(Minghui.org) I have been learning from other practitioners how to talk to people about Falun Gong and the persecution. Many practitioners have done a good job helping people quit the communist regime. However, I also noticed that the abrupt manner of some practitioners may be causing some people to have a bad impression of us. Below is one example.

One morning practitioner B and I went to a farmer's market. Several elderly retirees gathered there before lunchtime, some of whom had previously talked with another practitioner. While I chatted with an older man, B hurriedly came over and greeted him. However, the man waved his hand in dismissal and brushed B off.

“Why did you send her away?” I asked the man after B walked away. The older man replied, “She will just say a few words and then ask you quit the Chinese Communist Party.”

I explained that even though Falun Gong practitioners haven't broken any laws they are being persecuted by the Party. “Falun Gong practitioners are only trying to be good people by following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in their daily lives. I don't think they should be imprisoned or killed for this, do you?”

The elder man listened, but did not say anything. I continued, “The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has harmed many Chinese people throughout their many political campaigns. Anyone associated with the regime risks being held responsible when the Party is brought to justice.”

The man continued to quietly listen. Although he hadn't yet agreed to quit the CCP, at least he listened and I felt he understood what I said.

From this incident, I realized that telling people the facts about Falun Gong to debunk the Party's hate propaganda requires our solid effort. We must be patient and compassionate. When we truly wish to save people, we will. However, if people remain silent when we talk we cannot assume they agree or wish to quit the Party.

When people have a negative impression of us, we need to take a look at ourselves and see where we can improve. Perhaps the way we speak lacks compassion or we may be overly zealous in our approach. We have to do our best to save them.

The CCP's campaign of slander against Falun Gong has misled many people, and consequently they may have negative thoughts about this peaceful meditation that improves mind and body.