(Minghui.org) In order to open further income opportunities as a speaker, I contacted a broadcasting station in my current living area.
When trying to enter at the gate, it quickly became clear that this was the wrong approach. I was told that the speaker team was in another city, and applications would be submitted via the internet.
For a moment I was perplexed, and then I noticed the large display of fliers at the gate. I asked, if I could also display Falun Dafa fliers. At the same time I clarified the truth and the ongoing persecution about Dafa to the woman manning the entrance. I noticed that she was visibly touched. She suggested that I contact an editor and ask how to get certain topics discussed on the radio. She seemed interested to get involved.
On contacting the editor over the phone, she informed me about a panel discussion to take place the next day, a Friday evening, at the broadcasting station. She told me that the headquarters correspondent located in Shanghai would be present live. A person from the China Forum in our city would also be present, and the editor-in-chief of the broadcasting company would be present.
As I was going to see my husband the next day, I thought that was not good, as I wouldn't be able to be there. At the time I felt that it would be a great opportunity if that evening the persecution of Falun Dafa by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would be mentioned.
Panel Discussion: Mentioning of Dafa and the Persecution
That evening my younger daughter asked me to not leave before Saturday for one reason or another. I understood that this was no mere accident. Thus, I went to the event on Friday evening, after having researched the event more thoroughly. I gleaned that the China Forum was the cooperation partner of the Confucius Institute. To my surprise, the discussion was very critical of the Chinese government, and the correspondent differentiated very well between China and the CCP.
When the audience was invited to ask questions, I was certain that I wanted to address organ harvesting and the persecution of Falun Dafa. Although there were between 200 and 250 people in the audience, I was able to speak calmly and clearly. I also emphasized that a distinction was made between the country China and the ruling party. That evening resulted in a short, but successful interview by the television station about Falun Dafa.
Organizing a Film Lecture
A few months earlier I began to organize a video lecture about a certain film with ELSA (European Law Students' Association), to be given at the University of my place of residence. Arranged perfectly, the film date coincided with the time of the preliminary talks for the interview, and served as perfect lead into the subject.
In retrospect, even though everything developed very easily, it needed much patience and persistence during the negotiations. For example, I was kept outside closed doors at ELSA, that it was difficult to get an appointment with the editor-in-chief, or that the allocated space at the university ran into a problem. Besides, I was driven by the thought that everything had to be acceptable and good for all involved. When facing difficulties, I did not come up with a question as to whom should assume guilt, and find ways that those involved would give up their advantages – meaning, when an appointment would suit me best. It was of importance that I acted normal and did not go to the extreme.
I don't know why, but I could barely maintain a calm heart, and thoughts of saving sentient beings. At one time I even asked fellow practitioner from my Fa-study group to send righteous thoughts, when I faced interference. When I noticed a positive development, I warned myself not to be misled by the attachments to happiness and fame. I needed to consider the person before me, and his salvation.
What was most interesting is that details came together, just like in a puzzle, and in the end I was offered a meeting with the head of the speaker team. This happened on recommendation from the journalist who interviewed me, and who also was active on the speaker team. Master arranges everything perfectly.
Cultivating Among Family
Unfortunately, I noticed that I treated my family differently than when involved in Dafa projects. When dealing with Dafa issues, I try to concentrate and act attentively based on the Dafa principles. I often learn from the behavior of my husband or my two daughters what it means to be sincere, compassionate, generous and forgiving, and what it means to think first of others needs.
I was recently riding in the car with my husband and daughter. My phone rang, and my daughter handed it to me. As I had to stop, so my daughter could get out, I took the phone call. A practitioner called to discuss a Dafa project. Then, thoughts flashed through my mind, “Now, my husband will get angry. But, I will prove to him that I manage to do everything without him being at a disadvantage.” This thought did not stop me, and I continued to drive while talking – although my husband asked me twice to stop and finish my conversation. He got angry, as I refused to listen to him. Now, I realized that it is the attachment to being better than others that gets me into the conflicts.
When I cooperate instead of fighting, the question of guilt becomes irrelevant. Then, I don't need to show others where they went wrong, and how I do everything well. When I watch myself, I will continuously get clues from the divinities, be it a radio broadcast that speaks of strife instead of peace among family members. There could be a Minghui Podcast that fits my situation, or a comment by someone. If I accept that everything around me is a response to my behavior, life becomes incredibly exciting and interesting, though it could be painful.
My family had heavy financial problems for years. I realized that if I remained calm when provoked, we would earn a greater income. However, when I started to argue, people who rented our apartment would cancel the agreement.
Just a few days ago, I learned of a large additional payment to be paid to my health insurance. When looking inward, I remembered that I condemned people who compromised for money or did a job they did not like. I looked with contempt at the so-called “broad masses,” who just could not understand that living a life is more than just having money. However, to what extent do I believe in Master and the Fa, instead of being guided by old beliefs, such as “No money can be made from artistic activities.” I'm filled with bitterness, instead of joyfully accepting that it is my chance to elevate.
New Member of the Tian Guo Marching Band
For quite some time I was debating in my mind to join the Tian Guo Marching Band, as I play the German flute, and was fascinated by the powerful energy exuded by the orchestra. However, for a long time I was put off by the uniform, which I found to be unattractive and too American.
Finally, I came to a point where everything took a back seat, and the desire to tell the world about Falun Dafa took precedence. I knew that this was financially challenging, but did not want this issue to stop me.
There were two members of my Fa-study group who were already participating in the Tian Guo Marching Band. This would make it easier to participate and take trips. After a hearing and rhythm test over the phone with a coordinator, he suggested that I play the trumpet, as there were enough musicians who played the German Flute.
At first, I was surprised, but then I rushed into preparations. I borrowed an instrument from a music store for a month, after which I would get the instrument from the Band, found a teacher, and was incredibly proud when I could play “Ode to Joy.” Unfortunately, I played one octave too low according to my teacher.
Then, I participated in my first parade in Paris, where I was registered as a new member of the Tian Guo Marching Band, and was asked to distribute fliers. It was incredibly wonderful that I could participate in the entire program. We started the day with the exercises and studied the Fa. Then there were the parades and two performances while standing, spread out over two days.
Without it being discussed, I felt the community spirit and the strength that sprang from it. This perhaps military-like order had nothing to do with the fighting spirit, but with the calm determination and bravery that came from the heart.
I wanted to be a full member as soon as possible, so that I could play in parades, and finally be accepted by the band. Given that attachment, I asked the music coordinator again if they truly did not need another German flute player. He gave a negative response. The next day he asked to talk to me and suggested after careful thoughts, that I could begin playing a small drum, as people familiar with this musical instrument would be needed. This way, I could join after half a year, instead of the two years it would take for a trumpet player. Although he had sensed my desire to participate as soon as possible, this suggestion hit my heart and upset me.
I felt this to be a test, and managed to remain calm without showing my confusion. On the one hand, the quick entry was tempting, but with an instrument I lacked any familiarity. On the other hand, the trumpet, which I had grown fond of because of its elegance and lightness, and which the master also plays, was also out of my reach.
I struggled, but in the end I accepted the proposal, follow that natural course, and above all, did not want to cause trouble in the Tian Guo Marching Band. But, I felt disappointed. I was not too enthusiastic to work with the small drum. I wondered where I could find someone fast who could teach me the use of this drum? It finally dawned on me that it was not that easy to become a member of the Tian Guo Marching Band. I had to be willing to give something up, and eliminate my attachments as fast as possible.
Maser said,
“There is a principle in this universe called "no loss, no gain." To gain, one has to lose. If you do not want to lose, you will be forced to lose. Who plays such a role? It is precisely the characteristic of the universe that assumes this role. Thus, it is impossible if you only wish to gain things.” (Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)
Anyway, there were over and over again discussions with other practitioners who could not fathom why I couldn't start with the instrument I already knew, I already was familiar with, and I could play. I felt that my fighting spirit was trying to come to the forefront, but I knew that I had to cooperate unconditionally with the coordinator. Besides, the course of my instrument search was amusing.
Finally, a practitioner suggested that I practice both instruments and lent me her trumpet. I thought this idea to be absurd, but then I took a liking to it. Meanwhile, I heard that the band lacked trumpet players. Thus, I now have both instruments and practice on both of them. I am looking forward to the training weekend in the new year in order to make Falun Dafa heard and purify heaven and earth.
Hoping that my article will be helpful to other practitioners, I want to thank everyone for their support. Most of all, I would like to thank esteemed Master for this invaluable opportunity to be a Dafa disciple.
http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2020/1/11/随其自然-398762.html
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Category: Experience Sharing Conferences
