June 13, 2003
(Clearwisdom.net)
Let me start with a small incident at home. The metal strip in the doorway between the kitchen and the living area in my apartment started to curl up. It was getting worse and worse, and both my wife and I tripped on it several times, barely managing not to fall. So I called the landlord, "A metal strip on our floor has curled up and needs repair." But even though I called three times in three weeks, nothing happened. The fourth time I called the landlord I said, "A metal strip on our floor has curled up, and my wife and I have almost tripped and fallen several times." Within fifteen minutes a repairman arrived and solved the problem that had troubled us for a month.
In retrospect, the difference between the last call and the previous ones lies in the severity and urgency that was conveyed. This reminds me of the on-going lawsuit against Jiang. Whether judged on the basis of Fa-rectification, or on the principles of ordinary human society, we do have a strong case. Due to Jiang's lies and enticements, however, people have interfered with this case. This is indeed worth our further consideration. There might be some practitioners complaining about these people and wondering how come, in spite of the many facts that have been presented to them, they still do not understand the situation.
As practitioners, we are quite clear that, whenever there is a problem, this is where we need to further clarify the truth. For example, we may need to present more facts to the Justice Department and the State Department. Also, people in ordinary human society tend to focus on their immediate interests, and are prone to being misled by all kinds of lies and promises, resulting in their being used by the old forces. This is also a case of the old forces taking advantage of our not presenting sufficient facts to those who are being misled. We need to comprehensively and systematically explain the nature of the persecution to people in the Justice and State Departments, and while not simply dwelling on the lawsuit itself, convince them that the positions they take are fundamental to their own interests as well as the interests of the Chinese people. Then their decisions will be genuine choices based on all the facts.
It has been reported that thirty-eight members of the U.S. Congress have filed an Amicus brief with the U.S. District Court. This is the result of our presenting the facts to the various members of Congress. It's worth noting that the three branches of government are separated in the United States. The executive branch, the legislative branch (Congress), and the judicial branch (including the Supreme Court) each has its own roles and are independent from each other, with necessary coordination and cooperation. Support from the members of the U.S. Congress only indicates that many congressmen and congresswomen in the legislative branch have come to an understanding of the truth. As a matter of fact, not everything has turned out perfectly even in the legislative branch, not only because of the pressing schedule but also because of the falsehoods and promises from Jiang's regime. We should not have the idea that we can take a break in our efforts in this area. In addition, we need to have a greater sense of urgency in clarifying the truth to Justice and State Department officials. To achieve the best results it is best to clarify the truth comprehensively and systematically, and avoid limiting ourselves to the lawsuit alone.
As practitioners we need to realize that truth-clarifying opportunities related to the lawsuit against Jiang don't come along frequently. Our ultimate goal is not how this case evolves but to let more people understand the facts about Falun Gong and to be compassionate towards them.
I am not personally engaged in clarifying the truth to the government. Like most fellow practitioners, I have only been playing a supporting role when presenting important facts to local government officials and legislative members. In the past I was simply following the example of others. This time, with regard to the lawsuit against Jiang, I have noticed a big difference between just completing a relevant task, and completing the task by putting all my heart and soul into it. The results have been dramatically different as well. When we write letters, make phone calls, or otherwise contact government officials, we can, more often than not, briefly share our own experiences. The listener more easily accepts those heartfelt words. If we all realize at the outset that Falun Dafa practitioners are helping to save the people and that we are helping officials of the U.S. government to reach a general understanding of the truth, we can better help them understand the urgency and importance of their taking a just approach. We should not simply pin our hopes on certain ordinary people in the government, or focus only on the immediate results. Of course, when people have come to see the truth, yet still help the evil forces out of consideration for their own personal interests, then that is their personal choice. We are compassionate toward others, and if someone is not willing to be saved, we should not be attached to any desire for results, nor should we become disappointed or dissatisfied.
Teacher has told us, "Human society is a good place for cultivation, since everything here can lead to attachments. Precisely because of this, a person who is able to step out of it and get rid of all his attachments to human society is magnificent and is able to reach Consummation." ("No Politics" from Essentials for Further Advancement II)
The above are my personal thoughts. Please kindly correct anything that is inappropriate.
