Chang Yung-fa was the founder of the Evergreen Group. After his passing, he sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This interview was recorded on August 22, 2018.
Chang Yung-fa speaks:
". It is exhausting to speak about serious matters every single day. Let us talk about something a bit more relaxed for a change, otherwise, when I look at society today, I see everyone wearing such worried expressions. People nowadays are far too calculating; they always place their own interests above everything else. Let me tell you: this is a losing game for everyone involved. Do not do it. People often say, 'Do not put all your eggs in one basket.' Well, I, Chang Yung-fa, am the perfect example of someone who put his eggs in the wrong basket. It was only through the grace of my benefactor, Practitioner Su, that I was guided to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Difficulty of True Practice
If I had encountered the Buddha’s teachings earlier, perhaps I would have had the opportunity to chant the Buddha-name and achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss on my own. Although, if I evaluate it honestly now, that would have been very difficult. But as long as one is learning, there is hope. Speaking of chanting, the way I chant the Buddha-name here in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is incredibly focused and solid. However, when I look at people in the world, they are chanting while still thinking about their stocks, worrying about their grandchildren, or fretting over what to cook for dinner. By the time they think of the Buddha-name, it has already scattered into the wind. They turn their prayer beads round and round, but no matter how many times they circle them, they are not truly able to practise.
The Weight of Slander
When I look down at the world from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I cannot help but laugh, though it is a bittersweet laughter. It is already difficult to find someone who is truly engaged in practice, and even more so when those who are genuinely doing the work are met with suspicion and slander. The karmic weight of such actions is incredibly heavy! If you commit the act of slandering a practitioner, I see the immediately closing in. They will spit on you or beat you with their fists and feet. It is not just a matter of you feeling dizzy or unwell; your spirit will be dragged down to the hells for interrogation. It is simply not worth it! Everyone must be careful with their words, especially those who call themselves practitioners. Your speech and your thoughts must be upright. Only then will your path become wider and more auspicious.
Supporting the Path to
I have said so much simply because I hope everyone will support my benefactor, Practitioner Su. Supporting him is equivalent to supporting Namo Amituofo. If you do this, you too will have hope for your own rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. He is someone who is truly doing the work. These skills are not cultivated in a single day; it is through very solid, grounded practice that he is able to truly lead others to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss today. Everyone should take the time to visit Australia to see this piece of Pure Land for yourselves. In the future, there will be a great temple here, as well as an Amitabha Village. The ones who benefit from the construction of these facilities are all of you. Everyone should stand up and offer their support. The life of chanting the Buddha-name and working toward becoming a Buddha here is far better than the life of confusion and stagnation you lead at home. Anyone with a clear understanding should know what needs to be done. If you have money, contribute money; if you have strength, contribute your effort. Only when everyone possesses this heart of supporting the Buddha can you reach the threshold of becoming a Buddha. Thinking too much will only make you grow old faster; you should simply believe and support. The words I, Chang Yung-fa, speak carry great credibility. Namo Amituofo."
This message was recorded by the disciple of the Buddha, Shi Faxin.
