(Minghui.org) Philip lives in Belgium, and has practiced Falun Dafa for more than 20 years. He recently read more than 60 of the 22nd China Fahui translated in English articles and was very touched.
When he compared himself to practitioners in China, however, Philip said he found a big difference in regards to cultivation. He was so upset that he stopped reading. He resumed reading two days later when he understood this was part of his cultivation. Through the articles, he saw how practitioners in China persevered, and showed their compassion while helping Master save people.
“Their hearts are pure and their language is modest,” Philip said. He said this is another aspect of cultivation that he needs to learn from.
Even though the cultivation environment in China is different, Philip said he found many areas where he fell short. One example was, “Master Watches Over Me Throughout My Cultivation Journey.” By reading this article he realized the importance of taking on responsibility.
The author wrote, “I sometimes skipped meals when I was busy, and I muddled through cooking meals. One day, when my child needed food, I said, ‘Hang on, let’s eat after I finish this batch.’ Just as I said that, the printer jammed. I sent forth righteous thoughts with a impatient mind and asked Master for help, but the printer still didn’t work. I had no choice—I stopped printing materials, and I cooked. After we ate, the printer resumed working. I realized that Master was giving me a hint that we must conform to ordinary society.”
Philip understood that since practitioners cultivate in everyday society, it’s important to take care of our families. In the past, he was busy with Dafa projects and ignored his family responsibilities. When his wife or children needed his help, he often brushed it off saying he was busy.
Master Li also gave him hints. Philip needed to write an experience-sharing article. For two evenings, his wife and children needed his help, but he told them he did not have time—yet he could not think of anything to write. When they asked for help on the third day, Philip stopped what he was doing and helped them. When he returned to his desk he suddenly had an idea of what to write, and he was able to finish the experience-sharing article on time.
Philip noticed that he often avoided suffering. His wife had her own work and their two school-aged children also needed help. Although he was supposed to help out with family chores, he often delayed. He was also afraid of being criticized. “These China Fahui articles have encouraged me to let go of these attachments and work on my fundamental attachments. This includes fulfilling responsibilities. I also realized we should be willing to suffer,” he added.
While reading these articles, Philip also reminded himself that when he felt tired, forbearing was part of the process of eliminating karma. He now takes the initiative to help out in the kitchen. He knows there’s still room to improve and he’s working on it.
Another article Philip mentioned was, “Letting Go of the Resentment I Carried Since Childhood.” He read the article twice and liked it very much.
“My mother was picky. Even when I did well, she found things to complain about, which I often felt was unfair,” Philip recalled. “Although I took care of her and my sister, who has an intellectual disability, mother was never satisfied.” Because of this, Philip developed some social difficulties and he was hesitant to talk to people.
After he began practicing Falun Dafa, Philip forgot about these past experiences. Nonetheless, he often had stomachaches. After reading these two articles, he realized it was important for practitioners to maintain a peaceful mindset. After all, his mother’s attitude helped him become a practitioner, and he hoped his mother would practice one day.
“As soon as I had that thought, I noticed the resentment in my stomach began to dissolve. It was replaced with something warm and comfortable,” Philip said. Afterwards, whenever someone complained, he reminded himself that it was another test. He is thankful that Master Li is always helping him.
Philip now has a better understanding of his mother, “She just wants to see her grandchildren. I’m the one who has negative thoughts. That’s why these China Fahui articles are very valuable to me,” he added.
Philip is now able to talk with others freely. “During the welcome party at my son’s school, I was able to talk with the teachers and other parents, although I seldom did so in the past,” said Philip. “My wife also noticed this and praised me on the way home. I think Master Li has given me courage and confidence.”
Philip said that the China Fahui articles motivated him to be more modest and compassionate towards his family members and other practitioners. “I want to thank Minghui for this platform that allows us to share experiences and improve together,” he said.