This is a record of an interview with Chang Yung-fa, the founder of the Evergreen Group, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his past lives, the karmic origins of his worldly success, and his current perspective from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 17, 2018.
Chang Yung-fa speaks:
". I am Chang Yung-fa. In the human world, I was known as the founder of the Evergreen Group, but today I speak to you from a place of clarity and profound peace. The dignity of one's appearance and the wealth one possesses in this lifetime are both fruits of what was cultivated in the past. In a previous life, I was a wealthy benefactor who took great in the practice of Generosity. I had many wives—it is a bit embarrassing to admit now, but it is the truth. Back then, I was not necessarily the wealthiest man in the region, but I was certainly the most generous. Everyone called me the 'Great Benefactor.'"
A Past Life of Generosity and Hidden Virtues
"When I speak of 'the past,' I am referring to my previous lives. There was a village next to ours that would suffer from constant, devastating flooding. As a man of means and a heart for others, I would take my wives and children to distribute rice and grain to them. We would stay there for a month, ensuring their families had enough to survive until their homes could be repaired. For those who lacked the funds to rebuild, I would always step in to help. Seeing the smiles return to the faces of those I helped—that was my greatest joy. It was precisely because of this kind of generous giving that my business in that life never failed; it was always profitable. The hidden virtues I accumulated in that lifetime carried over into this one."
"In this lifetime, whenever I decided to commit myself to a business venture, even if there were challenges along the way, the final result was always success. Of course, it was not just my past virtues that shaped this life; my temperament also followed me. I had a stubborn streak. When I believed something was right, I would insist on it until the very end. Sometimes, this unwavering persistence ended up hurting others. To my children: in this life, your father left you wealth, but I also know that many times, my stubbornness and my temper caused you pain. I am truly sorry for that. I was so focused on the 'right' way that I often forgot to be gentle with the hearts of those closest to me."
A Father's Regret and the Importance of the Heart
"I am now in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, having received the grace of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It was only after listening to the teachings of the sutras that I realised where I had gone wrong. People should strive to be simpler in their hearts. Often, a 'simpleton' is far better off than a 'clever' person. Because of our karmic connections, you became my children in this life, and I felt an obligation to teach you to be the best you could be. That was my philosophy of perfection in everything I did. However, I now realise that the exhaustion of society and the pressures of business have left you breathless. Now, as a father, I finally understand the value of pausing. Stopping does not mean giving up on work; it means allowing your heart to rest. Nourishing the heart is far more important than making money."
Finding Peace at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
"The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a truly remarkable place. Since coming to understand it, I have seen that they are dedicated to 'adjusting the heart'—helping people find true peace. It is a wonderful place. You should come and experience it for yourselves. I hope that once you understand the value of this place, you will use your resources to give back to society. There are so many people in the world right now who are in desperate need. Doing good in this way is even more important than simple material giving. You know that your father’s intuition has always been sharp. Please, listen to your father just this once. Namo Amituofo."
