The Legacy of Compassion: A Message from Zhang Rongfa

The True Wealth of Character

It is far better to endure the hardships of youth than to face the bitterness of an impoverished old age. In life, one should never be overly extravagant, for if you squander your resources, you may find yourself abandoned by your own children in your twilight years. Furthermore, one must never be stingy in their dealings with others. A miserly heart only serves to narrow your own path in life. Do not become a slave to wealth; that petty, grasping nature is often written clearly upon one's face for all to see. If you spend your entire life hoarding riches only to pass them on to your children, do not expect them to be grateful. They will likely view your sacrifice as a matter of course, spending your hard-earned wealth without a second thought. When you look back upon such a life, you will realise that it was truly not worth the cost.

However, if you conduct yourself with integrity and walk the right path, there is nothing to fear. The great storms and tempests of life are nothing to lament. The bright path that lies ahead is one that you must walk for yourself. My own principle in life was simple: I treated every one of my employees as if they were members of my own family. Whenever the company prospered, I believed that everyone should share in that success. I am deeply grateful to all those who worked alongside me for so many years, from their youth, through the building of their own families, and into their later years. Some of them I knew by name, while others I did not, yet we weathered the various crises of the Evergreen Group together. This is the nature of human connection; those who are linked by Causal Conditions will naturally come together, while those who are not should never be forced.

A Father's Heartfelt Reflection

Speaking of Causal Conditions, my own connection with the Buddha is quite extraordinary. It was only after I passed away that I encountered the Buddha, and it was through His infinite compassion that I was rescued. To my children: I raised you from a young age, and you never lacked for anything in your material lives. However, in my youth, I was so consumed by the pursuit of my career that I often neglected you. You watched my every move, and in many ways, you learned from my example. While I left you a great business empire, I often ignored the needs of your hearts. Many of the things you wished to say, you kept hidden inside, just as your mother did. For the suffering that you endured as children, I am truly sorry.

Now, I wish to entrust you with a different kind of legacy—a mission of salvation. I hope that you can assist the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia to build the Mituo Village. This project is intended to provide a true home for the elderly, offering them hope and purpose rather than simply waiting for the end of their days. My own foundation was unable to achieve this, and I hope that you can take up this mantle to contribute to society in a meaningful way.

The Path to the Western Pure Land

Everyone will eventually grow old, and we should provide them with a place where they can live in peace and security. At this village, the elderly will be taught to chant Namo Amituofo, listen to the sutras, and perform prostrations. Through this practice, their bodies and minds will be strengthened, and they will eventually be able to return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss by chanting the name of Namo Amituofo. The Western Pure Land is where I reside now, and it is my deepest wish that you, too, may find your way there. It is time for you to properly learn the Buddha’s teachings and begin your own practice, for illness and old age will inevitably arrive one day.

During my life, I did not have the Causal Conditions to encounter the Buddha’s teachings, but now that I understand their value, I wish to introduce them to you, my children. I hope that, in the end, our entire family can be reunited. I know that as you have grown, you have each carved out your own bright future, but this work of saving others is a task far more important than any personal success. I hope that you will listen to your father’s counsel.