I first encountered Falun Dafa at the end of 1996, when I was still in my teens, and began genuine cultivation in March 1997. Because our area had not yet received Master’s lecture videos and exercise instruction tapes, were only able to start learning once they arrived.
After I started working, my job frequently required international travel. Over time, by reading Minghui editorials and practitioners’ sharing articles, I realized that some Chinese practitioners who went abroad did not handle things well and inadvertently had a negative impact. Consequently, whenever I traveled overseas, I avoided contacting local practitioners, concerned that I might disturb them or cause unnecessary trouble.
This past July, I made the decision to move to Japan. After enduring twenty-six years of persecution, I longed for a free cultivation environment—one where I could participate in group Fa study, do the exercises with other practitioners, and once again experience the diligence and purity of a good cultivation setting.
However, after participating in several activities in Japan, I felt that the seriousness and diligence common among practitioners in China was less apparent overseas. I would like to share a few observations—not to criticize anyone, but to remind all of us to cherish this precious environment and to encourage greater diligence.
During the twenty-six years of persecution, practitioners in China—whether diligent or lax—have lived under tremendous pressure. Cultivation became woven into every aspect of daily life; Dafa was deeply rooted in their hearts.
Although public group exercise sites were suppressed, practitioners still treasured every opportunity to meet, study the Fa, and share understandings. Their conversations naturally centered on cultivation: how to elevate xinxing, how to overcome tests, and how to become more compassionate.
After coming to Japan, however, I did not sense the same seriousness during group Fa study and exercise practice, both of which are essential for maintaining a strong cultivation environment. I hope that by writing this article, coordinators and assistants can reflect on how to better maintain group Fa study and exercises, and also help new practitioners integrate smoothly.
Master has repeatedly emphasized the importance of diligently doing the three things. Without a solid foundation in Fa study and the exercises, it is difficult for our righteous thoughts and truth clarification to have a strong effect. As stated in the Minghui Editorial “Be Responsible” (July 3, 2023): “As a result, many new practitioners who took up Dafa after 2000 no longer experienced the serenity and purity that Fa-study groups and practice sites originally had.”
The issues I observed include a lack of an environment for sharing and improving, treating group practice as a formality, and the absence of proper guidance for new learners.
Incorrect Movements and Lack of Guidance
No one was helping practitioners correct their movements, resulting in many exercises being done incorrectly. Some practitioners appeared distracted, as they were not following the exercise music. However, Master has clearly instructed us that during the exercises, our minds should be free of thought.
Some practitioners arrived late or skipped certain movements. Some only did the standing exercises and left during the meditation; some came only for the Fa study. Even the assistant at the site did not do the meditation. Few seemed aware of the importance of punctuality or of completing the exercises together.
Turning Away New Practitioners
Once, an experienced practitioner brought a new learner, hoping she could join the group practice and study. However, the site assistant immediately declined her request, without explaining the reason or offering any guidance on how the new practitioner might begin.
I saw the confusion and disappointment in their eyes. Over the next three group activities, the new practitioner never returned.
Talking About Worldly Topics
During breaks, some practitioners talked about food, travel, or politics instead of sharing cultivation experiences. Aren’t these things attachments we should let go of? As cultivators, shouldn’t we also pay attention to the cultivation of speech?
No Experience Sharing
Practitioners study the Fa together every Sunday, but leave immediately when the reading concludes, without any sharing or discussion.
New Practitioners Not Guided
One practitioner who had been practicing for two or three years still did not understand why we clarify the truth, why we hold parades, or why practitioners in China have been arrested. Clearly, no one had explained things to her.
Master said,
“Master has entrusted so many Dafa disciples to you, and expects you to lead them well. So it is something you must do, and it is your responsibility. If you don’t do it well, it’s directly related to your cultivation.” (“Fa Teaching at the 2013 Greater New York Fa Conference,” Collected Fa Teachings, Vol. XII)
It is understandable that, for safety reasons, coordinators may hesitate to add new practitioners to communication groups immediately. However, coordinators still hold responsibility for nurturing these practitioners’ growth. An interim approach—such as providing individual contact or personal guidance—could help new practitioners integrate swiftly and keep pace with Fa study and Fa-rectification.
We should help them, not push them away just because it might be inconvenient.
Correcting Exercise Movements
Assistants or designated experienced practitioners should periodically check movements, correct errors, and personally teach new learners.
Punctuality in Sending Righteous Thoughts and Doing the Exercises
Assistants should remind everyone of the importance of punctuality and consistency. Global sending forth righteous thoughts is one of the three things repeatedly emphasized by Master. Shouldn’t we follow Master’s instructions?
Practitioners in China cherish every opportunity to practice together. If they had the freedom to do group exercises, even at 3 a.m. in freezing weather, they would not miss it. Shouldn’t we treasure the freedom we have overseas?
The Importance of Sharing
Master has long hoped that after group Fa study, practitioners would share their understandings—how they overcame tests, elevated their xinxing, or handled difficulties. Sometimes, a single sentence from another practitioner may be exactly what one needs to break through a barrier.
Most cultivation tests do not come in dramatic form; they appear in daily life, in every thought and action. Nothing we encounter is accidental. Everything is an opportunity to elevate ourselves based on the Fa.
Sharing frequently can help us learn from one another. For example, we can share experiences about clarifying the truth, encounters with difficult situations, or how we helped practitioners who were struggling.
Assistants and veteran practitioners play an important role in maintaining a righteous and diligent environment. By setting a good example, they can inspire others and help form a strong energy field.
Let us regularly read Essentials for Further Advancement and Master’s new articles. We did not come to this world to live an ordinary life—we came with a sacred vow as Dafa disciples. Since the publication of “A Dialogue with Time” (Essentials for Further Advancement) in 1997, Master has been waiting patiently for us. Can we continue to let Master wait?
As Fa-rectification approaches its conclusion, let us remind one another, encourage one another, and assist Master in completing the Fa-rectification.