The Importance of Hidden Virtue: How Kindness and Tolerance Saved a Family

(Minghui.org) Some people are known for their upright behavior and good deeds, but they may subconsciously seek to be rewarded or praised. Others do good deeds quietly, and only those who benefit are aware. The latter group are said to have yin de (hidden virtue or merit), a rare quality that was highly valued in traditional Chinese culture.

Yin de is precious because it reveals a person’s true nature and leads to a better society. Although the person who quietly does good deeds does not seek reward or fame, his kindness is rewarded by the divine with health, prosperity, or protection.

A Lesson from History

One example is a story that happened in China’s Qing Dynasty. A man who lived in Zouping (today’s Shandong Province) was generous and often helped others. About 10 li (5 kilometers) from his village, a large, old willow tree near the road provided shade for passersby.

While Su traveled home from another place on a hot summer day, he noticed the tree and took a break, thankful for the shade. Shortly afterwards, a blind man came and also sat in the shade. “This tree is nice and helps many people who pass by this place,” the blind man murmured to himself. “Since I can tell fortunes, let me take a look at its fate.”

The man then sighed and shook his head. “It’s so disappointing–this tree will die soon. It’s too bad!” After resting a little longer, he got up and slowly walked away.

Su did not take the blind man’s words seriously. Soon, several people came with axes and saws. “We’re going to cut down this tree,” one of them said to Su.

“Why?” Su asked. “Without the tree, where could passersby like me find shade?”The man said he had no choice since the man who owned the tree had sold it.

“How about I pay you the money, plus some extra, so that this tree will stay here and continue helping people?” Su asked.

The man agreed. After finalizing the payment the following day, the group left.

Remembering the blind man’s fortune telling, Su grew curious and hurried to catch up with him. “Sir, I overheard you when you told the tree’s fortune a moment ago. Do you think it can be changed?” Su asked.

The blind man said, “Someone will buy the tree. But it’s rare to find people like him.”

Su explained that he was the one who had bought the tree. Then, he asked about his future. “There’s no need to talk about your future, since you will have a rare misfortune today,” the blind man answered. “However, your hidden virtue of saving the tree might help. But remember, only if you forebear something that people normally cannot forbear, will you avoid this misfortune.”

When he heard about a misfortune, Su immediately went home, where he saw his wife sleeping next to a young man. Furious, Su grabbed a knife to kill them. He remembered the blind man’s words, and his anger faded. He shook his wife awake and asked, “Hey! Who’s the person you’re sleeping with?”

She said. “Who do you think would be sleeping in this bed?”

“Only our daughter or me,” Su said.

“You know the answer, so why are you asking me?” she said.

Su looked closer. Yes, the person was their daughter. Su felt relieved, smiled and asked, “What happened?”

“Today is my birthday. Because I have no son, our daughter said she would dress like a boy to make me happy.”

Su understood what had happened. His kindness not only saved the tree but also his family. Without the blind man’s warning, he would have killed his wife and daughter.

Only What Is in One’s Heart Is True

I wanted to share this story because some people do good deeds in order to be praised or rewarded, while others like Su do good deeds purely out of kindness and consideration for others. Although both types of people do good deeds, to the divine the difference is night and day, and the distinction is reflected in their fates.

After decades of systematic brainwashing by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), many Chinese people no longer believe in the divine. To achieve their goals, they may act against their conscience and deliberately harm others. Little do they know that they will be held responsible for whatever good or bad things they’ve done.

The same principle applies to spiritual practices. Many Falun Dafa practitioners are sincere and modest. They seldom comment on anything—instead they reference the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance when facing challenges and constantly look within to improve themselves.

On the other hand, some tend to promote themselves and seem to seek fame and personal gain. The first type are grateful to Falun Dafa for the opportunity to cultivate, while the latter may develop resentment and complain. On the surface, they are all practitioners, but there’s a night-and-day difference in how they cultivate.

Minghui published the article “Golden Buddha” in 2003, which received a comment from Master Li, the founder of Falun Dafa. This article often reminds me to reflect on my cultivation: do I have any hidden motives when I do things? Am I a genuine Falun Dafa practitioner?