstition. Today, I want to tell everyone that it is a true and undeniable fact, and it is the rule of the game that no one can escape. If you still have a clear mind, you should take your current life and your future destination and weigh them carefully on a scale. Which one is truly worth your investment? Do not play games with your own soul. That is not a fun thing to do."

"Namo Amituofo."

This interview was recorded by the disciple Shi Fajing.