(Minghui.org) As Falun Dafa practitioners, we are representing Dafa in this world, whether we realize it or not. People can learn about Falun Dafa not just through Falun Dafa’s teachings, but also through our words and actions, daily behavior, and even our external appearance.
When I first obtained the Fa, I focused on cultivation. As I was just a beginner and had attachments (especially the attachment to time), I unknowingly went to extremes. I did my daily chores, such as preparing meals for my children, in a hurry, and spent almost all of my time studying the Fa, doing the exercises, and translating materials. My thoughts were very simple, “I obtained the Fa later than other people, so I need to catch up fast and not waste my time on any ‘unnecessary’ stuff. I just have to keep myself clean.”
After a period of time, my family started to complain and worry. Because of my sloppiness, I was asked, “What kind of cultivation is this? Why did you change so much? Why do you not cherish your family and yourself like you used to?” Luckily, I had already understood from the Fa that difficulties and feedback remind us to reflect on ourselves. Their care and worry made me think deeply, and I realized that I had deviated too far. Cultivation should bring harmony and not distance. I also realized that I cannot let my family misunderstand Dafa because of my lack of balance.
After adjusting myself, and rationally balancing my time between cultivation and the daily chores that I was responsible for, my family situation returned to normal. This was a deep experience that taught me that cultivation must be done in a dignified and reasonable manner.
Master mentioned in the Fa that a cultivator needs to maintain a dignified appearance and behavior, so I started to understand more clearly that our external appearance is also part of our Fa validation. In our daily lives, there is a common saying, “First impressions come from appearance while lasting impressions come from character and wisdom.” I feel that this concept makes a lot of sense.
Every time I participate in an event to validate the Fa, I pay more attention to my appearance, such as my skin, hair, clothes, and overall demeanor. This is not for attracting people’s attention or an attachment to beauty, much less is it out of desire. It is for the dignity of Dafa and to validate the goodness of Dafa. It is a display of the kind of people Dafa practitioners are.
Before coming to the United States, I got to know some practitioners from other countries. They were all very friendly, gentle, and composed. I thought that all cultivators from all over the world were like that. Of course, we all have our own characteristics. Last year, I joined the July 20 march in Washington, D.C., which called for an end to the persecution in China. Seeing so many practitioners gathered together, I was deeply touched. That scene was magnificent and awe-inspiring, and my heart was filled with compassion, as well.
However, when I reached the march starting point and was about to raise a banner, a Chinese practitioner suddenly shouted at me harshly and asked me to pick it up quickly. I was shocked and was even scared. I thought, “How can a cultivator shout so harshly?” I did not say anything, but that tone of speech made me feel very uncomfortable.
Another time my child asked me why some practitioners were expressionless, while some looked very serious or even unapproachable? At that time, I did not know how to answer him, but I started to think deeply about our behavior in the eyes of others.
As time passed, I observed that within practitioners’ circles, people often do not greet one another nor say goodbye. Many practitioners look very serious. Of course, I also understand that there are cultural differences. Maybe in some cultures, especially in East Asian or post-Soviet cultures, the expression of emotion tends to be reserved, and this should not be mistaken for indifference. However, being friendly and offering a simple greeting in daily life is a basic courtesy. A warm smile, a greeting, or a calm tone of voice can make people feel relaxed and happy. These little acts can subtly manifest a practitioner’s harmonious nature and the grace of cultivation.
In the process of promoting Shen Yun, I also kept thinking about how to become more professional. Shen Yun presents a world-class performance that is crafted for sentient beings, so being focused and our consideration for others is very important. Every detail, from our appearance, to our behavior, and our attitude, can all affect sentient beings’ perceptions of Shen Yun.
During the process of putting up the Shen Yun posters, I initially dressed casually and paid no attention to my appearance. I later realized that was wrong, and I started to pay more attention to it. I combed my hair tidily, put on appropriate makeup, and wore bright yet dignified attire. Before leaving the house, I would study the Fa and send forth righteous thoughts too. In the end, I saw very obvious changes when I went out to put up posters. In the past, people’s reactions had been relatively cold. After I started to pay attention to my appearance and mood, people’s expressions also became warm and friendly. The atmosphere also became more open and positive.
Paying attention to my appearance is not to catch people’s attention or entertain them. It is a form of respect, a form of respect for Dafa, Shen Yun, the sentient beings, and ourselves. I think it is also part of my self-elevation. This experience made me understand that our external behavior can support us in our efforts to promote Shen Yun.
Another issue is that I feel the organizers should pay more attention to the image of Shen Yun. I remember that when I was watching a Shen Yun performance in Taiwan, the platform that was being used to display the Shen Yun Shop’s merchandise in the theater hall was very clean and tidy. Not only did the display platforms look high-end and luxurious, the sales people were dressed in uniform, and they did not chat with one another. Instead, they were very professional, courteous and warm, giving people a very comfortable and high-quality vibe. However, in some countries and places, the layout looks a bit like a street market, making me worry about tarnishing Shen Yun’s image.
In one venue, when the Shen Yun performance was starting and the audience had started to enter the theater, the crew members' meals were delivered at the same time and they were placed under the table with the Shen Yun display items, giving off very strong smells of Chinese food. I felt that this was not a very appropriate thing to do when the audience was entering the theater, and thus suggested that the meals be delivered later or to the dining area on the second floor.
However, my suggestion was rejected and deemed as me insisting on my personal opinion. This experience made me think further. Our cultivation, our daily conduct, and our professional ethics are not the same thing, but they are not conflicting either. If we cannot differentiate between them correctly, misunderstandings may happen and that may affect the salvation of sentient beings. Paying attention to details is not an attachment if the starting point and objective are pure and are driven by genuine consideration for the sentient beings that we are serving.
I also noticed that many events that validate the Fa are mainly joined by elderly practitioners. Young practitioners may be busy with work, family, looking after kids, or other chores. This is understandable. Even so, I will still try my best to encourage more young practitioners to participate in such events, as the sentient beings will tend to form impressions about Dafa based on what they see. From an ordinary person’s perspective, when young practitioners join these events with older practitioners, it brings vitality and balance to the events. It lets people see that Dafa is a practice that is accepted by people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Cultivation is about changing ourselves. I am writing this article to share my opinions, not to criticize or change anyone, and also to remind myself and fellow practitioners that no matter where we are, we all represent the image of Dafa, Dafa projects, and even Shen Yun. Not only do we need to care about our xinxing, we also need to care about our appearance. Paying attention to our appearance is not an attachment to fame or about following fashion, nor is it showing off. It concerns having respect for ourselves, the people around us, and the path that we are taking. We can remind and encourage one another to establish a positive, solemn, and good image of Dafa for sentient beings.