(Minghui.org) My 10 years of practicing Falun Dafa have passed by in an instant, so I wanted to share the heartwarming memory of how it all began.
Ever since I was a child, I always felt I had an unclear mission. I liked to explore the unknown and search for the meaning of life; I often gazed into the starry summer skies and fell into deep thought.
What is the meaning of life? What is the reason behind the magnificent human history, the touching stories of wise men who cleansed people’s hearts? Who has witnessed the countless thrilling battles between good and evil that occurred throughout the ages?
I searched for answers high and low and tried many things hoping to unlock such mysteries.
I studied not only the classics of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism from traditional Chinese culture, but also the Holy Bible of the Western religions. I researched the ancient Greek culture and read many modern and contemporary Eastern and Western classic texts.
I even attended presentations and seminars by scholars and experts. No matter how much effort and dedication I put into the studies, however, I didn't find answers to my questions.
One day, as I was getting on a train, I looked towards my seat and saw a farm couple occupying it. I thought to myself, They must be migrant workers, far from home, and their life is hard. Let them have my seat. I then found a corner on the train and stayed there for the night.
The next morning, I saw the person sitting across from the couple get off the train, so I moved to the seat. The couple saw my ticket and exclaimed, “We wondered whose seat this was. There couldn’t be any unsold seats considering how packed the train is. It turned out you gave it up for us!”
They thanked me repeatedly, and the surrounding passengers gave me admiring looks. I said, “You’re welcome. I know you’ve worked much harder than me and deserved a good rest.”
We began chatting. The couple told me a lot of things about their hometown. They then described a neighbor who used to have a bad reputation, but changed into a different person after practicing Falun Dafa. The woman got rid of all her bad behaviors and became very friendly and kind.
The couples’ sincere words were seemingly ordinary, but they changed my life. What they told me helped me find the most sacred Law of the cosmos!
Today, I am still grateful to them. As everyday people, they witnessed the wonder and goodness of Dafa, despite the incessant, negative propaganda being spread by the communist Party. Their act of kindness paved the way for them to have a bright and wonderful future!
As for myself, if I hadn't given up my seat, I would not have talked with them or been able to obtain the Fa later on. It was a kind thought that led me through the heavenly door to Truth. Thoughts of kindness can bring about unexpected miracles, and my personal experience is but one example.
Now, I realize that everything I went through prior to finding Dafa was meant to be. The road was bumpy and full of twists and turns, but only a sincere, kind thought unfolded the truth.
The first Dafa book I read was Touring North America to Teach the Fa. In it, Master Li Hongzhi (the founder) articulated in detail the three things Dafa disciples need to do and many other immensely profound Fa principles.
Even though it was my first time reading the Fa, I believed every word Master Li said. I was deeply convinced that He is the “Holy King Who Turns the Wheel” that Shakyamuni prophesied more than 2000 years ago. Who other than the Holy King Who Turns the Wheel could articulate such boundlessly immense, immeasurably merciful, and infinitely profound Fa?
No words can describe my excitement at that moment. I realized I finally found the ultimate truth I had been dreaming of and came to understand my actual mission in life. The ancient Greeks left the world three questions: “Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?” I had been puzzled by them but now had answers to all three.
Later on, with a careful systematic study of Zhuan Falun, I finally understood the meaning of cultivation practice.
Looking back, I realize my predestined relationship with Dafa probably helped me take to heart every sentence of the Fa Master taught. Compared with fellow practitioners who obtained the Fa years ago, my precious relationship wasn’t unveiled until later in life.
At the same time, I have come to understand that the divine cultures the great enlightened beings created for humans throughout history were laying a foundation for the dissemination of Dafa and Fa-rectification of the cosmos.
I felt I was far behind other practitioners because it took me so long to start cultivation practice. I was uncertain if I could be regarded as a Fa-rectification Dafa Disciple. During this time, another practitioner helped me by explaining Dafa disciples’ great missions and responsibilities in helping to save sentient beings.
I felt the compassion—a compassion that can melt iron—that she displayed when talking about Falun Dafa with Chinese people. I was moved to tears and touched deep inside. My godly-side had awakened! I was determined to join practitioners in assisting Master in Fa-rectification and fulfilling my prehistoric vows.
I had not previously met the practitioner who helped me, but I believe we have known each other for several lifetimes and descended to the earth together. We were destined to remind each other to wake up and remember our paths.
After I became a Fa-rectification Dafa disciple, I saw Master smiling at me in my dreams two nights in a row. He must be happy for this reclaimed lost wanderer!
Over the past decade, my cultivation state was not always good. Sometimes, I was steadfast and diligent, and I could feel myself breaking through to new levels quickly; but at other times, I slacked off and even fell into states when I had weak or no righteous thoughts.
Even so, Master continued watching over me with compassion and gave me hints in different ways, guiding me to regain righteous thinking and meet the standards of a Dafa disciple.
No words can describe my gratitude to Master. I firmly believe that cultivation practice is like a boat sailing against the tide. It must forge ahead or be driven back.
Master has taught us multiple times,
“Cultivate with the heart you once had, and consummation is certain.”(“Fa Teaching at the 2013 Greater New York Fa Conference”) (Confirmed)
Only by constantly advancing diligently, keeping up with the progress of Fa-rectification, and doing the three things well can we fulfill our vows.
I have been arbitrarily arrested and persecuted because I failed to pay attention to safety. Many practitioners in China have also paid a great price for overlooking safety. So I’d like to remind everyone to truly pay attention to safe behavior.
Let’s walk the last leg of our journeys well and not squander our esteemed Master’s merciful salvation.
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