(Minghui.org)
Greetings, esteemed Master and greetings, fellow practitioners!
I found out about Falun Dafa in late April 2015 when I was asked to sign a petition in Sydney's central business district. An elderly woman approached me with a petition and I planned to avoid her, but decided to stop.
After I signed the petition we chatted. I told her that I was a Christian, to which she responded: “Jesus is a great God, he does exist and suffered a lot for people.”
Then, she suggested that I read Zhuan Falun, which would help me understand the meaning of life and what we live for. This sounded incredible, yet it was a response that resounded in my mind. It was a way to find answer to many questions I had and made me want to learn more about Falun Dafa.
Cultivating Only in One School
Before I practiced Falun Dafa, I was baptized in an Anglican Church in Australia. I made many friends and was active in church activities. While a member of this church, my English improved and I learned some social skills important when living in Australia.
I held the thought that God blessed me with such a wonderful new life. I had a great longing for a bright future, and no longer felt lonely. However when I had reached this lifestyle I heard about Dafa, a practice that provides me with answers to my spiritual questions.
Therefore, I read Zhuan Falun online, and it captivated me so much that I would stay up an extra few hours reading it. Every sentence inspired and many incidents that happened in the past seemed to make sense. I believed that everything was arranged in my past and that Master Li already took care of me, even before I practiced Dafa.
After having only slept for three hours that night, I was not tired. Instead, I felt that my heart was filled with happiness and gratitude. A strong energy field surrounded me and my mind was filled with the Fa.
Although I had read Zhuan Falun and knew that Falun Dafa is good, I was still beholden to Christianity, out of sentimentality. However, the more I studied Master’s Fa teachings, the more I understood the seriousness of cultivation and the difference between religion and Dafa. I continued to read the Fa, and my personal notions were gradually rectified.
Master said,
“Their purpose for learning Dafa is to use it to protect things deep down inside that they cannot let go of, things in religion, or God.”( “Dafa Cannot be Used,” Essentials for Further Advancement )
After I read Master's quote, I felt that these words were directed at me and that Master knows everything. After reading the Fa some more, I understood the principle that one must cultivate in only one school. Therefore, I made up my mind to practice only Falun Dafa.
Dafa Changes Hostile Relationship
After I practiced Falun Dafa, my mom and I could end our years of hostility. We have not lived in harmony from the time I was old enough to talk. We both thought that we hated each other and could not have a normal conversation.
Despite my two years of church practice, our relationship had not improved, and it actually got worse. I could not bear her behavior and she held a dislike for me.
However, Dafa made me realize that I was very stupid and selfish in this mother-and-daughter relationship. I complained a lot about things, and was upset that I could not enjoy a gentle and soft mother's love. I only thought about myself. Now, I feel ashamed about my attitude towards her and apologized.
“Mom, I am so sorry that I have hurt you so much before. I was just naive and selfish. Please forgive me. Falun Dafa is really good. You should read this book,” I said. My mom was shocked because she had not expected that I would apologize to her.
Then, I encouraged her to also practice Falun Dafa. In the past she was not interested and did not want to talk about Dafa, but now because of the changes in me she changed her mind.
“If Falun Dafa can change you into such a different person, then I will also believe in it,” she said.
Unbelievable and Precious Experience for a New Practitioner
Three weeks after reading Zhuan Falun. I became involved in talking to people about Dafa. I was rather nervous and worried that I would be snubbed by people. I begged Master in my mind to give me courage 10 minutes before I went out.
I walked up to the first person and told him about the Communist regime's crime of harvesting organs from living practitioners in China. It went smoothly although I did stammer because of my limited English and out of stress. Then, I started to feel confident.
However, it became more difficult after I gained confidence. Some people ignored me, some said no, and others looked disgusted when I approached them. Yet, it was amazing that I did not feel upset or angry toward these people, instead I felt compassion because their human notions stopped them from learning the facts about Dafa.
Master guided me and I was able to treat people kindly despite their adverse behavior. It was such an unbelievable and precious experience for this new practitioner. I no longer felt awkward during signature drives because I knew that I assisted Master in the Fa-rectification.
Preciousness of Dafa Cultivation
For a new practitioner it is important to associate with fellow practitioners and learn from them how to do better. I began to read the English version of Zhuan Falun. It helped me acquire the vocabulary I needed when talking to people about Dafa in Australia.
My next goal is to learn from the English language Dafa book “The Great Way of Spiritual Perfection” simple but standard expressions, so I can teach the exercises, as well as having the vocabulary to answer simple questions about the practice.
To teach people the exercises during weekends I go to a park and also teach some friends of mine at home. Although some practice other qigong, they felt a strong energy field after doing the Dafa exercises and became interested in Dafa.
In writing this sharing article, I sensed the preciousness of Dafa cultivation. I am deeply grateful for Master's guidance.
Master said,
“Strive forward with every effort until Consummation.” ( “Enlightenment,” Essentials for Further Advancement).
I will be more diligent on my cultivation path, let go of attachments and assimilate to the Fa. I want to be a good person and become better in the future.
Thank you Master. Thank you everyone.
(Presented at the 2015 Australia Falun Dafa Cultivation Experience Sharing Conference)
