(Minghui.org) During my second year in college, I got to know a family who had been practicing Falun Dafa for many years. I was 23 years old then. They introduced me to the practice and showed me the video lecture series by Master Li Hongzhi. I found it fascinating and borrowed the tapes to play at home.
Later I learned the exercises from them. The first time I did the sitting meditation, I sat for one hour. Through practicing Falun Dafa, I became a trustworthy person and lived sensibly.
Turning Down Bribes at Work
I graduated in 2008 and found a job as a creative ad designer. After designing the ads, I would contact printing and advertising companies to decide who should produce the ads.
Many prospective companies would call me privately and offer bribes in order to gain our business. I turned down these offers and told them I am paid to do this job and I owe it to my company to act in their best interests.
They were surprised at my answer as it is rare these days for someone to turn down such bribes.
I was not financially well off. As a fresh graduate, my monthly salary was 1500 yuan. After paying for living expenses, I didn't have much money left. To buy a laptop, I had to save for 6 months. But as a Falun Dafa practitioner, I told myself I have to follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I cannot sacrifice my employer's benefit for personal gain.
Master taught in Zhuan Falun:
“In this universe, there is a principle that says, ‘no loss, no gain.’ To gain, one must lose.”
“You must also be able to preserve de, maintain your xinxing, and not act rashly. You should not casually do whatever you want, and you must be able to maintain your xinxing.”
Practicing Falun Dafa also gave me wisdom. Through several years of work experience, my skills became recognized in my industry. In 2010, I was employed by another bigger company. My designs were often copied by smaller businesses. On several occasions, my boss heard other people comment that our ad designs were well done.
I worked hard and did my job professionally. Consequently I often received bonuses. Once my bonus was even more than my salary.
I used the services of a particular printing company for seven or eight years. The boss would offer me gifts every Chinese new year. I politely turned down these gifts.
Last August, the same company deposited 200 yuan into my bank account. I returned the money and told the business owner: “Do you know why I never accepted your gifts? It's because I practice Falun Dafa. My company pays me well and has never treated me badly. I cannot act selfishly. Furthermore, what you earn is a result of your hard work.” He nodded in agreement.
Living Simply and at Peace
In 2014, I was very fortunate to find a place with exceptionally low rent and a long lease. My friends envied my good luck. Last year I got married and my husband moved in with me.
My parents suggested I buy a bigger place and offered to give me their savings. Both of us came from families who were farmers. Our parents' savings came from working hard all their lives. My husband and I both practice Falun Dafa. We feel that it is not right for us to take our parent's hard earned money like that.
When we got married, I did not ask for a big house or huge dowry from myin-laws. My in-laws also practice Falun Dafa. They built a small house for us beside their house on existing property. I told them it was a lovely place and those living in the city would admire us for having such a nice holiday home. They laughed at my words.
Indeed, I am grateful to be a Falun Dafa practitioner. My heart is calm and at peace. Material gains are transient. Inner peace is what's most important.
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