Some Understandings About Learning the Fa Well

(Minghui.org) When I first started to practitice Falun Dafa in 1998, my enthusiasm meant that I studied the teachings whenever I had time, though I failed to grasp the true essence of how to study the Fa well. Even though I read with my eyes and mouth, my mind kept wandering. Preoccupied with distracting thoughts about other things, I failed to realize this was a form of interference and a manifestation of strong human thoughts. So, although I read the Fa, I was just going through the motions and never came to any true understandings.

After a period of persecution in prison, I realized I could not go on like this. I knew I had to find a way to fix my lack of focus while studying the Fa, so I could improve in my cultivation.

While pondering what to do, I hit on the idea of memorizing the Fa, since, if I was reading normally, I would encounter distractions and human thoughts. If I could memorize the Fa, it would always be uppermost in my mind. This would naturally eliminate all the bad thoughts and interference. The question of when I would be able to finish memorizing all 300 pages of Zhuan Falun did not come to mind. According to some practitioners, memorizing the Fa requires such intense effort that Fa-rectification will end before I could memorize the entire book. Yet I believed I would gain something, no matter how little I memorized. In contrast, I would gain nothing if I did not even try. If memorizing the Fa could help me to assimilate to the Fa, my efforts would be well spent!

When I first started memorizing the Fa, I felt a thick layer of bad substances deep inside me hindering me. It was very difficult to remember anything, so I kept concentrating my energy and attention on memorizing, while eliminating distractions and thought karma. On dismal days, I failed to memorize even one paragraph despite hours of effort. This was a test of my willpower to clear out any lingering bad matter, and I knew this was not a reason to feel discouraged. On good days, I could memorize two or three pages, while on bad days I found myself memorizing just one or two paragraphs. I did not pressure myself but I made sure I consistently worked on memorizing the Fa.

I was so slow at memorizing probably due to my karma. Regardless, I finally obtained the Fa by memorizing it! I did not set any interim goals for myself while I was memorizing. In reality, memorizing the Fa can be very tiring, much like a battle between good and evil, yet I continued, even if I could only memorize one paragraph at a time. I found it easier to memorize at home. Occasionally, contract work meant I had to live in dormitories temporarily. The noisy environment and distractions, such as people inviting me to play cards and chat after dinner, would slow me down. But throughout, my determination to cultivate remained steadfast.

It took me a whole year to memorize all of Zhuan Falun, and I felt like I had climbed a tall mountain. When I first started trying to memorize the Fa, it was a mental struggle to understand each and every word and sentence. My mind was foggy as I encountered large hurdles on the way. Yet, toward the end, I started feeling slight mental resonances while memorizing the last few pages of Zhuan Falun, a manifestation of my assimilation to the Fa while breaking through obstacles and interference.

I became more confident in reciting the Fa and started memorizing Zhuan Falun for the second time. By then, I had almost forgotten what I had previously memorized, because the part of me that had memorized and assimilated to the Fa had been separated from this dimension. I did what I had done before, memorizing the Fa as frequently as I could, whether at home or when I was away working. At the same time, I seized the opportunity to clarify the truth to people.

After memorizing Zhuan Falun the second time, the feeling of assimilation became stronger. For me, memorizing the Fa was essential to obtaining the true essence of the Fa. Now, after years of effort, each word is conveyed solidly in my mind and my heart easily calms down whenever I read the Fa.

Memorizing the Fa allowed me to realize the importance of remembering and assimilating to the Fa in my heart. The extent of my concentration and ability to absorb the Fa teachings is different each time. Sometimes, my distracted thoughts and half-hearted efforts would result in a failure to study the Fa well. Memorizing and copying the Fa by hand are effective methods that aid concentration while studying.

Besides memorizing the Fa, I also read the Fa with my mother. I read at a slower pace, with a clear mind, absorbing every word and sentence fully without distractions. I focus on imprinting each word into my mind and heart. When reading, one should focus on clearly grasping the meaning of each word. While I can still pronounce the words correctly and understand their meaning, reading rapidly always makes me feel as though I am floating around mentally. Of course, everyone has different habits and different understandings when it comes to studying the Fa. However, I have told many fellow practitioners I believe it is best to memorize, or read the Fa slowly, to gain the most benefit.

Regardless, I believe in studying in the way that suits me best. Studying the Fa allows practitioners to strengthen their Buddha nature, righteous thoughts, and main consciousnesses while eliminating interference and allowing them to assimilate to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Studying the Fa should not be undertaken as a mere formality—it is a form of self-cultivation. When reading the Fa, I try to maintain the correct frame of mind required of a Dafa disciple who is studying the Fa. In this calm and serene state, the powerful energies of our practice can be felt.

Whether we are studying the Fa or going about our daily lives, we should constantly cultivate our minds and strengthen our righteous thoughts. Also, regardless of how much time you spend reading the Fa, be sure to imprint what you read deep into your heart, because this is the only way for practitioners to truly obtain the Fa.