This evening I sent forth the purest, most steadfast righteous thoughts I have been able to muster thus far, since the first time we all did this together at the 2001 Canada Conference.
Afterwards, I reflected on why this had been so.
The night before I had further broken through laziness and practiced late at night, alone. I also did Dafa work on my computer, translation, and wrote a letter clarifying the truth of the persecution to a reporter.
In the morning I hurried to work, and called ahead to let my boss know that I was running a bit late, instead of just arriving late. I took a bit more responsibility.
At work, I worked hard and steadily, and paid a lot of attention to the tapes of Master's Fa-lectures that I was able to listen to while working. I listened to the Fa more whole-heartedly, and at lunch I practiced some more and sent forth righteous thoughts, rather than taking a nap or wasting my time.
When some filthy demons tried to interfere with my mind, rather than passively letting them ruin me as I had in the past, I sharpened my will, recited "The Fa rectifies the Cosmos, the Evil is Completely Eliminated", and thought "You should not even exist at all. I am a Dafa disciple and you are evil that should be destroyed; in fact you no longer exist."
I took the time to talk with a schoolmate for a while, and chat and joke with fellow employees, professors, and graduate students.
After work, I took the long bus ride home, and battled demons of sleepiness in the 35 degree Celsius (95 F) heat, and won. I was thus able to study more Fa on the bus.
Walking home, I sent forth righteous thoughts again, the Fa-rectifying verse filling my mind, rather than letting my mind wander all over the place or follow the thought-karma.
I ate quickly and went to the practice site where predestined people were waiting to learn the exercises, and helped them learn. I thought of them first, glad to help, rather than feeling selfish about being unable to focus on my 'own' practicing.
I took the time to call a relative to wish them happy birthday and talk with them, too.
At 11PM, I joined other North American practitioners in sending forth righteous thoughts, and was successful.
I had for a few days had some trouble doing so, and I now realize that the critical component was how I was placing myself with respect to the Fa and all sentient beings. I had slipped back into selfish cultivation, thinking I should simply study Fa more and practice more in order to clear my mind. The demons then took full advantage. When I remembered to clarify the truth and offer people salvation, the benevolence of a Dafa disciple could shine forth, and I rejoined the current of Fa-rectification: Fa-study was more effective, tranquility deeper, and righteous thoughts becoming ever-increasingly powerful.
At the Canada conference, Master said:
"I know that you've all worked so hard. You have to work and have to study, you have your family life and social activities, and at the same time you have to take care of your family, do a good job at work, and you have to study the Fa well and do the exercises well, and what's more, you have to clarify the truth. It is hard! It's pretty hard both time-wise and financially. It's hard, so your mighty virtue is displayed; it's hard, and so it's a good opportunity to establish your mighty virtue. Remarkable! Since you are cultivators, even though it's hard you should do even better. That's all I'll say."
(Teaching the Fa at the 2001 Canada Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference)
I now realize how crucial it is to truly be "full of great aspirations while minding minor details." (Sage). On the surface level, we conform to the state of ordinary human society. In deeper levels, it also involves the issue of our ability to do everything we should do well, as this is written for the future -- many manifestations of its significance are not yet apparent, but nonetheless crucial. Doing the minor details well is also being responsible to Dafa and all sentient beings, present and future, and strengthens our righteous thoughts.
The above is simply my experience and personal understanding; please feel welcome to point out any omission.
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