(Minghui.org) I began practicing Falun Dafa in 1998. After years of cultivation, I realized how important it is to study the Fa teachings well.
Master made it very clear to us:
“For a Dafa disciple, cultivation is first priority. That’s because if you fail to cultivate well, you will not be able to accomplish what you are to do; and if you fail to cultivate well, your power to save sentient beings will not be that great.” “So you absolutely mustn’t let down your guard. This is especially true with Fa-study: you really need to study the Fa with utter seriousness.” “ If you don’t study the Fa well, there are many things you will not be able to do well.” (“Dafa Disciples Must Study the Fa - Fa Teaching Given at the 2011 Washington DC Metro Area Fa Conference”)
I learned a serious lesson in this regard, which I would like to share with fellow practitioners.
Not long ago, I was helping a fellow practitioner file a lawsuit online against Jiang Zemin, the former Chinese dictator who launched the persecution. My husband called me in the middle of it, saying that I was needed at my workplace. I wondered if it was related to the lawsuit. Several practitioners at my workplace had been harassed by higher ups due to their lawsuits.
I was not scared and thought if they asked about the lawsuit, it would give me the opportunity to tell them the facts about the persecution. When I arrived, my husband was there with two directors. They asked me about the lawsuit, and when I began explaining the facts behind the persecution, one of them began arguing with me in a harsh tone. My mentality of fighting back surfaced, which made him even angrier. My husband was scared and tried to calm things down. The talk was over and everyone was angry. I regretted not handling things well. I had not been studying the Fa well and had become preoccupied doing things.
When my husband came home, he told me that they wanted me to sign a guarantee statement renouncing Falun Gong, which they would turn in to the 610 Office the next day.
I remembered Master told us:
“No matter what the situation, do not cooperate with the evil’s demands, orders, or what it instigates.” (“Dafa Disciples’ Righteous Thoughts are Powerful” in Essentials for Further Advancement II)
I told my husband that I would not sign. My husband had been told that if I refused to sign, I would be fired. Scared and angry, he screamed that I was selfish and that I wanted to destroy our family.
I reminded him that it is legal to sue Jiang and that my refusal to sign was also for their sake, as I would not help them commit a crime.... But my husband lost all his senses. He began throwing things around and smashing furniture. I did not react and stayed calm.
The next morning, my husband pressured me again to sign the statement. He left home disappointed. When he returned home that night, he told me that they no longer required me to sign the statement.
Days later, officials from the 610 Office began calling my husband and warned me that they would come to visit soon. They said I had to give up Falun Gong or I would be arrested, and our home would be ransacked.
Every time they called, my husband would lose his temper with me and put more pressure on me. Because I had not been studying the Fa well, I was almost affected by their constant threats.
I asked Master to reinforce my righteous thoughts. I began seizing every moment to study the Fa. I decided to negate everything that was not arranged by Master. Even though I had loopholes in cultivation, I would rectify them within the Fa and refuse to accept the persecution. After studying the Fa and sending forth righteous thoughts for a long period of time, I felt my field become cleaner and clearer. I decided to approach the director and speak from my heart.
Master told us:
“I often say that if all a person wants is the well-being of others and if this is without the slightest personal motivation or personal understanding, what he says will move the listener to tears. I have not only taught you Dafa, but have also left you my demeanor. While working, your tone of voice, your kindheartedness, and your reasoning can change a person’s heart, whereas commands never could!” (“Clearheadedness” in Essentials for Further Advancement)
I wanted to do things according to Master's teachings, no matter what their attitude was. I simply wanted to make him clear about the persecution and choose a better future.
I went to the director's home, and he was surprised to see me. I apologized for getting into an argument with him before. I the told him how I had been tormented by many illnesses in the past until I began practicing Falun Gong and became illness-free. Not only that, my moral character also improved as a result of following the teachings. I explained that when I filed the lawsuit, I did not do it for personal benefit. I wanted to warn those who blindly follow Jiang to stop committing crimes, to choose a better future...
With Master's help and as I spoke with compassion, the director listened quietly and even expressed some understanding at times. His attitude changed. Later he thoughtfully warned my husband that 610 Office agents from the Provincial level planned to come to our company and they might ask to talk to me.
The next day, they did come to our company, but they did not talk to me or look for me. Just like what Master said:
“The Fa can break all attachments, the Fa can destroy all evil, the Fa can shatter all lies, and the Fa can strengthen righteous thoughts.” (“Drive Out Interference” in Essentials for Further Advancement II)
Thank you, Master! I will heed Master's guidance to study Fa well and strengthen righteous thoughts.
Category: Improving Oneself
