(Minghui.org) My predestined relationship with Minghui began in 2002, when I first began to practice Falun Dafa. Besides Zhuan Falun, every day I also read articles on the English language version of the Minghui website because there were very few articles on the German language Minghui site. It was not long before another practitioner asked if I could translate news articles for Minghui. I remember that article very well, because it was about Hong Kong’s anti subversion law.
Now I know that it was then that I began to fulfill my vow. Since then, I've translated almost daily, began to edit sometime later, and later assumed the co-responsibility of coordinator. It has been 17 precious years of learning, truly looking inwards, raising my xinxing, and unconditionally cooperating.
In 2004, there were few articles available to select. I had to learn to take on responsibility for the project and my coworkers, instead of accepting assigned tasks. I had to let go of many attachments, such as shyness, my tendency to stay in the background, and the fear of losing face. I had to learn to face criticism and accept it. Guided by Master and the Fa, I gained more and more confidence, even when things did not go too well and I did not feel worthy of going on.
The project coordinator told me at the time, “We practice here before returning to our future world, and we help practitioners to practice for their worlds.” This sentence has remained fresh in my mind for many years, because it contains a crucial objective in cultivation – selflessness.
I know that Master is always at our side and, if we are able to let go of all doubts, fears and assumptions, he helps if we devote ourselves wholeheartedly to our projects. I clearly felt that at the time. Every time we were clear about a certain concern – such as when we needed a coordinator for the translation team – we found someone on the team who met the requirements and could assume the task. The decision did not require much deliberation, as the understanding of what was needed was already available.
However, the deep responsibility we assume as a member of Minghui only sank in after a number of years.
Master said:
“ If one of the other media outlets were to cease to exist, there would be others to do its job. But if Minghui were not around, no other media outlet could replace it. That’s why I say that not only does Minghui have to continue, but it has to be run well.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the Fa Conference Marking the Tenth Anniversary of Minghui’s Founding,” Collected Fa Teachings, Vol. X)
Our coordinator told us that we have to achieve the standard of excellence for the Minghui website. If we only achieve 80 percent, for example, practitioners who read the information on Minghui would only be able to clarify the truth about Dafa at 80 percent. It has to be perfect, just like the Shen Yun performances. The remaining 20 percent is the difference between a regular brand and a premium product. If that 20 percent is missing then it is only an average product. That 80 percent would be considered routine, while 100 percent is perfection.
After I heard that, I was truly motivated to do my best. However, I found it truly difficult to meet this requirement. The mistakes and weak spots I noticed seemed to agonize me. I thought that to achieve that, one could not have a full time job, one would have to devote all one’s time to the project. I often asked myself where would I find the time to achieve such high quality without a lot of practice and training. Then, I understood that all these questions and worries are also a barrier.
Master said:
“It is actually because of this that one will find it difficult.” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun)
“Cultivation depends on one’s own efforts, while the transformation of gong is done by one’s master.” Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)
I thought, “I should raise my xinxing, trust in Master, and just go ahead and do what I’m tasked with.” I tried to think more righteously and truly gave it my best. I came to the conclusion that if one truly recognizes where one’s thoughts are blocked and truly gives one’s best effort, one will find the help needed. Then, a totally different horizon will open up. After this realization, new practitioners joined our team, shared good ideas and abilities, and helped to greatly improve our quality.
Our cooperation at Minghui is something special. We continue to criticize each other and point out our mistakes. It was rather difficult for me to finally view others' criticism as something positive, to recognize the egoism behind the hurt and resentment, and to let it go. It was a long process of understanding to recognize the faults of others compassionately, and to look within, instead of getting annoyed. In the meantime, I am getting better and better at seeing only the positive side of others. I came to the understanding that fellow practitioners' negative sides mirror my own vulnerabilities and that by looking at their positive sides, I can understand them. I know now that I should not evaluate others using my standards of what is right or wrong, but only use the Fa as the standard. From this, I have come to value my fellow practitioners more than ever.
Master said,
“Some students have, throughout the course of their cultivation, always looked outward, sought external solutions, and looked for things outwardly, focusing on things such as how others are not treating them well, saying displeasing things, acting too much like ordinary people, always being hard on them, or never accepting their ideas. As a result, you have stopped doing anything that Dafa disciples do to validate the Fa, and have even stopped cultivating in a fit of anger. Do you really not realize for whom you are cultivating? Do you really not understand that those unpleasant things are helping you to cultivate, remove your human thoughts, and get rid of your attachments?” (To the European Fa Conference)
I deeply understood, that as a Dafa practitioner, no matter what situation I'm in, I should always think of Master’s Fa and unconditionally look inward, so that all of us, myself included, can elevate based on the Fa. That is the only way that leads back to our true origin.
I would like to share an episode that involves cooperation. One of the coordinators made me aware more than once that I did the quotes incorrectly. I frequently made this error and did not improve at all. She had to point it out over and over again. At some point I caught myself and thought flippantly, “Oh, always these quotes,” and felt unsettled. Finally, I looked inside and realized that I was reluctant to deal with such “trifles.” But, these so-called “trifles” are an indication of how professionally things are handled.
In this context, I remembered one of Master’s teachings:
“He has bountiful virtue and also maintains a benevolent heart; he is full of great aspirations while minding minor details.” (“Sage,” Essentials for Further Advancement)
I realized that, in true cultivation, there is no difference between big things and small things. The only difference is their visibility in the superficial world. From then on I have done the quotes correctly. Such negligence could, just like a negative thought, leave a bad impression with the reader and lead to him not being saved.
By finalizing and editing articles, I feel connected to fellow practitioners in China and worldwide. The news about the persecution in China leaves me awestruck regarding the perseverance and steadfastness of practitioners in China, which stems from their unwavering belief in Master and the Fa. The purity of the countless experience-sharing articles often gives me important clues, which has helped me recognize my gaps, allowed me to elevate, and filled me with strength. The hearts of these practitioners are truly filled with Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
This sharing article is an insight into my cultivation path at Minghui, which I am honored to present on the occasion of the 20th anniversary. I thank Master from deep in my heart for his compassionate guidance, encouragement, and strength. Although I did not do many things well, he continues to encourage me and guides me on my path. I also sincerely thank my fellow practitioners with whom I have been able to work during all the past years and who have wholeheartedly contributed to the success of the German Minghui website
(Presented at the Minghui 20th Anniversary Fa Conference. Selected and edited)