(Minghui.org) I am a Falun Gong practitioner from southern Taiwan. I would like to share how I improved my cultivation while promoting the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra.
Organizing a Music Workshop
A practitioner once said to me, “Your thoughts are very important. Focus your mind on the idea if you really want to accomplish something…because when you do that, divine beings from higher levels will help you.” She added that she didn't know why this was true—she just wanted to share it with me.
There were many initiatives in our area to promote Shen Yun Performing Arts. Seeing other practitioners contributing to this effort, I sensed the importance as well.
I work in a hospital. What if I could incorporate a Shen Yun music seminar into our continuing education program at the hospital? The relaxing effects of Shen Yun music would release employees’ work stress. I proposed the idea to the continuing education coordinator and he liked it.
The next day, the coordinator called me to his office: “The upper manager believes that a Shen Yun music workshop would have religious content; so it isn't suitable for the hospital to host such an event.”
“But you signed the contract and invitations have been sent out,” I said.
“No, unless you can find another group to host it, it’s best that we don’t do it. Playing (Shen Yun) music is the most we can do, but no presentation is allowed.”
Master said:
“People with predestined relationships and those who can be saved can be made to--made to by Master's Law Bodies, righteous gods, or the immense field that Dafa has formed in the world--appear right before you in any of a range of settings, providing them with a chance to learn the truth. But you have to carry it out, and it doesn't work if you're not out there doing things.” (“Teaching the Fa at the Fa Conference at the U.S. Capital,” Collected Fa Teachings, Vol. VII)
I was overwhelmed with anxiety. I had to find a new host and draft a new proposal. My mind was set on overcoming all obstacles and saving sentient beings. I made appointments and sent invitations to every department in the hospital.
A colleague inquired about the music workshop. I told her it would be held in the big lecture hall. “The 500-seat one? You are ambitious... I can help you send information to my doctors' chat group.”
Situation Turns Around
There was a lot of interference before the workshop. The first round of the proposal was delivered smoothly. The second round was more difficult. Many refused to participate. Some claimed they were “musically illiterate” and declined to be a part of it.
I searched within myself. The success of the first round of proposals made me feel quite pleased with myself. When I reached out for follow up, I was treating the project as a job instead of part of Fa-rectification. Also, I didn't send the invitations with righteous thoughts. How could I save sentient beings with ordinary people's thinking?
After I focused on my objective and purpose, I asked other practitioners to help by sending righteous thoughts. That’s when the situation changed for the better. A physician helped me obtain a key signature and funding was approved the day before the workshop. Many people who initially refused the invitation joined in.
Sentient Beings Saved
The effects of the workshop surpassed my expectations. Those who did not show support initially praised it: “Very high quality, we should have a few more.” Someone in the audience asked why Shen Yun is banned in China. The host answered the question and talked about why Falun Gong is persecuted in China. Many eventually purchased tickets to see the actual Shen Yun performance.
I ran into a colleague at a national conference. He said to me excitedly, “Thank you! I watched Shen Yun perform at Taipei National Music Hall and cannot describe my happiness with words.” Those who heard our conversation expressed interest in going to a Shen Yun performance themselves.
Concluding Thoughts
The process of carrying out the music workshop seemed difficult. But, in fact, it wasn't. Master was with me along the way. Through Fa study, he gave me wisdom to overcome the bumpy road.
Master Li said:
“Well, doing the things that Dafa disciples are supposed to do, such as things that validate the Fa and that save sentient beings, among others, is one's duty-bound responsibility and a part of establishing mighty virtue. But being able to improve yourself is the most crucial. That is because if you don't improve yourself, you won't be able to do any of those things well.” (“Teaching the Fa at the Fa Conference at the U.S. Capital,” Collected Fa Teachings, Vol. VII)
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Category: Improving Oneself
