The True Measure of Success

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 life and his journey to the Buddha. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on August 28, 2018.

Chang Yung-fa speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chang Yung-fa. In my life, I viewed success as a ball that rises and falls—it is a constant, rhythmic motion. When we look ahead or look back, we call it 'strategic planning,' but to be blunt, it is just a blueprint. Which successful person does not have a grand blueprint for their business? You set your target, and you charge straight toward it. You do not stop until you reach your goal, and you do not fear offending others along the way, because in the game of life, the one who is most persistent is the one who wins. Once you achieve that success, the sense of accomplishment makes you forget all the bitterness and hardship you endured along the way.

The Hollow Core of Success

Think about it—a person’s life is only a few short years. What should one truly pursue? Many people would say family, a house, a car. After I, Chang, achieved success, I lacked none of these things. Yet, even with all of that, my heart still felt unsettled. It felt hollow. I have always been a very practical person, both in business and in how I treat others, so this deep sense of unreality became incredibly intense whenever I was alone. That is why I began to pour my heart into the services of the Yiguandao. Through those services, I found a superficial sense of peace.

My heart was like a bottomless abyss. In the end, I chose to trust people and treat them with sincerity. I have seen so many people come and go throughout my life; I have seen everything this world has to offer. From a heart that was once anxious and unsettled to becoming a seasoned veteran of the business world, my habits were deeply polluted. If it were not for a heart that genuinely wanted to help society, I would never have been able to encounter the Buddha today. I would not have known where I was going after this life.

The Chilling Reality of the Underworld

Now, after listening to the teachings, I realise that whatever I did in the world was not enough. Everything I did carried the risk of being reincarnated—in fact, I would say it was a 100% guarantee of falling back into the cycle of rebirth. I have walked the path of the underworld myself, and let me tell you, it is chillingly cold and absolutely terrifying. I do not want anyone I know, or anyone who knows me, to ever have to walk that path.

Just by chanting one Buddha-name, light radiates. By chanting one Buddha-name, you have the opportunity to become a Buddha. Sincerity of heart is so important. It is such a pity to live a life of truth and falsehood, where the real and the fake are constantly blurred. Walk the right path, walk it uprightly, and chant Namo Amituofo with a sincere heart. The Buddha will protect us, but we must also protect ourselves.

A Personal Debt of Gratitude

I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for guiding me to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, which is the only reason I am able to share these insights from my learning today. I stand tall and say this: anyone who knows Practitioner Su can avoid death. Namo Amituofo."

The content of this message was recorded by the disciple of the Buddha, Shi Faxin.