(Minghui.org) I am 64 years old and was born in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang. I would like to share my cultivation journey with you.
When I was three years old, my mother died of severe abdominal bleeding. When I was seven, my father suddenly fell ill and left. I had only my grandfather to take care of me. He soon passed away. It was difficult just to get enough to eat.
Every day was filled with challenges. I was very young but needed to go to school and take care of myself. I thought about becoming a monk. Some days were so difficult that I contemplated suicide. I finally decided to live.
Eventually I graduated from the railway high school in Seoul and began working for the Yeongju Railway Department. My life finally became stable, and I met my wife. Our 37-year marriage was not smooth. But, thanks to my wife, I was able to get to know Dafa. I realized that there was a reason for all my hardships.
My wife met a Falun Dafa practitioner around 2015. They both worked as cultural tour guides. This practitioner knew our family's troubled situation. She greatly encouraged my wife to practice Falun Dafa. I feel that Master paved the way for my wife and me to practice.
Our family's situation changed for the better after my wife began practicing Falun Dafa. For example, my daughter who had difficulty conceiving gave birth to twins. My son found a good job. Our family was filled with happiness and warmth.
I observed my wife as she read Zhuan Falun and cultivated diligently. Because I was busy with work, I felt I had little time for Dafa. Occasionally my wife asked me to read the teachings with her. I used being “busy” as an excuse and was only interested in my own work. I often wondered why she asked me to study the Fa. I just did not feel I had any need to read the teachings.
It was nearly time for me to retire from the railway department. I was asked to take charge of some personnel adjustments. A colleague whose job was changed protested strongly. He wanted to return to his original position. He kept calling me to complain and refused to accept my decision. One night he called me while drunk and threatened to sue me. I felt bad and could not sleep well. I was exhausted.
A few nights later, he phoned again at midnight. I was tired and scared. I was reluctant to answer the phone. My wife picked up the phone and said, “On behalf of my husband, I apologize to you. I fully understand your feelings. I am very sorry.” While he furiously vented his anger and complaints, she listened patiently and kept apologizing.
Master said, “You should always maintain a compassionate and calm heart. Then, when you run into a problem, you will be able to do well because it gives you some room as a buffer. You should always be benevolent and kind to others and consider others when doing anything. Whenever you encounter a problem, you should first consider whether others can put up with this matter or if it will hurt anyone. In doing so, there will not be any problems.” (Lecture Four, Zhuan Falun)
I sat and listened quietly as my wife patiently talked with my coworker. I could see that she was trying to help me through the power of Dafa.
Afterwards, she handed me a copy of Zhuan Falun and asked me to read it. I did. I even took it to work and read it there. At first I did not understand what Master was talking about. But as I continued, I gradually felt the power and profound depth of the Fa. I felt enveloped by a powerful, positive energy, both physically and mentally. I was so excited!
My colleague gradually stopped complaining and adjusted to his new position. I also retired. But fortunately, through this tribulation, I began to practice Falun Dafa.
For several years, my right arm and shoulder felt numb and painful. I went to many doctors, but nothing helped and the pain continued. One day while I was reading Zhuan Falun, I suddenly felt a dark substance leaving my body. Afterwards, my pain was gone.
I enlightened that this was the power of Dafa. Master eliminated my karma and purified my body. Master said, “‘When one’s Buddha-nature emerges, it will shake the World of Ten Directions.’ Whoever sees it will come to give a hand and help this person out unconditionally.” (Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)
I continued to read Zhuan Falun. I also sent forth righteous thoughts often. In 2015, I went to Taiwan for an experience sharing conference and participated in the character formation event. I was proud and honored to be able to practice Falun Dafa. I did the exercises and participated in the group Fa study. I also participated in activities to introduce Falun Dafa when I went to stay with my daughter. I attended the activities on Falun Dafa Day and also on July 20. I worked with other practitioners and told people about the persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Seeing the Tian Guo Marching Band performing on the streets of Seoul, I truly began to understand why we tell people about Falun Dafa and the persecution.
I also enlightened that a cultivator should not just care about getting things from Dafa. He should think about what he can do for Dafa. I realized that my understandings were still very basic. I wondered how I could do better. Although I wanted to tell people the facts, sometimes I hesitated. I worried how others would view me. I wasn't able to let go of my attachments to self-interest and ego. In fact, I didn't have the desire to eliminate them. My wife kept reminding me that I did not study the Fa enough, and she suggested I copy Zhuan Falun by hand.
Master said,
“Do not take your position among everyday people too seriously. Do not think that others will fail to understand you if you learn Dafa. Think about it: Even people's claim that they have evolved from apes is able to be highly regarded. Yet with this great Dafa of the universe, you are embarrassed to give it a correct position--this is human beings' true shame.” (“Environment,” Essentials for Further Advancement)
I'm now in my third round of copying Zhuan Falun.
My wife gave me a copy of a timeline about Falun Dafa. She said as practitioners, we should understand how the persecution began and why. I learned how practitioners in mainland China cultivated under the horror of the CCP. I also had a better knowledge of the facts of persecution by the 610 Office and why the former CCP leader initiated the persecution.
The grass was tall at our practice site. One day my wife and I decided to cut it. A man saw us and asked why we were cutting it. We told him the situation. He left but returned an hour later with twelve people doing community service to help us.
I was pleasantly surprised. I enlightened that it must be Master's arrangement. As long as we want to do something, Master will help us.
Master said,
“When disciples have ample righteous thoughtsMaster has the power to turn back the tide”(“The Master-Disciple Bond,” Hong Yin II)
Six people in our family, including my grandson, practice Falun Dafa. We participate in the group studies in North Gyeongsang and the local group studies on weekends. I feel that the morning exercises are very beneficial. When I do the second exercise, I feel that Master is giving me wisdom. We hung banners at the practice site to let people know about Falun Dafa and to save them.
I recently realized that maintaining the smooth operation of the practice site is important. I became upset when some people did not consistently show up for the exercises. I discussed my reaction with my wife. We realized that it would be an attachment if we focused on it.
Master said,
“Let me tell everyone that the fundamental reason for one’s failing to increase gong is this: Of the two words “cultivation” and “practice,” people only pay attention to practice and ignore cultivation. If you search externally for something, you will not obtain it by any means.” (Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)
While practitioners' participation in the morning exercises is important, a coordinator needs to treat practitioners kindly. I now realize that I was not kind enough, and I am determined to cultivate my benevolence.
As a new practitioner, I have many areas I need to improve on, particularly looking inward and cultivating my xingxing. I often try to push away my responsibilities.
Master said,
“From now on, whatever you do, you should consider others first, so as to attain the righteous Enlightenment of selflessness and altruism. So from now on, whatever you do or whatever you say, you must consider others—or even future generations—along with Dafa’s eternal stability.” (“Non-Omission in Buddha-Nature,” Essentials for Further Advancement)
I need to live by Master's words and to consider the needs of others.
Master also said,
“Zhen-Shan-Ren is the Sole Criterion to Discern Good and Bad People” (Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)
I have read Zhuan Falun for five years. I have many feelings each time I read it. I feel so honored to practice Falun Dafa. I am determined to do my best on everything and become a true cultivator who does “...not fight back when being punched or insulted.” (Lecture Four, Zhuan Falun)
I will firmly grasp this cultivation opportunity and work diligently with my family to strive forward. Please point out where I need to improve.
(Presented at the 2019 Korea Fa Conference)