(Minghui.org) I always assumed that it was easier for overseas practitioners to collect signatures to help rescue imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners in Beijing. I felt that they cultivated well and created a good environment to clarify the truth. But I lived in Beijing, and was afraid of facing persecution or running into disapproval from relatives. But after finally joining the signature drive in Beijing, I completely changed my notions. I'd like to share my experiences with you.
When I first saw the email inviting me to collect signatures, I immediately felt fearful. The Chinese characters for “not interested” flashed through my mind. I fought through my fear and told the practitioner that I wanted to give it a try. She told me the first step was to download some training materials.
I happened to come across an experience sharing article from a practitioner who overcame the fear of collecting signatures. The whole procedure was not that hard! My fear nearly prevented me from moving forward.
But I thought, who should I approach first? My fear came up again. Should I start with my relatives? Would they accept it? All sorts of human notions occupied my mind. I asked for Master's strengthening and also sent forth righteous thoughts to clear away my notions.
I wanted to start with my sister, but was afraid that her husband might oppose it. I managed to persevere and approached her on my next visit. Her husband happened to overhear our conversation and said that he wanted to sign too. I was shocked!
I shared this first experience with fellow practitioners, and they all agreed that we should be more open minded when it comes to dealing with relatives.
I lived in a dormitory with colleagues and wanted to collect their signatures. But my fear resufaced. I was afraid that none of them would sign, and even if they did, what if someone reported me? Would I lose my job? I felt a lot of pressure and lost my righteous thoughts. I tried to calm down, but couldn't.
After breakfast the next morning, two colleagues were left in the dormitory. I mentioned the signature collection and asked for their support. One of them agreed to sign and said that she would write her name ten times if she could. This was such a relief for me!
A fellow practitioner asked me how I was doing with the signature drive. I told her that I was just getting started, but still had too many human notions interfering with me. I realized it was a simple matter, but always made things seem more complicated.
On one Sunday, I approached another colleague. She agreed to sign and said: “Falun Gong doesn't do any harm. Practitioners only do good deeds. How wonderful our society would be if everyone practiced Falun Gong! Let other roommates sign it when they come.” Two other colleagues came and they also signed. One of them read the form carefully and noticed the photo of a practitioner on it and commented that she looked compassionate.
Soon afterward, another coworker arrived with her daughter. She asked her daughter to sign and wanted to know if she could sign on behalf of her friends. I said no. But her behavior changed my mindset completely. I always saw her as someone who was overly competitive and sought to gain an upper hand on everything. I didn't think she would sign and even thought she might tell others not to support our cause.
Three other people signed the petition that same afternoon!
The whole signature collection went smoothly. This experience was like being in a dream. My human notions nearly kept me from helping to offer salvation to these good people.
I now realize how hard it must be for the coordinators of this project. They had to bear the pressure from practitioners who lacked confidence and failed to understand the value of local efforts to clarify the truth.
Regardless of how other practitioners conduct themselves, I should look at things from the perspective of the Fa and look at the bigger picture. I need to think from others points of view, let go of myself and support the one body.
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