The Legacy of Doing One's Best

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Chang Yung-fa, 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 observations of the modern world and his journey toward spiritual liberation. Recorded by the disciple Shi Fajing on September 24, 2019.

Chang Yung-fa speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chang Yung-fa. When I look at the transformation of today's society, I believe everyone can see the stark changes that have taken place. In the era I lived through, there was still a deep sense of human warmth and connection between people. By the time my son's generation arrived, that warmth had already begun to fade significantly. And now, looking at my grandchildren's generation, the interactions between people are defined by indifference and coldness. Why has it become like this? The answer is simple: selfishness.

For those who have not studied the Buddha’s teachings, the word 'selfishness' might seem like a normal, even necessary, part of life. Some might argue, 'If I do not look after my own family first, should I be looking after the neighbours?' It sounds logical on the surface, but in reality, it is entirely devoid of true Wisdom. Think about it—we live in a world filled with towering skyscrapers and massive apartment complexes. If you were to ask the average person today, 'How many of your neighbours' names can you actually call out?' you would likely be met with silence. Aside from a brief, awkward encounter in the elevator while taking out the trash, everyone is far too busy rushing to work or hurrying home. People return to their homes like migratory birds returning to their nests, quickly retreating into their own private spaces. Where is the time for conversation? Where is the space for human warmth to exist?

The Digital Wall and the Loss of Connection

Furthermore, look at how everyone is glued to their smartphones. Whether they are walking down the street, sitting on the subway, or riding the bus, everyone is hunched over, staring at a screen. Who bothers to lift their head to see who is standing next to them? Who would even notice an elderly woman squeezed against the door, needing a seat? Heavens! The world has changed far too rapidly. People's hearts have become increasingly narrow—so narrow that they live as if they are the only person in existence. It is truly impossible to find the simple, kind, and mutually supportive communities that we once knew. If people live like this, how can they possibly be prepared to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss?

I am speaking about these things today because I have seen my own children fall into this same trap, and it causes me immense pain. When people engage in charity or social welfare, how much of it is truly motivated by a sincere desire to help the vulnerable? Or is there a calculator hidden behind their backs, tallying up how much personal benefit they might gain? You can see what is in a person's heart written clearly on their face. When I was still alive, I was quite adept at reading people. Although I only used my worldly eyes, I had observed hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of people. I could generally grasp with high accuracy what kind of person was standing before me. I knew which employees were loyal and which were ambitious. I knew how to utilise their strengths to make my business thrive. Now that I am a spirit, I see human nature even more clearly. The more clearly I see this world, the more I lament what it has become. Without the Buddha’s teachings in this world, humanity is truly on the path to destruction.

The Vital Necessity of the Buddha’s Teachings

The more I witness the decay of society, the more I realise the critical importance of the Buddha’s teachings for the people of this world. The world does not understand the laws of karma and cause and effect; they do not understand the cycle of being reincarnated. People have essentially replaced their hearts with those of wolves—they are capable of doing anything. How many people still uphold moral foundations and ethics? Let alone the great compassion of the Buddha—that is something you simply do not see in this society anymore. The Buddha’s teachings are truly precious and vital. As long as I have the ability, I must help protect and propagate the Dharma.

In this world, it is nearly impossible to find someone like Practitioner Su, who is willing to dedicate her entire being to the selfless service of others. In the eighty or ninety years I lived in the world, I never encountered someone with such a vast mind-capacity as Practitioner Su. I feel a deep sense of regret that I did not meet her while I still had breath in my body. If I had encountered Practitioner Su during my lifetime, I believe that with her great Wisdom, she would have known exactly how to save me, helping me transition from my previous beliefs to the true path of the Buddha. I am certain that the moment I saw her, I would have recognised her as a true practitioner. My eyes were always sharp at distinguishing good from bad, those who practised from those who did not. It was simply my lack of blessings that prevented me from encountering the Buddha’s teachings earlier, which is why I clung to my previous spiritual path as a form of comfort, hoping to see the 'Wuji Laomu' after death.

A Vow to Repay the Buddha's Kindness

I can only say that we met too late. Had I met her sooner, I would have supported Practitioner Su completely, helping to make the Buddha’s teachings flourish so that more beings could believe, learn, and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. However, I am also deeply grateful. Even though I did not meet Practitioner Su while I was alive, she was able to guide me to the Western Land after my passing. This debt of gratitude is something I must repay whenever the opportunity arises. It is now my responsibility to help the Buddha propagate the Dharma. Because I am now a part of the Western Land, and because that realm is so magnificent, how could I bear to watch so many beings suffer while I enjoy bliss alone? I want to make the great compassion of Namo Amituofo known to more people in this world!

Now that Practitioner Su has given me this opportunity to dissolve my karma and repay the Buddha's kindness, I will certainly do my absolute best. Regardless of whether the Causal Conditions have fully matured, I will continue to work tirelessly. Perhaps one day, through my efforts, the magnificent Causal Conditions will be created.

I am deeply grateful for the compassion of Practitioner Su!

Namo Amituofo."