(Minghui.org) I began practicing Falun Dafa three years ago. In fact, more than a decade ago while walking my dog through a large park, I saw several Falun Gong practitioners doing the exercises in unison under yellow flags. The peaceful and tranquil scene filled me with respect and yearning, but I lacked the courage to approach them and learn more, thus I missed that opportunity.
Ten years later, I saw a flier in my mailbox about a practice site in a park. At that moment, my heart was moved and I thought, “I can’t miss this opportunity again!” I mustered up my courage and went to the park to practice for the first time on Sunday morning, May 22, 2022. That day marked the beginning of my cultivation, and it has brought me indescribable joy and happiness. I have participated in group exercises every week since.
I saw veteran practitioners taking the initiative to clean up trash in the park before doing the exercises. I was moved and volunteered to help, bringing my own trash bags and tongs. Practicing in a clean environment made me even more aware of the solemnity and sacredness of cultivation.
I would like to share with you some of my cultivation experiences that I have gained from studying the Fa, validating the Fa, and participating in Fa-rectification activities.
Strengthening My Determination to Cultivate Through Fa-Study
I joined a Fa study group for new practitioners that a coordinator told me about. That period was a precious time for me. My understanding of the Fa principles continued to deepen through Fa study and exchange.
While reading Zhuan Falun, I felt my soul gradually opening up. The book gave clear and profound answers to some long-standing questions that had eluded me, such as “Why do people get sick?” “Why is there suffering in life?” and “How should people live?”
What struck me most was Master’s teaching that we should cultivate our minds and pursue kindness based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. These three words deeply moved my heart.
I read Zhuan Falun three times in the first year, and it strengthened my determination to cultivate. I later began to join a group Fa study with veteran practitioners, which gave me a deeper understanding of the universe, time and space, and the human body.
My heightened awareness of being a practitioner also enabled me to gradually hold myself to the standards of a cultivator in my daily life. In the past, I often got angry or blamed others when I encountered injustice. I’ve now learned to look inward first, examine my own shortcomings, and handle conflicts calmly and rationally. My interpersonal relationships have improved, and people trust me more. With peace of mind, my surroundings have also transformed. I’m no longer swayed by the opinions of others, and I am more able to maintain inner peace and kindness.
I learned that veteran practitioners are actively participating in various Fa-rectification projects, so I started to participate too. Initially I was not proactive. Through group Fa-study every night, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that Dafa disciples shoulder.
Validating the Fa in My Work
I run a beauty salon and interact with many customers. I initially thought that since I already had trusting relationships with my clients, clarifying the truth to them would be easy. However, I found that some clients were apathetic, and I even worried that they would distance themselves from me.
But I understood that Dafa disciples have a mission to save people, and we shouldn’t be held back by human attachments. So I changed my mindset and patiently clarified the truth to each customer based on their situation. As a result, not only did I not lose customers, but I actually heard them say, “You seem more cheerful lately.”
I used to get annoyed by customers’ bad attitudes, but I have been able to treat them with a calm mind after cultivating, and this helped change their attitudes. Even my employees exclaimed, “That client has changed recently.” I was also surprised by these changes.
My business philosophy has also undergone a fundamental change, from “pursuing profits” to “considering the health of customers.” For example, I decided to stop using chemical hair dyes, and switched to natural plant henna. I also suggested that customers could dye and care for their hair at home. As a result, their visits to the salon have decreased, and of course the salon’s revenue has dropped significantly.
This made me feel uneasy for a while, but I told myself that I should always put others’ interests first. Ultimately, this earned me deeper trust from my clients, and I also realized the Fa principle of “no loss no gain.” After letting go of my attachment to profit, I gained more precious time that I could spend studying the Fa, practicing the exercises, and clarifying the truth.
Actively Participating in Fa-rectification Activities
As I study the Fa more, I understand that Dafa disciples shoulder the sacred mission of assisting Master in Fa-rectification and saving sentient beings. This has led me to cherish time even more, and actively participate in Fa-rectification activities. Before I started practicing, I had always enjoyed resting at home after I got off work. Now, I often work on truth-clarification projects late into the night.
There are four peaceful protests in front of the Chinese Consulate in Kumamoto every year. I first participated on New Year’s Eve of 2022. I was supposed to go to the nursing home to pick up my mother and celebrate the New Year with her at home, but I felt I should cherish the opportunity to participate in Fa-rectification activities. So I contacted the nursing home in advance and asked to change my visit to New Year’s Day. They happily agreed. I participated in the event on New Year’s Eve and brought my mother home the next day.
I had a client who made an appointment for July 20 this year. Normally, I close all reservations for that day in advance, but I forgot to do so this time. The client had already changed her appointment several times, so I was hesitant about canceling her reservation. At one point, I was even considering backing out. But then, thinking about the significance of the day, I mustered up the courage to call her. Surprisingly, she was very understanding and happily rescheduled, allowing me to attend the event.
I was struck by the friendly attitude of a policeman, who openly delivered gifts to our coordinator during my first peaceful protest in front of the Chinese Consulate. Several police officers, who had initially been indifferent, changed their attitudes as they learned the truth. This made me realize once again the importance of clarifying the truth.
It is an incomparable and extraordinary honor to be able to obtain the Fa, cultivate during the Fa-rectification period, and assist Master in Fa-rectification. I cherish this opportunity. Going forward, I will be more diligent, steadily do the three things, improve my xinxing, validate the Fa, save more sentient beings, and live up to Master’s compassion and the expectations of all sentient beings.
(Selected article presented at the 2025 Japan Fa Conference)
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