(Clearwisdom.net) On my way home at dusk, I came across a street vendor, who was selling puffed rice in the twilight. He squatted on his heels in front of the stand, with a peaceful and kind expression on his face. Suddenly, a thought flashed through my mind. Those who are doing low-level jobs and barely have enough to live on are often regarded as insignificant beings, but their souls are not at all insignificant.
For over ten years, since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) started persecuting Falun Gong, many fellow practitioners, who have benefited so much from Falun Gong, have kept clarifying the truth about Falun Gong and exposed the CCP's lies. I noticed that it was those people who work at the lower social levels, who are the most capable of distinguishing right from wrong on this issue.
Upon hearing about the staged Tiananmen self-immolation and the suffering of Falun Gong practitioners, most people showed sympathy. However, those with vested interests in the CCP's rule often did not take a stand against the persecution and would say something to the effect of, "If I were in power, I'd probably do the same thing." Instead of making judgments based on universal moral standards, they put themselves in the position of the tyrants and judged things from that perspective.
On the other hand, those like the street vendor don't have much hesitation in condemning the CCP. They go through their daily lives having to deal with the city authorities, who often drive them away. They work hard and rush around even in bad weather, but are only able to earn enough to maintain a basic life. They are the ones who see most clearly the dark reality of this "harmonious society," as it is described by the communist regime. Most of them are willing to withdraw from the Communist Youth League or Young Pioneers, as very few of them are CCP members.
For many well-to-do people in Chinese society, their desire for the acquisition of material wealth has overshadowed their views of what is truly important. That society is filled with the pursuit of fame and self-interest, and places so little importance on spiritual development. However, no matter how much society changes, the principles of the universe do not change. Money and fame are external things that a person cannot bring with him at birth nor take it with him upon death, and they are certainly not more important than human life.
If someone is only interested in power and will use violence and oppression to get it, that person may gain temporary glory and wealth. However, ignoring morality and conscience will lead one down a dark path that has deeper consequences. It is not wrong for one to seek wealth and personal gain to survive in society, but not at the cost of ignoring morality and right and wrong.
