(Minghui.org) I do research work in Taiwan. Influenced by my parents and teachers, I held myself to a high standard since I was a child and had a relatively smooth academic and career path. I had a son and daughter after I married and got along well with my husband’s family. Others admired us.
I was strict with my children’s education. Although in the eyes of other people, my children were outstanding, if they did not meet my standards, I would criticize them harshly and this led to tension at home. I truly began to understand and support my children after I practiced Falun Dafa. My children felt the positive changes in me and became practitioners. This made our family even more harmonious and perfect.
Parents often hope their children excel in their studies so that they will have a successful career and a good life. This desire is especially strong in those who have been through hardships.
Before I practiced Falun Dafa, I thought that having good grades meant better qualifications and, in turn, one could find a better job. With a good job, one is guaranteed a happy life. So from the time my children were in kindergarten, I enthusiastically arranged all kinds of classes for them: piano, dance, art, chess, and so on. My son’s classmate once said my son was like an encyclopedia. I was secretly delighted to hear that.
I spent most of my time after work checking my kids’ schoolwork and the teacher’s report. If they did well, I felt that all the effort I put in was worth it. If their answers were not satisfactory, I would go through each question. When I found a problem I thought was simple but my child could not understand, I often said without thinking, “Why are you are so dumb?” I was constantly displeased with them and did not see what a stern parent I was. I only felt uneasy and changed my attitude and tone of voice when my son covered his ears, saying he could not stand my sharp voice and my daughter broke down in tears.
Such scenes were common in the years my children were in school. In 2015, my daughter was in her third year of secondary school when her grades suddenly started to fall. She was about to take the college entrance exams and was under a lot of pressure. Coincidentally, I began to practice Falun Dafa that May. I gradually understood that the blessings one has in life are related to one’s karma. They do not come from focusing on studies and pursuits. I realized that the purpose of our existence is to eliminate karma and return to our origin. We must be kind and have compassion. Thus, I started to follow Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance in my daily life. I learned to treasure life, be forgiving, not go after fame and gain, be selfless, and always do things to benefit others.
But it was hard to let go of my stubborn notions. Seeing my daughter’s grades getting worse, although I told her it was all right and to do better next time, I was still worried. I kept asking her how she did on her tests and was there any improvement. Because I pressured her, my daughter’s grades continued to go up and down.
As I kept studying the Fa, my views changed. One day, I said to her, “Reputation and gain are not important. You are more important. As long as you have tried your best, don’t fret over the results. I will support you unconditionally no matter what happens.” I reminded her to balance her studies with exercise and rest. I occasionally asked her how she was and if she needed my help. When I let go of my attachment, my daughter’s grades slowly climbed. She was admitted to the best school in the area.
I did not force my children to practice Falun Dafa. But the change in my mindset made them see the beauty of Dafa. My son decided to take up the practice in his third year at university. When my daughter was in her third year in college, she was under a lot of pressure preparing for university entrance exams. I thought she was so busy with her studies that she did not have time for cultivation. To my surprise, during the busiest time, when her exams were just around the corner, she asked to read the main book Zhuan Falun. She also learned the five exercises and became a practitioner.
Guided by the teachings, she was calm in preparing for the exams and easily got into a good university. She told me she had the courage to try things she would have been afraid of before studying Dafa. All of us felt that our endurance had become more powerful. Indeed, the Buddha Fa can unlock one’s wisdom.
My father-in-law had a hard life when he was young and it made him tough. Several years ago when he was in his 80s, he put a ladder against a wall and climbed up to move something. He fell off and hit his head. He was seriously injured, became bedridden, and couldn’t move. Because doctors are off on weekends, we put medicine on his superficial injuries and planned to take him to the doctor Monday morning.
At around 8 p.m that night, my husband came home and told me my father-in-law was bleeding internally on his forehead between his eyebrows, and it was getting worse. Everyone was very worried. I thought only Dafa could save him but my husband’s family were Buddhists. I first phoned my mother-in-law and told her I wanted to come over and tell them about Dafa. My sister-in-law and mother-in-law urged me to come over quickly. I brought Zhuan Falun but wasn't sure if my father-in-law would accept the teachings.
When I arrived, my mother-in-law was fretting. They cheered up when they saw me. I went to my father-in-law’s room and saw a huge bruise on his forehead. I first asked him if he trusted me and he said he did. It just so happened that his birthday was approaching, so I said I wanted to give him a birthday gift. It was neither something to eat or wear but a gift that money could not buy; it was very precious. I then taught him to recite, “Falun Dafa is good, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.” He spoke Chinese with an accent and was worried he would recite it incorrectly. He kept repeating it until he said the phrases correctly. Then, I read a short paragraph from Zhuan Falun.
My brother-in-law who studies pharmacology arrived. He said my father-in-law’s condition was dangerous. But the old man did not want to move, so they let him be.
When I went to see my father-in-law the next day, he said he felt much better. I saw the bruise on his forehead wasn't as dark and I was grateful to Master for his compassion! My father-in-law asked me if he was reciting the phrase correctly and he continued reciting it.
On Monday, my father-in-law went to see the doctor. The doctor suggested putting a plaster on first due to his age. After returning home from a checkup a week later, my father-in-law told me the doctor was amazed that the bone had shifted into its proper place! Soon after that, the doctor removed the plaster.
This is the most serious accident my father-in-law had ever had. He recovered completely without further treatment. This incident showed me once again how extraordinary Dafa is.
At a gathering with several elderly professors, they mentioned that a classmate recently became ill and passed away. One professor said, “Regardless of how much fame one enjoys or how wealthy one is, one has to bear the pain of sickness himself.” I was moved by his remarks. How fortunate I am to have Dafa and Master looking after me all the time. I am blessed and have a healthy mind and body because I practice Falun Dafa.