This interview features the late business magnate Chang Yung-fa, who sought Spiritual Deliverance through the compassionate intervention of Practitioner Su. Having transitioned from the material world to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, he shares his reflections on his past life and his newfound understanding of the . This testimony was recorded on September 23, 2019.
Chang Yung-fa speaks:
". I am Chang Yung-fa. It is truly beyond the imagination of anyone living in the world that I, Chang Yung-fa, could return to this realm after death. Even I, at times, find it hard to believe that such a thing could actually happen. People often measure the value of a life by the influence one leaves behind after death. In terms of my own reputation, I was considered one of the foremost figures in the corporate world. It is fair to say that almost everyone knew me; the mere mention of Evergreen Marine or EVA Air was enough to command respect across the globe. Naturally, I assumed my passing would have a monumental impact on everyone—especially my family, my employees, and all those connected to my business empire. But as it turns out, that was merely my own vanity. The reality was quite different."
The Illusion of Worldly Attachment
"I often ask myself, 'What exactly was I still clinging to?' To be perfectly honest, when Practitioner Su first allowed me to return to this world, I was still moved by my worldly heart. To put it plainly, this 'worldly heart' refers to the lingering attachments of human emotion. As a father of four children and the head of such a massive corporation, the idea of letting go completely before my death was an impossibility. At that time, I simply did not understand what it meant to 'let go.' I grasped tightly to everything I desired until the very moment my breath ceased, and I departed this world filled with regrets.
I am eternally grateful to Practitioner Su for saving me. Even if I had achieved great glory in the world, I would never have had the opportunity to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, because I did not know how to chant Namo Amituofo. How many people in this world are just like I was? They look at the past, they look at the present, and they live their lives without ever chanting the Buddha's name. Everywhere you look, such people are abundant. And even those who know of chanting often do not truly chant the Buddha; they chant for themselves. When I say they are not chanting the Buddha, I am not criticising anyone—I am simply observing that everyone is chanting for their own benefit. This is what Practitioner Su often refers to as 'selfishness.'"
The Burden of a Selfish Heart
"Yes, I admit it—I was selfish too. When I first returned to this world, it was truly this selfish heart that caused my downfall. I felt ashamed before the grace of the Buddha and the grace of Practitioner Su. Without the Buddha, where would the Chang Yung-fa of today be? Yet, my worldly heart caused me to cling to my children and to my greed for the material world. I claimed I wanted to help the temple, but in truth, I was unable to offer any real assistance. I feel such deep shame when I think of it.
Today, Practitioner Su has interviewed me once again, and the first thing I must express is my gratitude that he is still willing to give me this opportunity. Seeing the light of the temple growing brighter and brighter, shining with golden light at every moment—such brilliance moves the heavens and the earth. Countless sentient beings are constantly coming to seek Spiritual Deliverance. As a member of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and as a spirit saved by Practitioner Su, I have witnessed how he disregards the suffering of his own physical body to actively and tirelessly perform for all beings. I must learn from his —his great compassion—and do everything within my power to strive for the sake of all sentient beings!"
A Final Reflection
"I am filled with gratitude for Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."
Recorded by the chief writer, disciple Shi Fajing.
