A Shopkeeper Learns to Consider Others First

(Minghui.org) I own a hairdressing business, and after I got married I expanded it and provided a one-stop wedding service (renting wedding dresses, decorating floats, bridal hairstyles, and makeup). My store sold cosmetics, knitwear, etc. I was smart and capable, and my business flourished.

However, after years of hard work I was exhausted physically and mentally, but I couldn’t stop pursuing fame and fortune. By the time I was 33 years old I weighed about 50 kilograms [about 110 lbs] and I was plagued by diseases: pancreatitis, gastritis, gastroptosis, tinnitus, headache, neurasthenia, rheumatism, allergies, skin frostbite, gynecological diseases, insomnia, anemia, and dizziness. I was miserable. I took both Chinese and Western medicines but they could not eradicate my ailments.

I started practicing Falun Dafa in February 1999, and in just one month, all my illnesses disappeared. I walked briskly, was optimistic, and became kind to others. I no longer fought or competed with my coworkers, and I was indifferent to fame and gain. I traded fairly. I lived according to Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. People saw the beauty of Falun Dafa through my upright behavior, and envied me for having a happy family, and admired my character.

I followed Master Li’s teachings, treated people kindly, did not cheat or harm others in business, and set my heart right.

Once, after I purchased supplies, I found that there were ten extra bottles of cosmetics, all of which were high-end. I thought: I’m a Falun Dafa practitioner. I have to pay for whatever I receive. I remembered what Master said about loss and gain, so I went back to the store and paid for the extra cosmetics. The owner was very touched and repeatedly thanked me. I explained that I practice Falun Dafa. On the way home, I was in a good mood and was happy that Master showed me how to be a good person. I changed from being selfish, combative, and resentful to an altruistic person who cares for others.

After the couple who sold me cold drinks and frozen food left, I found that they didn’t charge me for more than ten boxes of ice cream. I thought: I must live according to Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and think of others first. They work hard and it’s not easy to make money. I must quickly tell them. I called them and said, “I have more than ten boxes of ice cream that wasn’t charged.”

The husband misunderstood me and said, “We charge by quantity. We did not charge you extra, and there’s no mistake.” I suddenly realized that he thought I was asking them for more money! After I explained what happened, they were very happy. They repeatedly thanked me and praised me as a good person. I told them, “I practice Falun Dafa. Master Li asks us to be good people by following the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and always consider others. If I didn’t practice Falun Dafa I wouldn’t have called you.” The couple was very moved by my heartfelt words. The next time they came to my store, they said admired me very much and praised those who practiced Falun Dafa as good people.

On one occasion, the other vendors and I decided to ride together to buy goods one afternoon. When I went to the meeting place, I saw that Ms. Xiao had a cold expression on her face. She ignored me and talked to Ms. Li, who owned an appliance store. Ms. Li told me that I couldn’t go with them, as the vehicle was full and there was no room for me.

My attachment to contending surfaced and I thought: Ms. Xiao must have badmouthed me. The vehicle returned at noon and I saw her and Ms. Li sitting inside, smiling. I felt unbalanced in my heart, but then I thought: I’m a cultivator, I should have compassion, be tolerant, and set high standards for myself. I cannot behave like an ordinary person. My mindset changed, and I relaxed.

Ms. Xiao’s store is next to mine. Whenever she runs out of certain goods, she comes to me and I sell her what she needs at a fair price. Whenever I run out of certain goods, I suggest that customers go to her store. My kindness gradually influenced her. Because her mother-in-law also practices Falun Dafa, our two families get along very well.