Turning the Tide of Life

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 Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on August 23, 2018.

Chang Yung-fa speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Life is simple, yet complex. We have all done many things throughout our existence, and both Goodness and evil carry their own consequences that we must eventually face. The connections between people are truly unique; without karmic affinity, we would never have been brought together in this life.

The Ups and Downs of a Lifetime

People often look at the peaks and valleys of my life and call it 'spectacular.' But sometimes, when you are down, you stay down. You lose your spirit, and your life is wasted. I, Chang Yung-fa, did not make money on every venture I started. There were times of failure, and there were times of deep struggle. Worrying is useless; you just have to keep striving. I always held onto the mindset that I was a young man, capable of getting back up no matter how many times I fell. With that heart, even at eighty, I felt young.

The Mask of Authority

At eighty, to say one is not afraid of death is a lie. As the body decays, grows old, and fails, the heart becomes increasingly insecure. Yet, when facing my company and my descendants, I had to act as if everything was fine. After all, I had the authority of a father to maintain. I must admit, I was rarely a good father. I never truly understood your hearts; perhaps I often used the habits of a businessman to interact with you. I was always so focused on the work, on the empire, that I neglected the people who mattered most.

Finding Peace in the Western Land

Now, I am in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and my temper has softened significantly. My sons, we have spent our entire lives busy and rushed, and all the storms we weathered have passed since I departed. In this world, all the fame and fortune we fought over amounts to nothing left in the end. It only made our hearts unhappy. I never cared about your emotions back then. Now, in this pure land of the West, I have finally realised how comfortable it is to simply be still. It is a state of being that I never could have imagined while I was caught up in the chaos of the world.

A Message from Beyond

My sons, after a lifetime of busyness, it is time to let yourselves pause. Pay attention to this message—it truly comes from your father in the Western Land; it is not fabricated. I hope you can all find the time to visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia to learn more. This could be the key to turning your lives around. Remember, the one who helped your father is Practitioner Su. You must never forget this. Namo Amituofo."