(Minghui.org) I started practicing Falun Dafa when I was 52 years old. I'm now 75. I’d like to share what I've enlightened to through my cultivation and how I’ve behaved according to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
I tried various meditation systems before I started practicing Falun Dafa. I was looking for something to help me relax, mentally and physically. As a musician, I was deeply interested in Johann Bach, who believed in God. Listening to his music opened my soul and made me feel the divinity of all things without participating in a religion.
In 1998, I was fortunate to attend lectures by Master Li Hongzhi (the founder of Falun Dafa) in Frankfurt and Geneva. Master’s compassion left a deep impression on me.
Falun Dafa's five sets of exercises immediately calmed me down, and I felt they were very profound. I later began reading Zhuan Falun. I was very attracted to the principles set forth in the book, such as considering others before myself. Master’s teaching on xinxing was very broad. In my understanding, this included all the teachings of previous saints. Zhuan Falun answered many questions I had about the meaning of life. It took me a long time to study the Fa regularly. I read Zhuan Falun many times and knew I had found a treasure!
The concept of looking inward took root in my heart. In the beginning, I only did it very superficially, so I did not find the roots of my attachments.
Cultivating oneself and eliminating attachments are like peeling an onion. When I had troubles or conflicts, my first reaction was to look for the other person’s mistake and make excuses for myself. I also focused on the issue instead of trying to see what I'd done wrong. When I started to look inward, I asked myself why my heart was moved. I realized that I was moved by emotions and feelings. I began to ask myself if I was wrong or if I had done anything wrong. When I looked inward further, I realized that I was bothered because my interests were hurt. I realized that I did not think of others. Jealousy, impatience, and resentment made me argue and defend myself. When I really thought about it, it was rooted in selfishness.
Master said,
“Don’t argue when people argue with youCultivation is looking within for the causeWanting to explain just feeds the attachmentBreadth of mind, unattached, brings true insight.”(“Don’t Argue,” Hong Yin III)
I began to let go of my attachments and became more open-minded and tolerant. I could better understand and accept the needs of other people. I started to follow the course of nature. I started to recognize my attachments when I supported my spouse. I cleaned up my inner thoughts when I sent forth righteous thoughts, which helped me let go of my attachments more easily.
When I began to take self-interest lightly, I was able to listen to others with a broad mind. Thus I could act in accordance with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.” My children and grandchildren do not practice Dafa, but they all understand and respect my cultivation. The love between us became broader, more compassionate and less selfish.
My family is a good cultivation environment. Sometimes I worried about my family members’ future.
Master said,
“I would say that this is your wishful thinking. You are unable to interfere with the lives of others, and neither can you control others’ fates, including those of your wife, sons, daughters, parents, or brothers.” (Lecture Four, Zhuan Falun)
After reading Master’s Fa, I was able to take whatever happened lightly.
I've practiced the exercises every day for 22 years and enjoy good health. I've occasionally had a few minor symptoms, but as a cultivator, I knew this was my body being purified. I firmly believe in Dafa. I occasionally experience knee or abdominal pain, but I strengthen my righteous thoughts and eliminate any interference that hinders my practice and contributions to Dafa projects. I also realized that in order to eliminate karma, we must also endure pain, so I try not to focus on it.
Whenever I get caught up in everyday issues, my legs hurt. When I decide to let go of the attachment, everything clears up. Sometimes I ask Master to help eliminate the interference, and I cam able to concentrate when I meditate.
I've benefited so much from Dafa and cannot fully express it in words. Studying and memorizing the Fa have strengthened my understanding. I feel Master’s words penetrating into my every cell.
I had to overcome my natural shyness and notions to clarify the truth to people. Many times, I thought it would be difficult to approach someone, but it turned out to be the opposite. I was touched when I saw people support Dafa practitioners and sign the petitions. I still have some fear to remove, but I know saving people is part of my cultivation.
Master said,
“Only when you follow the xinxing standard and cultivate according to Dafa are you a genuine Falun Dafa cultivator.” (Lecture Six, Zhuan Falun)
Thank you, Master! Thank you, fellow practitioners all over the world, especially the practitioners in China. Your courage helps me see my shortcomings and encourage me to walk my cultivation path steadily.