The Joy of Generosity

This is a record of an interview with Chang Yung-fa, the founder of the Evergreen Group, 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 reflects upon his early life and his philosophy of giving. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on August 20, 2018.

Chang Yung-fa speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chang Yung-fa. When I look back at the journey of my life, I often think about the true value of a single dollar. In the world, one dollar might seem insignificant, but it represents a profound unity—a connection between hearts. In my youth, a single dollar could buy a bowl of noodles or a small handful of sweets. Those were different times, and the weight of a coin was measured by the survival of a family.

After my father passed away early in my life, the burden of our household fell upon my shoulders. I was just a boy, yet I had to grow up quickly. I would take on any work I could find to help my mother, and every cent I earned was placed directly into her hands. Beyond the heavy labour, I also helped care for my younger siblings. My mother, in her immense love, would often return half of my earnings to me, telling me to go buy some sweets. Even then, that small amount could only purchase a few pieces of candy, but I would always divide them equally among my brothers and sisters. I did not mind going without; seeing their smiles was enough for me."

The Lessons of the Noodle Stall

"When I worked until my stomach growled with hunger, I would head to a local noodle stall. The owner was a man we knew well, and he was always kind. He would often offer me a free tea egg to go with my hot, steaming bowl of clear soup noodles, which cost exactly one dollar. It was a simple meal, but it felt like a feast.

While sitting at that stall, I witnessed something that changed my perspective on life forever. I often saw a man, a drifter, who wore tattered, worn-out clothes. He would come to the stall regularly, clearly struggling to make ends meet. He would order the simplest bowl of clear soup noodles, yet every single time, the owner would quietly add extra ingredients—vegetables, a bit of meat, or extra noodles—without saying a word. When the bowl was placed before him, steaming and fragrant, the look of pure satisfaction on that man's face was indescribable. It was likely the most nourishing meal he had all day."

The Ripple Effect of Compassion

"What struck me most was the interaction when it came time to pay. The drifter would reach into his pocket and pull out a handful of coins, often not even enough to cover the cost of a basic bowl. He would look at the owner with such deep apology and shame, feeling the weight of his own poverty. But the owner, with a warm and genuine smile, would take the money without even counting it. He would simply say, 'Come back again next time! I am always happy to see you.' The man would nod, his eyes filled with gratitude.

I watched this scene unfold time and time again. I saw the drifter’s face light up with a smile of relief, and I saw the owner, too, glowing with a sense of fulfilment that no amount of money could buy. Seeing those countless moments of genuine human connection, I realised the true joy of helping others. I understood then that compassion is not about how much you have, but about how much you are willing to share."

A Lifetime of Giving

"From that moment on, I knew that my life would be dedicated to this spirit of Generosity. As I grew older and my success in business expanded, I made it my mission to give back. The more I earned, the more I gave. My only hope was that these resources could truly help those in need and contribute to the betterment of society. The happiness I found in this Generosity is something I wish to share with all of you today. I hope that everyone can find their own realisation through the practice of giving, for in the act of helping others, we truly find ourselves. Namo Amituofo."