(Minghui.org) I started to practice Falun Dafa in 1996. I have had many hardships and tribulations, and I have passed many tests of sickness karma. I have also passed the test of life or death many times. Master has extended my lifespan and he has saved my life again and again. During my journey, I have witnessed the greatness of Master and Falun Dafa.
I'd like to share my experiences of how I passed the tests of life or death, so we can improve and elevate together.
Master said:
“If a cultivator can truly let go of [the fear of] death, then that death will forever be far removed from you.” (“Teaching the Fa at the 2004 International Fa Conference in New York”)
I slacked off in studying the Fa and doing the exercises in September 2002, and the old forces took advantage of my shortcomings. The lung cancer and rheumatoid arthritis I previously had returned. My whole body was swollen, and my husband took me to the hospital. The doctor said I had terminal lung cancer and that I would not live more than three months.
It was the end of summer and it was still hot. However, I had to wear a thick winter jacket. My whole body ached. I had a fever that went up and down. The doctor suggested that I take painkillers when I was not able to bear the pain. I did not take any at all.
I said to my husband that only Master can save me. I also told him that he could move out if he was too afraid. He moved out, leaving me alone at home. I had no one to help me, and other practitioners did not come to share with me or send forth righteous thoughts for me. With Master's protection, I passed this test alone.
Because nobody cooked for me, I had nothing to eat. I drank tap water for three days. If it was too painful to sleep at night, I practiced the exercises and studied the Fa.
I said to Master that I was not afraid of death, as long as my death would not cause damage to Falun Dafa. Because I was the first person who had practiced Falun Dafa in my area, anything that happened to me could cause a big stir.
This second point was also very important. When I was facing potentially fatal tests, I was determined to follow Master to return to my heavenly home.
I said to Master: “I will definitely follow you home. I do not want to stay in this world, as nothing in this world attracts me. I am not afraid of death. But I came here to help Master rectify the Fa. I have not yet fulfilled my vows. Sentient beings are waiting to be saved. I cannot die.”
There is nothing accidental on our cultivation paths. If we don't follow the path that Master has arranged for us, we will walk the path that the old forces arranged. At this crucial time, we should not be moved by the old forces and lose our human bodies as a result of their interference. This was very important. I realized at that time that I must follow Master and negate the old forces' arrangements. If I lose my body, how could I follow Master home?
Master said:
“Some people find their tribulations very big in cultivation practice, but actually they are not. The bigger you find them, the bigger they will become and the smaller you will become. If you do not care and do not put them on your mind, with the master and the Fa here what is there to fear? As long as the green mountains remain, there is no fear of having no firewood to burn. Ignore them! Once you give them up, you will find that the tribulations have become smaller and you have become bigger. You will overcome them in one step, and the tribulations will become nothing. It is guaranteed to be this way.” (Lecture in Sydney)
The above Fa came to mind, and I know that Master has struck my name off the list of the names to go to hell.
Master said, “Having heard the Dao in the morning, one can die in the evening.” (“Melt Into the Fa” from Essentials for Further Advancement)
I knew I would make it if I did not fear death.
Master also said:
“When the evil was beating them they forgot that they were Dafa disciples, and they didn't think, "I'll ask Master to help me." Or, when some people did ask Master for help, they had a strong attachment of fear. When they were beaten and in a lot of pain, many of them cried out, 'Oww! Mom!'” (“Touring North America to Teach the Fa”)
I asked many practitioners about their experiences of being beaten, and many of them said they cried, “Oww! Mom” when they were beaten.
We must believe in Master completely when we encounter tests. When I was detained, I sent forth righteous thoughts, and the policeman got a terrible headache. When he tried to kick me, he kicked himself instead. I stopped him with righteous thoughts. I remembered Master's Fa, and a miracle occurred.
I do whatever Master has told us to do. I use my wages to make truth-clarification materials. Master sees my heart and looks after me, so I will surely not die.
When we have sickness karma or are in a deadly test, that is the time to see whether we believe in Master and the Fa. If we truly believe in Master and the Fa fully, we can pass any tests or tribulations.
Master said:
“The Fa can break all attachments, the Fa can destroy all evil, the Fa can shatter all lies, and the Fa can strengthen righteous thoughts.” (“Drive Out Interference” from Essentials for Further Advancement II)
We must study the Fa diligently when we have sickness karma or are in a deadly test. So I read three lectures of Zhuan Falun in the morning and four lectures in the afternoon. I continued studying the Fa in the evening. I constantly studied the Fa. So when I practiced the exercises one night, all the channels in my body were opened up, and I could feel the blood moving in the blood vessels. I recovered after 15 days. The swelling in my body disappeared. And I meditated for 40 minutes for the first time.
Master said:
“As a student, if his mind is filled with nothing but Dafa, this person is definitely a genuine cultivator. So you must have a clear understanding on the matter of studying the Fa. Reading the books more and studying the books more is the key to truly elevating yourself. To put it more simply, as long as you read Dafa, you are changing; as long as you read Dafa, you are elevating.” (“Melt Into the Fa” from Essentials for Further Advancement)
I can recite most all of Zhuan Falun, Hong Yin, Hong Yin II, and Essentials for Further Advancement. When I come across tribulations and hardships, Master's Fa comes into my mind automatically. I can quickly pass the test when I have done well. We should study the Fa more and memorize it more.
I have experienced a lot in cultivation, and the amazing power of Falun Dafa has accompanied me. Many times I realize the wonderfulness of Falun Dafa and how Master saved me, but it is sometimes hard to describe it in words.
I heard that some elderly practitioners and other practitioners who were facing tests failed to pass them and that a practitioner recently passed away. I felt so bad because a practitioner’s death is a huge loss. I know that he did not let go of his fear of death. If he could have, he would still be alive.
I am sincerely sharing this with practitioners in the hopes that they we will all look within to find our attachments and then rectify them with the Fa. Many elderly practitioners' lives have been extended by Master. If they do not cultivate well, their lives will be in danger. When we come across sickness karma, we have to find out where we fall short and then rectify it within the Fa. We should do the three things well. If we have a determined thought of following Master to our original homes, we will pass any tests or tribulations.