(Clearwisdom.net) When we clarify the truth, we must clearly understand it from the Fa (1) principles. When we are clear about Fa-rectification period Dafa disciples' responsibilities, we naturally will not wait, rely, nor hope for changes in external factors, and we will consciously and actively take the initiative to fulfil our sacred responsibilities.
Clarifying the truth is also cultivating the heart, and is a process of eliminating attachments. Only when done from the heart, rather than by following formalities, does it achieve the best effect. We are lives assimilating to "Truthfulness, Benevolence, Forbearance." The process of clarifying the truth is a process of using the Fa's power to make sentient beings good (benevolent). So long as we have confidence, perseverance, and determination while clarifying the truth, we will continuously bring our experience and wisdom to perfection.
In the process of clarifying the truth, we will bump into different kinds of people, and we will also encounter problems of various sorts. This requires us to approach different people using different techniques of clarifying the truth. We must take a dominant position in our minds throughout the entire process, rather than being led by human mentalities, in order to avoid creating any deadlocks.
It may appear too abrupt to directly discuss Falun Gong with people who rush about all day long to make a living. It is easy to get such a response from them, "Feeding myself is my main problem, and I don't care about other things." When approaching them, to prevent this type of deadlock from occurring, I usually first chat with them about some trivial matters, treating them as a friend.
Among those people that we know well, our relatives and friends, there are also some who understand the truth but do not approve of us clarifying the truth. They often say something like, "If it is good, then practice at home, don't go out to talk about Falun Gong and distribute materials, it's too dangerous" etc. At this point, we can talk from a different angle and ask them if they know that sooner or later the Falun Gong issue will be redressed. If it were to be redressed in the future, how would you view everything that we do then? They will often say, "We really admire your spirit and courage, but why must you still do it when you know you are in a disadvantageous situation? Now that it is difficult for you to practice Falun Gong, why can you not practice some other Qigong that can also let you be a good person?" At this point I would say, you are talking about a matter of choice while we are emphasising an issue of right and wrong. Now the situation is that "Truthfulness, Benevolence, Forbearance" has been called evil, then is the opposite (i.e., falsehood, wickedness, and violence) righteous? Of course not. So this is actually a choice between good and evil. By sympathising, understanding, and supporting us, you are also choosing "Truthfulness, Benevolence, and Forbearance."
One time, to lessen the persecution of fellow cultivators, I wanted to see a female judge in charge of their cases, and also to clarify the truth to her. When the receptionist was on the phone with her, she found various kinds of excuses for not wanting to see me. I said, "I know you are a judge with conscience and ability. At the same time, as a wife and a mother, your judgment means a lot to my friends, and is related to the fate of their families." Before I finished my words, she immediately agreed to see me. My genuineness and sincerity influenced her, and the atmosphere of the conversation was very good.
I like reading, and I remember in the preface of a magazine called 'Reader,' that there was a story in which the writer said, while thinking back about his grandmother, that although she did not recognize words, she actually had a way of thinking and principles. During the Great Cultural Revolution, this writer was busy criticizing and attacking the so-called pro-capitalist personnel. One time when he was about to step out from home, his grandmother said, "Child, before you do anything, you must ask your heart and think seriously to make sure you will not regret r what you have done ten years later." His grandmother's words affected the writer for his whole lifetime.
The judge said, "I am also a passionate reader of 'Reader,' and I understand your state of mind." I also said, "I really respect judges from the bottom of my heart. You love your country and there is nothing wrong with working for the government, but you must know that Jiang Zemin places himself above the Party and the country. He used his power in place of the laws. The way he deals with Falun Gong is completely wrong! This persecution is inhumane! Your department has become a tool of dictatorship, but you should not become a tool!"
One day, I heard that a fellow cultivator was unlawfully sentenced to three years of forced labor. Her younger brother, husband, and his younger brother and so forth, all worked in the systems of public security, prosecution, and courts of law, but none of them intervened in her case. Thus, I went to see her husband's younger brother (a senior reporter of a newspaper on legal issues).
I was acquainted with him, but we hadn't seen each other for many years. When I saw him, he said he would only give me 20 minutes. I could only go straight to the point and said, "At this point I don't yet know your attitude towards Falun Gong, but I want to tell you this. Regarding this book, Zhuan Falun, your sister-in-law and I have been studying and practicing it repeatedly for almost ten years. Therefore, between us and those people who haven't read the book or who have only read the book but haven't put it into practice, who do you think could come up with a more fair and objective judgment as to whether Falun Gong is a science or a superstition?"
He listened as though he were deep in thought. I also said, "Based on your knowledge of the law and human rights, you are clearly aware that your sister in law's practice of Falun Gong and cultivating 'Truthfulness, Benevolence, Forbearance" is not wrong, then why did you not make an effort to lessen your sister-in-law's tribulation, given your social status? When history turns this page and when the big screens project the heroic scenes of Dafa disciples' great compassion and forbearance in the face of tribulations in the future, your grandson will ask what you did when his grandmother was enduring persecution? How will you face the people in the future?" At that moment, he immediately asked what he should do then. I provided some suggestions to him, such as bailing her out, temporarily releasing her on parole for medical treatment, and so on. He said he would give it a try. After that, I gave him some VCDs and flyers.
My experience is that in our approach, we should avoid being too rigid, stereotypical, persuasive, or judgmental. We should try to use more enlightening, inspiring, and conversational language. In terms of the tone and delivery, use more interrogative sentences and rhetorical questions. We should answer the questions by raising questions.
Note:
(1) Law and principles; the teachings of Falun Dafa
