(Minghui.org) By the time I was 23 years old, I had three children. I’m now 39 years old. Before I practiced Falun Dafa I was short-tempered, resentful, and irritable because of life’s pressures and hardships.
Dafa untied the knots in my heart and guided me to be considerate of others, work hard, and live according to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
My mother-in-law loves to play mahjong, and my father-in-law does most of the housework. When my in-laws found out I was pregnant for the second time, with twins, they were afraid that we would ask them to help take care of the children and worried that we would have a hard time raising them. They said they didn’t want the twins. I resented them for being so selfish.
From the moment I became pregnant, my mother-in-law did not help me. I had to do everything myself and care for my one-year-old daughter. She didn’t come to see me until others told her to, when I was about to give birth.
While I recuperated from giving birth, she didn’t come to my place or help me with the children. I sulked and suffered day and night. In the days that followed, she didn’t look after the children or wash their clothes. I took care of my three little ones, and I can’t remember how many times I collapsed from exhaustion. I secretly swore that when my in-laws were old and needed me, I would not take care of them.
I practiced Falun Dafa with my mother when I was eight years old, but forgot about it as I grew older. Nonetheless, I remembered Falun Dafa during my most difficult times, and this helped me let go of my resentment toward my in-laws.
The Fa principles taught me that we pay back our karma through suffering and it’s a process that cultivators go through. The conflict with my mother-in-law is likely the result of a karmic relationship from our past lives. It’s possible that I failed to help her when she was in need, so I’m paying for it this lifetime.
The Fa principles also changed a notion that I had, which is commonly found in Chinese families today: mothers-in-law should treat daughters-in-law with kindness and daughters-in-law must be obedient to mothers-in-law. I knew I should rectify my thoughts, watch my words and actions, respect my in-laws, and put them first.
I gave my mother-in-law 300 yuan one day and told her it was her mahjong money. I wouldn’t do this kind of thing before. I used to work hard to earn and save money, and I judged the quality of my relationships with relatives and friends based on self-interest. After I became a practitioner and discovered my selfishness, I was less concerned about personal gain.
I took my three-year-old nephew to the supermarket and realized I didn’t pay for a toy car after we left. I didn’t want to take advantage of the situation and went back to pay for it. I wouldn’t have done that if I didn’t practice Dafa.
I had a quick temper and I wanted to be in complete control. I would get upset when people didn’t follow my orders. My husband wanted to go out for a drink one time but I didn’t want him to. We once had an argument, I left home with a bag, and headed to my mother’s place.
As soon as I left home, a practitioner whom I didn’t know approached me and talked to me about Falun Dafa. I realized right away that Master was reminding me that I’m a practitioner and it was time to improve my character. My anger vanished and I understood my husband’s situation from his perspective.
Wasn’t I being selfish? I lost my temper and gave my husband the cold shoulder at the slightest provocation. I couldn’t care less whether others took in what I said, as long as I got my way. I was wrong and I should correct myself based on Dafa’s standards.
I returned home with a smile and began to prepare food. My husband said calmly that it was time for him to leave. I warmly reminded him, “Don’t drink too much and come home early.” Dafa helped me avoid a family crisis.
I was born and created for the Fa. I’ve reincarnated lifetime after lifetime for thousands of years so that I could cultivate in Dafa in this lifetime. Master endured immeasurable hardships to save all beings. He rescued us from hell, and has been purifying us and bearing the karmic debts we should have borne ourselves. Master is truly compassionate!
As a practitioner, I have no excuse not to do my best. I will follow Master’s teachings, send forth righteous thoughts, eliminate the bad elements, do the three things well, search inward unconditionally, cultivate myself and rid of selfishness, and assist Master in awakening more people.
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Category: Cultivation Insights
