(Clearwisdom.net) Before the persecution of Falun Dafa began in July 1999, my personal financial situation was quite good. After July 1999 I suffered financial difficulties due to the persecution and had to carefully live within a budget. Sometimes I did not have any money left at the end of the month
I started to realize that this was a serious problem. We need money to make truth clarification materials to save people. In addition, I need money to lead a normal life.
I had worked for a financial institution. After July 1999, I was laid off and then re-hired to prevent me from going to appeal in Beijing. I was then sent to a brainwashing center. In November 2001, after I was released from the brainwashing center, I decided to take a lump sum payment and retire early. In 2002, I leased an apartment, bought some equipment, and started to make truth clarification materials.
At the beginning, I could keep my xinxing in check, but soon, my attachment to money surfaced. Once a fellow practitioner gave me 5,000 yuan, which I accepted without thinking about it. After I got home, I felt uneasy--why did I accept money from another practitioner? I had only used a little of my lump sum payment thus far. How come I felt so uncomfortable?
I looked inwards immediately and found lots of attachments. First, I had a strong attachment to time, worrying that if I used up all my money and yet the Fa rectification still did not end, what I would live on. Secondly, I was attached to money itself. Thirdly, I had the attachment of comparing my situation with that of others, envying other material-production centers that had sufficient financial resources and could help other areas. Lastly, I had an attachment to jealousy, which came from my envy.
In the meantime, fellow practitioners around me noticed my problems and reminded me. Master also reminded me through their criticism. After many tests, I finally passed the tribulation under the guidance of Dafa. I set a rule for myself to use all my money and efforts for Dafa and not take any extra from others. I should not accept or spend money inappropriately and should return donations from others if I did not use them.
In 2004, I enlightened that our cultivation paths are setting examples for people in the future. A practitioner should live a normal life. We should clarify the truth in our normal working and personal lives. I returned home as a result. Several days later, my mother ran into a fellow practitioner and told him my thoughts. He found a job for me after several phone calls.
However, by the end of 2004, my family had spent all of my money to buy an apartment, and then the company I worked for laid me off because I publicly clarified the truth. I knew this was the evil taking advantage of my attachments and omissions. I continued making truth clarification materials, although I did not have money or a job. I also had a sore throat, couldn't talk, and my gums were swollen.
But a practitioner forged by Dafa does not give in to difficulties. Half a month later, I found another job. Although the pay was low, I had many holidays and my work hours were not long so it was perfect for me. I worked with another practitioner. She made more money but was busy at work; I made less money but had more time to do Dafa work and study the Fa. We cooperated perfectly, and I could make more truth clarification materials than when I didn't work. Tons of truth clarifying materials, such as the Nine Commentaries, went to thousands of families from our hands.
As I study the Fa more, I realize that personal karma should not be a problem for practitioners any more. We should not be restrained by financial difficulties when saving people. We should spend more time clarifying the truth, and everything we do should be centered around saving people. If during the Fa rectification period practitioners need money to make truth clarifying materials, we should be able to make more money, given our xinxing and abilities. If practitioners need more time to save people, our job should not keep us too busy. If practitioners need a good environment to save people, the environment around practitioners will change. For example, I thought that if I could work at a factory with many employees, I would have more opportunities to clarify the truth to more people. In addition, in China, distributing truth clarifying materials is very important, and we need money to make more materials. Furthermore, I need more time to study the Fa and cultivate myself better.
Our environment will change when our hearts change; Master only looks at our hearts. As long as our foundation is righteous, Master will show us His boundless Benevolence and everything will help to fulfill our [daily] needs.
Currently, I am a vice president in an industrial enterprise, although I have never been in a management position before. This position has given me many more opportunities to communicate with employees and clarify the truth to them. I have a nice office in which I can make truth-clarifying CDs while I work. Everyday I study the Fa, do my work, and clarify the truth.
I know this arrangement is for me to save people. I truly believe the road for our practitioners should be broader and broader. Our future is becoming brighter and brighter.
October 17, 2007
