(Minghui.org) I started practicing Falun Dafa in 1998. During my cultivation, I experienced many setbacks and sometimes even faced dilemmas or impasses. Through constant Fa-study in the last two years, I enlightened that I was hindered by the human notions I couldn’t let go of.
Changing Notions
Master said:
“Yesterday a reporter asked me, “What has made you the happiest in your whole life?” Of course, my whole life has been devoted to this one thing. I said, as to matters of ordinary people, there’s nothing that would make me happiest, but when I hear or see students sharing their experiences, that is when I feel most gratified.” (Teachings at the Midwestern U.S. Conference)
Years ago, I didn’t attach importance to writing sharing articles. I thought it was too troublesome to write an article and look for sources when quoting Master’s Fa, all of which I thought delayed saving sentient beings. I preferred to write poems because a poem only required writing a few short sentences.
The Minghui website published a notice on May 13, 2021, asking for experience-sharing articles. Right after that, I read the Fa that I quoted above. I felt Master’s compassion and hope that practitioners improve quickly.
I was also touched by the sharing articles submitted to the Minghui website by fellow practitioners. I became determined to write sharing articles and get involved in doing the things that Master asks us to do.
I sent my articles to Minghui. I also attended the 2021 Online Chinese Mainland Fa Conference. A few of my articles were published. I also encouraged fellow practitioners I was in contact with to write and contribute articles. In the last two years, all the fellow practitioners I am acquainted with and all the practitioners in the two Fa study groups I attend have written sharing articles for the Online Fa Conference.
Through Fa study, I realized that the thoughts I previously had about writing sharing articles were based on postnatal notions, which manipulated me. From that moment on, I had a clearer understanding of “notions” and saw the distinction between “notions” and “self.” I also realized the harm those notions can cause and the importance of changing myself as a practitioner.
Writing sharing articles also helps save sentient beings by displaying the wonderful nature of Dafa. This is what we should do as Dafa practitioners and what makes Master feel most gratified.
Changing Human Notions to Save People
My personality is introverted. It was usually only when my friends and relatives contacted me that I talked to them. After I began to cultivate and since I got busier, I became more reluctant to contact people. It appeared to have the benefit of saving a lot of my time and allowing me to do more Dafa things. However, I later realized that that attitude also affected the salvation of my friends and relatives, so I tried to let go of that kind of postnatal notion.
I am 72 years old. I left my hometown over 40 years ago and rarely contacted my relatives in my hometown since then. Before this Chinese New Year, my cousin asked someone to spread the word that his son was getting married, and they invited me to attend the wedding. I previously would have refused and given many excuses, such as needing to make three bus transfers to get there. Furthermore, I fell down not long ago and was injured. I had recovered somewhat, but I was still not sure if I could travel that far. But I quickly realized that those excuses were human notions and that the wedding would be a good opportunity to save people, so I decided to go.
Because of the distance, I arrived late, and they were midway through the reception already. When I saw those relatives whom I had never clarified the truth to, I greeted them briefly and immediately began to talk to them about Dafa during the banquet. However, after I talked to only four or five relatives, the reception was over, and I had to leave the restaurant with regret.
When I was waiting for the bus, I still felt very regretful. At that moment, an elderly man next to me said my name. I was surprised, but I quickly recalled that he was a classmate of my second oldest brother, and he lived in the neighboring village.
We talked a lot on the bus. I explained many things to him during the hour-long trip, including the truth about Dafa, quitting the Party and its youth organizations, the pandemic and the catastrophe, etc. He listened to me attentively and agreed with what I said. He quit the Young Pioneers that he had joined. I gifted him a protective amulet, and he carefully put it in his pocket. I was very happy that this chance encounter after forty-plus years helped save him.
Although I didn’t save a lot of people on this faraway journey, I still felt gratified because the trip helped me let go of many human notions. I deeply realized that only by following Master’s instructions can we change our notions and save more people.
Breaking the Bind of Human Attachments
Due to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s persecution of Dafa, I was arrested, my home was searched, and my possessions were confiscated. After my release, I moved to a new residential area to avoid further persecution. I had been living here for three or four years but decided not to clarify the truth in this community, as I wanted to keep my home materials production site safe and avoid exposure.
There was a security guard in the community who was a very kind older man. He treated people well and was willing to help others. He often greeted me and helped me open the gate when I was holding groceries. I thought that such a good man must have had a predestined relationship, so I should clarify the truth to him. But I always held back my words, thinking I should be careful given his role.
After the pandemic started, I didn’t see him for days. I wondered if he had retired and I had missed the chance to clarify the truth to him. I felt regretful and realized it was my human attachment that hindered me.
When I saw him again, I took the initiative to greet him. I brought up some topics related to Dafa. He didn’t reject it and accepted some of what I said. I also gave him a USB drive that included the video “Prediction and Life,” New Century films, “The Spreading of Dafa,” “Dafa Spreading Overseas,” and others.
He returned the drive to me on his next shift two days later. I felt that he didn’t finish watching all the videos and asked how he felt about them. He answered simply, “I didn’t watch some of them. And some of them should be kept between you and me.”
I could see that he was a little afraid. I said, “Right, it’s good if just you know. What I am doing is for your own good, because I could tell that you are a good man. You can have a good future by knowing this, and you can make it through this pandemic and any future catastrophe.” Since we couldn’t talk too much in that environment, he left in a rush.
After that, I kept sending forth righteous thoughts to help his knowing side take effect and help him learn about Dafa and be saved. After nearly a month passed, I found another chance to talk to him. I further explained the truth to him, and he readily agreed to quit the Communist Youth League and the Young Pioneers that he had joined. I felt relieved and grateful to Dafa for saving him. I realized in the process that only by letting go of human notions and thoughts can we have righteous thoughts and divine power to save people.
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