(Minghui.org) I recently came across several articles on Minghui.org describing how some practitioners had their pensions reduced or even withheld because of their practice of Falun Dafa. Some practitioners have been sued, their houses seized, and family members forced to pay fines.
The situation is deeply unjust. We have endured persecution simply for upholding our faith and following the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. Despite the many losses, we have never received any compensation. Instead, we continue to face additional ordeals that negatively affect us and our families.
As practitioners, we should not simply passively accept these injustices. As Falun Dafa disciples, our mission is to validate Dafa and assist Master with Fa-rectification. Have we truly fulfilled our responsibilities, and is this what Master Li (founder of Falun Dafa) would like to see for his disciples? If not, how can we be more effective?
During the darkest times of the persecution, we endured brainwashing, detention in labor camps and prisons, psychiatric abuse, torture, extortion, and loss of our jobs—all because of our faith. Despite these ordeals, we persevered and overcame the tribulations. Now, as we confront the loss or reduction of our pensions, some practitioners suggest we remain unaffected, since many practitioners have been through similar ordeals.
Some practitioners who endured severe torture in labor camps and prisons have understandably developed fear in such a harsh environment. With an attachment to comfort, they may want to slow down and enjoy a “peaceful” time for a while, believing that they they are still doing the three things.
I believe this is not sufficient. Master said, “The Fa has different requirements for cultivators at different levels.” (“Non-Omission”, Essentials for Further Advancement) My understanding is that, cultivation practice is like sailing against the current; if we do not advance, we will fall behind.
Under intense pressure, some practitioners wrote statements renouncing their belief. After later nullifying their statements through “Solemn Declarations” on Minghui.org, some hurried to catch up and do well, while others began leading an ordinary life. Some practitioners who were forced to stay away from home to avoid harassment and arrest did not oppose the persecution through legal means, thinking they could still do the three things in this way. However, they may not realize that doing things this way can cause people around them to misunderstand Dafa practitioners and even refuse to accept the facts about Dafa. When money is confiscated or pensions deducted, some practitioners make no effort to reclaim what is rightfully theirs; instead they simply resign themselves to living frugally.
Master said,
“You cannot always rely on me to bring you up to a higher level while you, yourself do not move. Only after the Fa is explicitly stated do you make a move. If it is not taught clearly, you do not move, or move backward. I cannot recognize such behavior as cultivation practice.” (“Digging Out the Roots”, Essentials for Further Advancement)
As practitioners, we know the persecution was forced upon us and we do not acknowledge it. Therefore, we should proactively step forward to resist the persecution and resort to legal means if necessary—rather than passively allowing ourselves to be controlled.
In reality, the Fa-rectification requires tangible efforts from Dafa disciples. Rather than relying on political figures in ordinary society, we need to focus on clarifying the truth to people and sending forth righteous thoughts to eliminate the vicious elements.
Master said, “...so who would you count on? All the beings are counting on you!” (“Fa Teaching Given at the 2002 Conference in Philadelphia, U.S.A.”, Collected Teachings Given Around the World, Volume II)
In 2006, when a practitioner was arrested and sent to a labor camp, local practitioners worked together to rescue her. At the entrance of the labor camp, her young daughter cried out, “Mom, please come home with me! I miss you. I want my mom back!” One practitioner captured the emotional scene with a cell phone camera. Local practitioners also gathered at a nearly factory to send forth righteous thoughts. The labor camp officials became alarmed and, even the next day, checked everyone passing by the camp entrance.
In 2007, after two practitioners were arrested, another practitioner from a different city attempted to contact the Domestic Security Division using a public phone, but couldn’t get through. Then, out of nowhere, a voice prompted her to add a zero before the number. She did so and the call connected. She silently thanked Master for the help
Meanwhile, another practitioner also called both the division director and his wife, to talk to them about the persecution. Remarkably, three days later, the two practitioners were released. One practitioner in his 80s also helped the rescue efforts by mailing Dafa materials to officials. “I am able to overcome the internet blockade and visit Minghui.org every day. Whenever persecution of practitioners occurs, we will send the information there,” he explained.
These are just a few examples. Whenever practitioners are detained for their faith, it causes huge losses for themselves and their families. Also, we need to constantly oppose the persecution. Reclaiming confiscated property and money deducted from our pensions are our legal rights. Doing so will also help people learn the facts of Dafa, and it is part of our efforts to validate Dafa.