When I read Teacher's article "The Knowing Heart" tonight, I was suddenly overwhelmed with gratitude to Teacher and I couldn't stop a flood of tears. There were no words to describe my feelings. I felt that Teacher's compassion has harmonized everything. Reviewing the Fa-rectification process and my own experiences in Dafa, I came to understand that "follow Teacher closely, steadfastly cultivating Dafa" is the essential principle specified by Teacher during this Fa-rectification period, and it is what will best ensure our reaching Consummation. "Follow Teacher closely" contains Teacher's boundless benevolence. I used to think Fa rectification was a tough test given by Teacher. Now I realize that Teacher is asking us to gather around him so that he can protect us better. My human side does not know the real reason I cried. But those parts of me that have been successfully cultivated can clearly see the extraordinarily magnificent things Teacher has done for me. They have also witnessed the great and exceptional changes to my life. That was the real reason for my unexplainable crying. When geese fly, they follow the head goose and stay in lines because that is the safest and most efficient way to fly. Similarly, Teacher asks us to follow him closely when "the ferry set off" (From Teacher's poem -- "Smile") because it is the safest and swiftest way. In the dangerous situation where "the wind and clouds suddenly change, and the heavens seem to crumble, the mountains shake, the seas churn, and the ferocious waves billow," we will be engulfed by the waves if we do not follow Teacher closely or if we deviate from the main channel. In order to follow Teacher closely, we have to "leave attachments behind" and sail the lightened boats swiftly. Otherwise, "with attachments too strong, bearings are lost. Some flee for their lives, deserting capsized boats and torn sails." Teacher is actually describing to us the real situation of our practice in this Fa-rectification period and is showing us the quickest and safest way back home. In my long existence, I dropped down because of my attachments. Every attachment was like a mountain on my shoulder. If Teacher hadn't spread the Fa, I would have drifted down to the unfathomable abyss. Teacher said, "...the entire cultivation process for a practitioner is one of constantly giving up human attachments..." (Zhuan Falun) When I try to eliminate an attachment, the attachment tries its best to hold me back. When I successfully eliminate an attachment, my body and mind become more light and energetic. Attachments are selfish, but my true self is assimilated to truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. This selfishness will not be allowed in the world where my true self was born. Thus I must eliminate all my attachments before I can go back to that world. I am really fortunate to have been born during the time when the Fa is being spread. But it is selfishness to only be concerned with myself, and not help others become clearheaded. With this selfishness, I will not be able to succeed in my practice. Teacher said, "strive forward together, a bright future lies ahead. (From Teacher's poem -- "In Harmony with the Fa") We must follow an unselfish way to return to our homes in an unselfish realm. The Fa-rectification process has been accelerated. Now, not much time is left. Teacher has been waiting for us. Only by eliminating our last attachments resolutely, can we match the pace of the Fa-rectification. We need to do two things well to eliminate our last attachments. One is to learn the Fa, and the other is to clarify the truth to people. Teacher said, "As a Dafa disciple, in order to do Fa-rectification things well and to consummate everything of yours well, you need to study the Fa a lot. No matter how busy you are, you cannot skip Fa-study. This is what can best ensure your reaching Consummation." "Clarifying the truth, at the same time as exposing the evil, restrains the evil and lessens the persecution; and exposing the evil is at the same time clearing from people's minds the poison of the evil's lies and deception--it is saving people. This is the grandest mercy. This is because in the future several billion people are to obtain the Fa, and if people's minds contain thoughts that resist Dafa, once this evil drama is over, a large-scale elimination of humankind will commence, and people who have the predestined relationship to obtain the Fa or even a larger number of innocent people might be eliminated. Therefore, everything we are currently doing is magnificent, is merciful, and is consummating the end of our path. Validating Dafa and exposing the evil in ordinary human society seem to resemble the work in ordinary human society. But they are not. Everyday people do everything for self-interest, whereas what we do is for safeguarding Dafa. This is what a Dafa disciple should do, and it is without any selfish elements. It is sacred, it is magnificent, and it is establishing the magnificent mighty virtue of an enlightened being in the face of the real evil--the old forces." (From Teacher's article -- "Persons in Charge of the European Fa Conference and All Attendees") Deeply moved by Master's earnest teachings, I will try my best to clarify the truth to people while learning Dafa diligently. I will eliminate all my attachments and "follow Teacher closely." I aspire to return to my beautiful home as soon as possible, and I won't let Teacher down. A Dafa Particle May 6, 2001
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