(Minghui.org) Greetings to Revered Master! Greetings to my fellow practitioners!
I obtained the Fa in May 2013, which was a turning point in my life.
I am a professional with a relatively good and stable income. Before I obtained the Fa, other than work, my friends and I enjoyed each others’ company, shopped, and traveled overseas. Except for some troubles at work, there was not much I could complain about. Yet, I always felt that something was missing in my life. I felt dissatisfied and wondered if it would be like this throughout my life.
Obtaining the Fa
My husband started to practice Falun Dafa far earlier than I. We went to Taipei, Taiwan, in February 2013 to watch the Shen Yun performance. I started to read Zhuan Falun several months later. Since then, my life has significantly changed.
Master said,
“Of course, for newer students there is always a process of understanding things, and that's not a problem. As long as you can truly cultivate based on the Fa and study the Fa regularly, you will be able to quickly catch up.” (Teaching the Fa in San Francisco, 2005)
During the first year of my cultivation, I studied the Fa and did the exercises at home. I did not join any activities to validate the Fa. I believed that Master would arrange the most suitable path for every disciple.
Constant and continuous Fa study, which included Zhuan Falun, other Dafa books, Master's other publications, and articles about cultivation and the persecution on the Minghui website, was instrumental in my gaining a certain understanding of Dafa. After that, I came into contact with fellow practitioners and participated in Dafa projects.
Falun Dafa Parades
The first activity that I participated in was the Falun Dafa Parade on May 13, 2014. I was even interviewed by a reporter from the Epoch Times. I cannot remember what I said, except that I wished Master a Happy Birthday.
The second activity was the Hong Kong July 1 large-scale parade a month later. It was a memorable experience and was held just before the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. There were many people. We started early in the afternoon and endured the scorching sun and a heavy rain before the parade ended at about 10:00 p.m.
I had never participated in a parade before. But after obtaining the Fa, I participated in most of the Dafa parades. Upon reflection, it is quite amazing. From being a curious participant who just followed the group to marching with purpose, I have become a practitioner who now sends forth righteous thoughts to eliminate all interference during the parades.
Clarifying the Truth at Tourist Destinations
Besides parades, I also joined the truth clarification project at tourist destinations at the beginning of 2015. Given my work schedule, I only participated during holidays. Because I do not speak much Mandarin, I held up posters with factual information for Mainland Chinese tourists to read. Because they preferred to ask questions, I prepared some simple answers, checked the Mandarin pronunciation online, and memorized them.
During the peak season, there are many tourists from the mainland. Reactions differ among those who accept the Dafa informational materials. Some look curious, as if they’ve never heard about Dafa, some smile and give a thumbs-up, and some even say, “Falun Dafa is good.” Not all are friendly, however. Some tell us that they doubt what we are saying, or say that we get paid for our efforts. Some praise the Chinese Communist Party.
One Chinese man, in a group of about five people, was carrying a little girl. When they saw our materials, they disparaged and criticized us. I did not say a word and just held up our displays, such as “The Truth about the Tiananmen self-immolation; The CCP suppresses freedom of religion and speech,” and “The cruel persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.” They ignored me and walked into a restaurant.
The man with the little girl approached us later with a changed attitude. He had read the materials on the boards and then walked off without saying anything. What he read must have made an impact, changing his negative thoughts.
Another time I noticed a lady on a bus eyeing the board I was holding. She nodded as she read and then looked at me with gratitude. I asked myself if the content on our boards opened the minds of these tourists.
Master said,
“In clarifying the truth, when you hit upon a person's fundamental issues, and at the same time he feels that Dafa disciples are truly saving him, then I think the side of him that's clear about things will show itself.” (Fa-Lecture During the 2003 Lantern Festival at the U.S. West Fa Conference)
Disturbances at Tourist Spots
During my first year of clarifying the truth at tourist spots, the CCP-organized disturbances did not trouble us. However, we encountered other forms of interference.
A mentally disturbed woman showed up from time to time and pointed at practitioners as she shouted, sang, and danced. Sometimes she displayed CCP books or sang CCP songs. We ignored her, kept our distance, and kept sending forth righteous thoughts.
Once, I was holding a board for tourists to read. She stood in front of me, pointing to my board, saying some malicious things against Dafa. I was not sure how to handle this attack and decided to say “Falun Dafa is good!” She turned around and her face twisted into a hideous grimace. She pointed her finger at me and dared me to say it again. I looked at her and said, “Falun Dafa is good!”
Some tourists tried to help, but the woman chased them away. She dared me to repeat, “Falun Dafa is good,” which I did. We stared at each other for a few seconds, and her expression returned to normal. Waving her scarf, she walked away and never came back. I believe that this was a test.
Organized Interference
Organized interference increased over time. They harassed us, hung banners that slandered Dafa, broadcast lies about Dafa through loudspeakers, and distributed fliers to tourists. They followed us when we tried to talk to tourists, shouting foul language or being provocative.
Although we constantly sent forth righteous thoughts, the interference continued. Sometimes we worried that we were not their equals. Or, perhaps, what we did was effective, because of the principle of mutual-generation and mutual-inhibition.
My experience at the truth clarification spot was very precious. I could get rid of my fear and many attachments. Besides, and more importantly, I could clarify the truth directly to Mainland Chinese tourists.
My presence sometimes aroused the tourists’ curiosity. More than once they asked me, “Do you practice Falun Dafa? I have never seen one as young as you.” This was also a way to change their impression and notions.
Clarifying the Truth to Locals
We also participate in projects that clarify the truth to local people. I distribute the Minghui Weekly or the Epoch Times Special Issue.
There are different reactions, with some being positive, some negative, others hostile or just indifferent. Some people tell me that they love reading the Epoch Times, while others say, “You have to persist. Don’t be afraid of those people.”
I felt embarrassed and unhappy at first. However, I was able to eliminate all my negative feelings. This kind of offensive behavior was new to me. But, perhaps I was given an opportunity to cultivate in this aspect.
Lack of Time
Lack of time is my biggest problem. I often work nine hours a day. I also take courses towards my doctorate. Apart from Fa study, doing the exercises, and sending forth righteous thoughts, I go to truth clarification locations or distribute newspapers during the weekends. Sometimes I also attend group Fa-study.
Master said,
“But those students who obtained the Fa later on or stepped forward later on, your cultivation and validating the Fa are joined together at the same time, and that will make the pressure on you seem even greater. Of course, this is cultivation, and as long as you have strong righteous thoughts you'll surely be able to overcome it.” (“Teaching the Fa at the 2004 Western U.S. Fa Conference” from Teaching the Fa at the Conference V)
I recite the Fa, listen to Master’s lectures, and read articles on the Minghui website or reports on the Epoch Times website when I commute, during meals, or when I have any spare time. Although the three things might not be done very well, I have tried my best. It is certain that as long as a practitioner has the wish to do well, Master will arrange for the best.
Doing What a Practitioner Should Do
Becoming a practitioner four years ago was the turning point in my life. There have been great changes in my life and attitude.
Master said,
“In our school of practice, those who practice cultivation among everyday people are required to practice cultivation precisely in ordinary human society, and to fit in among everyday people as much as possible. You are not really asked to lose anything materially. It does not matter how high your position ranks or how much wealth you own. The key is whether you can abandon that attachment.” (Zhuan Falun)
I have not yet let go of all of my attachments. However, I am able to take lightly sentimentality and desires, such as fame and gain and intolerance, as well as attachments to the material world.
Some practitioners have asked me how I obtained the Fa and what made me stick with it. Actually I cannot give a satisfactory answer. I did not come to recover from illnesses or to become physically fit, nor was I prompted by any extraordinary experience.
It all seems to have been arranged by Master. Without much human thought or consideration, I just do what a practitioner should do.
Presented at the 2017 New York Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference
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