FALUN DAFA India Newsletter for June 2016

FALUN DAFA - INDIA
TRUTHFULNESS - COMPASSION - FORBEARANCE

Newsletter for June 2013

Click on the below-mentioned, numbered subjects:

Welcome

What’s Happening?

Diligence in Cultivation Comes from Having a Clear Understanding of What Cultivation Really Is”

Remember to Clear Interference from Other Dimensions

People are Blessed by Reciting “Falun Dafa is Good” Sincerely

Letting Go of Fundamental Attachments and Being a True Practitioner

The Power of Positive Thinking

A Little Insight after Changing a Notion

1. Welcome: Welcome to the June 2016 Falun Dafa India Newsletter.

Let us spare a thought for our fellow practitioners in China who are still being persecuted.

There is a special request.

Please copy the text below and send the petition to as many people as possible.

Hi,

I saw a Documentary recently titled 'Human Harvest' where they show in China, you can get any organ you want in a week's time. This is because they extract organs from innocent people who practice Falun Gong, a peaceful exercise and meditation practice that is banned in China by the Communist government.

The sad thing is that a lot of affluent Indians travel to China to get a liver, or kidney transplant. They don't realize that somebody is killed, so that they can live!

I just signed this petition. I think this is important, because it affects us all in some way. I would be grateful if you can sign and also forward it to your contacts please.

http://chn.ge/1jFWwRV

(Your Name)

In this issue, we have a compilation of experience-sharing Articles gleaned from Clearwisdom that always shine through because of their insights and fine quality of sharing. It is important to read the Clearwisdom, Pureinsight and other Dafa sites.

We make an effort to select Articles from the Archives which people don’t go back to and are relevant even today. Contributions are welcome from practitioners.

Heshi! Hope, you like the selection of Articles and gain some new insights!

Note: "All the contents in this newsletter - except for quotations and excerpts of writings of the founder Mr. Li Hongzhi - are only ideas and experiences of practitioners and do not represent Falun Dafa in itself."

Top

2. What’s Happening?: Practitioners from Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur participated in the Ahmedabad Book Fair. This was the fourth year in succession that practitioners participated. People in Ahmedabad are familiar with Falun Dafa and all those who had learnt the exercises previously decided to take it up with renewed enthusiasm. Practitioners encouraged people to read the Books and held study sessions at a practitioner’s home.

Practitioners from Nagpur visited the Buddha Congregation at Bodh Gaya and distributed flyers to thousands of people.

Practitioners from Kolkata have been invited by a large group going to Manasarovar to introduce Falun Dafa and the exercises.

Practitioner from Sarnath was there for a month in Mizoram and introduced Falun Dafa in schools and conducted a Press Conference. The local newspapers carried reports and articles. The practitioner also met the Governor and gave truth clarification materials and showed the video. Many people asked her to come back.

On 15 May, 2016, at the TCS 10km run in Bangalore, the biggest run of Bangalore that happens annually with 43,000 participants Practitioners from Bangalore demonstrated the exercises and distributed truth clarification material. There were many who learnt about the practice and also called later to have more info.

On 29 May, 2016, there was a carnival organized by Sadashivnagar residents association. Bangalore Falun Dafa practitioners were given an opportunity to introduce the practice, demonstrate and teach the exercises, and also talk about persecution.

Pune practitioners participated in ‘Happy Streets’ and distributed flyers and demonstrated the exercises. Many people bought the books and shown keenness to learn the exercise.

Top

3. Diligence in Cultivation Comes from Having a Clear Understanding of What Cultivation Really Is By a Falun Dafa practitioner in China

(Minghui.org) I had some thoughts after reading a sharing article (http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2012/9/22/“站在整体之外谈整体”-263049.html), and would like to respond to the practitioner who wrote this article.

Whether a person can be steadfast in his cultivation and keep up with the Fa-rectification process is not determined by the environment or whether he is getting help from practitioners who are diligent. I'd like to share my experience and understandings based on the Fa to help others raise their levels. Let's clearly understand what cultivation is, the purpose of cultivation, and its true manifestation; then we can be steadfast in our practice, do the three things well, and keep up with the Fa-rectification process.

We thought that Falun Dafa was good when we first learned the exercises. Because most of us could feel or see the miraculous power that Dafa and Master had on our physical bodies, we became Dafa practitioners. Many of us who learned the practice became healthy, had a positive understanding about Dafa, and were deeply grateful to Master.

With a heart of gratitude, we did what Master asked us to do. When Master said we should study the Fa more, we studied the Fa more and recited the Fa. For some, it became a formality, and their minds did not really change. Many practitioners did not know what needed to be changed or how to change it. Therefore, they measured their cultivation progress based on the amount of Fa they recited and the time they spent doing the exercises. When they talked about a practitioner who was diligent, they often mentioned that he could meditate for a long time and recite many Fa lectures, and everyone thought that he cultivated well. When the persecution started, many practitioners who could recite the Fa well and meditate for a long time stopped cultivating. I'm not saying that reciting the Fa is without use. What I am saying is if they do not understand Dafa rationally and merely practice superficially, or use it to show off, then they are wrong. That is why when they were persecuted, their human notions kept them off the cultivation path. I'm not sure if I have explained things clearly enough. Only after having a clear understanding of what cultivation is about can we truly cultivate.

For example, I was frustrated because I was unable to recite Zhuan Falun when I was illegally detained. One day, another practitioner was brought to the detention center, and she could recite the first lecture of Zhuan Falun. I was very excited and asked her to recite the lecture. Actually, before I was detained, I had just finished reciting Zhuan Falun. However, by the time I memorized the latter part, I had forgotten the beginning. So after I finished reciting the entire book, I could not remember everything. We practiced the exercises together in the mornings for several days. Maybe Master was pointing things out to me. Once I inadvertently opened my eyes and saw her doing the third exercise. She was moving her hands in a counter-clockwise direction. I paused for a moment and noticed that the direction of her hands was incorrect. I pointed out her mistake, and she said she had been doing the third exercise like that since 1997. She added that practitioners in her group did the third exercise the same way. Knowing that she did not want to accept my suggestion, I asked her in which direction the hands of the clock moved. She responded by moving her hand in a clockwise direction. I shared with her that Master said the hands should move in a clockwise direction four times when doing the third exercise, and she agreed. I suggested that she do it the correct way. I'm not speaking ill of the practitioner. I just want to point out that she didn't even know that she had been doing the exercise incorrectly after more than ten years of cultivation. It seemed as if she had not been paying much attention to cultivation itself.

When we talked a few days later, she said when her husband had finished the farm work, he would offer his feng shui expertise to others to make extra income. He would also pay his respects to heaven and the gods on the first day of the Chinese New Year. She added with disdain, “I don't believe in gods.” I was shocked and in disbelief. A Dafa practitioner who does not believe that gods exist? I asked her, “If that is the case, why do you practice Falun Gong?” She replied, “I practice Falun Gong to obtain a healthy body. I can carry 100 (Chinese) kilos of fertilizer up the hill and not feel tired. I cultivated some lands around the mid mountain area, and every year I harvest about six to seven thousand kilos of corn to feed the hogs.” I almost fainted and thought, “So she practices Falun Gong to obtain blessings.” I asked her, “Then why do you send forth righteous thoughts for practitioners who are illegally detained?” She replied, “Other practitioners have told me that if I don't do that, then no one would help me if I were persecuted.” I thought that her righteous thoughts would not carry much power if her intention was based on that reasoning. I asked her if she knew what cultivation was all about. She bluntly replied, “I don't know.” I continued, “Do you know the end result of cultivating in Dafa? Do you know what consummation means?” She said she didn't know. I shared with her, “The reason a human cultivates is to become a god. The end result of cultivating in Dafa is to transcend ourselves from the principles of the old universe; assimilate to the principles of the new universe, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance; become the great lords and kings of the new cosmos; and be enlightened to the higher truths. I'm quite surprised to find out that you have been practicing for more than ten years but do not believe in the gods.” I don't know how many practitioners share this state of mind, but I understand that many people are not true cultivators.

Over 20 days later, the practitioner was released from the detention center. I began to look inward to see if I understood the true meaning of cultivation and how to elevate and walk the path righteously. After practicing in Dafa for so many years, I asked myself, “Was I a true cultivator?”

Master looks after us and sees clearly what is on our minds and in our thoughts. With Master's guidance I was enlightened to recite “Cautionary Advice” from Essentials for Further Advancement. I would recite it several times a day and I obtained a different understanding each time. Gradually, I was able to distinguish human notions from Fa principles. I understood the meaning of “...as an ordinary human, have formed deep in your bones over thousands of years...” and was able to recognize human thinking. And when faced with tribulations, I was able to look at the problem with righteous thoughts and was not trapped in human logic.

Because Master saw my righteous thoughts, I was able to break through the old forces' arrangement and walk on the path that Master had arranged for me. Although the path was treacherous, I was able to pull through. Under the protection of Master and the righteous gods, I was not moved while being detained and thought and acted with righteousness. After reciting “Further Understanding” from Essentials for Further Advancement, I realized that the most important thing for a practitioner was to upgrade xinxing. Because validating the Fa, clarifying the truth to save sentient beings, and speaking out against the persecution are all based on our cultivation, only when we raise our levels are we able to accomplish the mission of saving sentient beings.

I think that having a better cultivation environment is not that important, because cultivation is about cultivating the heart, which can be done in any environment. Inside the detention center, practitioners are not allowed to talk to each other and thus cannot help each other. We are not even allowed to look at one another. So how can we raise our levels in such a harsh environment? I realized that as long as we do everything according to the Fa principles, we are able to raise our levels. Master said,

“The above are the two reasons for not being able to increase gong. Without knowing the Fa at high levels, one cannot practice cultivation. Without cultivating one’s inner self and one’s xinxing, one cannot increase gong. These are the two reasons.” (Zhuan Falun)

Therefore, in cultivation, we must look inward, work on our xinxing, and truly raise our level by putting things into practice. When we study the Fa, the Fa principles will point things out and guide us when we encounter tribulations. We must use the Fa principles to guide our thoughts and actions so that when we run into problems we will know what to do. Everyone's path is different and there are no role models for cultivation. Thus, when encountering problems, asking other practitioners is not much help. Looking outward for answers will not help us elevate ourselves or get out of the detention center. We must follow the Fa principles to look inward and this should not become a formality. We need to find our human thinking, notions, and attachments, and distinguish the “things that were formed deep in our bones over thousands of years” from our true selves.

How do we learn the Fa at high levels? We should study the Fa more, learn about the traditional Chinese culture, and read the Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party to eliminate the influence of the Party culture and its atheist theory.

Mainland Chinese practitioners are deeply poisoned by the Party culture and blinded by atheism. Many of them who are not diligent or who used to practice do not believe that gods do exist. They know that practicing the exercises can improve their health, but they do not really believe that humans can cultivate into immortals. They also don't believe in karmic retribution. When they were being persecuted and were not miraculously released, or when they suffered tremendously and did not see any blessings, they stopped believing in Dafa and gave up the practice or became lax at cultivation.

These are all manifestations of not having a clear understanding of cultivation and thus not realizing that cultivation is solemn. Master has been lecturing about the truth of the universe and telling us the kind of glory that will be ours when we consummate and the fate of those who fail to cultivate. But many practitioners have not taken it seriously and have treated Master's compassion lightly. They have ignored Master's cautionary words and have taken things for granted. If practitioners do not think of themselves as true Dafa disciples, then Master cannot do much about it, and the old forces will drag them down. Master can only take care of true cultivators, and when practitioners choose to stop cultivating, then there is nothing Master can do to help them. However, compassionate Master has given former practitioners many chances to come back. If practitioners are able to come back, they should treasure the opportunity and truly cultivate to raise their levels. Merely distributing fliers and clarifying the truth will not work, because everything is based on our understanding of the Fa principles.

Those who have come back to Dafa and those who are still not diligent should not do the three things in an attempt to compensate for their past mistakes. I suggest that they calmly study the Fa as much as possible. This way, they can raise their understandings based on the Fa principles. Master said in Zhuan Falun,

“As long as you practice cultivation and make up your mind to practice cultivation, you will recover all of what you have lost.”

Many practitioners do not have a clear understanding of cultivation. The biggest problem is that they cannot truly look inward to find their attachments and are unable to look at things based on the Fa principles. They may have done a lot of Dafa work but are unable to catch up in their cultivation. Master has reminded us many times that our cultivation is the most important thing. Since I truly elevated my understanding, I'm able to see that Zhuan Falun teaches us to cultivate into Buddhahood and consummate to our highest fruit status level. In my understanding, the persecution of Dafa practitioners also plays a role in helping practitioners to consummate.

For those practitioners who don't know how to be diligent, you can study Essentials for Further Advancement and Essentials for Further Advancement II repeatedly. Several years ago, a practitioner shared with me his thoughts on the meaning of Essentials for Further Advancement: the books give us the secret of how to be diligent. Master has given us the secret of cultivation, and we will not be confused as long as we study the Fa often.

In regard to the concept of “one body,” I think that as long as we are cultivating, whether we are diligent or not, whether we have the correct enlightenment or not, Master does not treat us differently. We are the ones choosing the path. Whether we do well or not, are steadfast or have given up, we are not cultivators as long we are standing outside of the “one body.” How can we clearly understand the essence of cultivation if we do not cultivate? I would like to share a fact with you all. Many of the prison guards who are in charge of “transforming” practitioners have read Zhuan Falun and other Dafa lectures. But Master has not treated them as practitioners. Although they have read the books, no one has changed their life paths for them. They will become ill or run into problems when it is time, because they are unable to see the Fa principles. We are able to learn the Fa, and Master has been treating us as his disciples. So how could we not treasure the opportunity? Let's be diligent, fellow practitioners, and let us encourage each other with Master's words,

“So how can Dafa disciples--who are to achieve the Attainment Status of a being who is saved by Dafa and who have the most convenient cultivation way--not be even more diligent when they are given this most glorious honor of Fa-validating cultivation in a brief cultivation period that passes in the blink of an eye?” (“The Closer to the End, the More Diligent You Should Be”)

These are my understandings; please kindly point out anything inappropriate.

Top

4. Remember to Clear Interference from Other Dimensions

(Minghui.org) After reading an article entitled “We Must Genuinely Cultivate Ourselves” recently, I had some thoughts on how to clear-out interference from other dimensions that hinders our cultivation. I would like to share my understanding with everyone.

For a long period of time I was stuck in a stagnant cultivation state and felt very helpless. I knew I should have strived forward diligently, but I just couldn’t break through the status quo. At first, I figured it must be due to a lack of determination. After reading a few experience sharing articles however, I had some new understanding on this matter. Failing to cultivate diligently and getting stuck in tribulations doesn't happen just because we don’t cultivate well. After all, any deficiency of ours should be able to get rectified by the Fa. In my opinion, failing to clear interference from other dimensions effectively amplifies our tribulations, just like what Master said in “Expounding on the Fa” (from Essentials for Further Advancement),

“Whenever a tribulation comes, you do not see it with the side of your original nature but view it completely with your human side. Evil demons then capitalize on this point and inflict endless interference and damage, leaving students in long-term tribulations. As a matter of fact, this results from an inadequate understanding of the Fa by your human side. You have humanly restrained your divine side; in other words, you have restrained the parts that have been successfully cultivated and have prevented them from doing Fa-rectification.”

I came to realize that failing to pass certain tests is just part of our cultivation process, and genuine Dafa disciples will eventually rectify themselves with the guidance of Dafa principles. However, when the evil from other dimensions seizes on our omissions and amplifies our attachments, we should realize that this interference is oftentimes destructive, and we should not acknowledge such persecution or passively endure what comes our way. Instead, we should actively send forth righteous thoughts to eliminate such interference. Master taught us in “The Effect of Righteous Thoughts” (from Essentials for Further Advancement II),

“I have asked disciples to send forth righteous thoughts, because those so-called evil beings are in fact nothing. Yet because the old forces have taken advantage of Dafa disciples’ mercy, the evil beings that are protected by the old forces have been deliberately persecuting, so what Dafa disciples are enduring is no longer just their own karma, but something they should not endure under the evil beings’ persecution. Yet these evil beings are extremely base and filthy, and are not worthy of playing any role in the Fa-rectification. In order to lessen the persecution of Dafa and Dafa disciples, I have asked disciples to send forth righteous thoughts to clear away the damage these beings deliberately do to the Fa-rectification, thereby lessening what Dafa disciples should not endure during the persecution and, at the same time, saving all sentient beings and consummating Dafa disciples’ paradises.”

As soon as I enlightened to the principle that we must eliminate interference from other dimensions, I began sending forth righteous thoughts for extended periods of time, and I prolonged the time used to clear my own field. During the process, I was able to comprehend many Fa principles that I didn’t quite understand in the past, and I also became more and more clearheaded. My usually fatigued body felt very light as well. In the past, I often dozed off during the morning meditation exercise, yet now I felt much more energetic. Even my family and work environment changed for the better. I have only sent forth extended righteous thoughts to clear interference from other dimension a few times, yet I have already significantly benefited.

Among the practitioners I know, some suffered long-term tribulations within their families, and others passed away after losing battles with sickness karma. Now I see that the reason could well have been that they failed to clear interference from other dimensions, and thus unwittingly amplified this unnecessary persecution. Of course, it could also be that they sent forth righteous thoughts without having a clear understanding of the matter from the perspective of the Fa. As a result, they didn’t see much effect. Another thing I’d like to point out is that we must persist in sending forth righteous thoughts until all the evil is eliminated. I am confident that we can break free from tribulations if we do this in a persistent and solemn manner.

I suggest that all who are still experiencing various kinds of tribulations read often Master’s articles such as “Expounding on the Fa,” “The Effect of Righteous Thoughts,” “Dafa Disciples’ Righteous Thoughts are Powerful” and “Beyond the Limits of Forbearance.” We cannot afford to endure tribulations passively. I wish that all Dafa disciples can gain a clear understanding of the Fa principles and walk the last leg of their cultivation journeys with righteous thoughts and righteous actions.

Above is just my personal understanding. Please point out anything inappropriate.

Top

5. People are Blessed by Reciting “Falun Dafa is Good” Sincerely By a Falun Dafa practitioner in China

(Minghui.org) I am a teacher in an elementary school. Previously I suffered from insomnia, headaches, cholecystitis, and lumbar disc protrusion. They made my life miserable.

A distant relative that we had lost contact with for over 20 years came to visit me in July 2002. He brought me hope! He is a Falun Dafa practitioner, and he taught me the practice. I began with the intention of being cured.

Shortly after beginning, Master purified my body. I am now free of all illness. I am never tired, regardless of how far I walk or how much work I do. Now I am healthy, happy, and peaceful. And, my selfishness is gone--I naturally consider others' needs before my own.

My mother-in-law was happy to see the wonderful change in me, and it encouraged her to start the practice just a few years later.

My mother used to suffer from insomnia. I told her, "With a sincere heart and no other thoughts, you should recite, 'Falun Dafa is good; Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.'" A few days later she told me that she tried it. She recited what I told her when she went to bed and fell asleep quickly. Now she repeats it every day and sleeps well every night.

A friend came to see me in 2008 with the sad news that her mother had a tumor in her uterus. She was told that the tumor was malignant and that her mother might not even survive the surgery that was necessary. I told her not to worry, that her mother should have the surgery. Then I told her that everything would be fine as long as she recited in her heart sincerely, "Falun Dafa is good; Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good." I had previously told her about Falun Dafa. She decided to listen to my advice, and the next day she took her mother to the hospital to prepare for surgery.

I went to the hospital to visit her mother just a few days later. She looked good and was in good spirits. You would have never guessed that she had just been through such serious surgery. I found out that on the day of her surgery, her three daughters and husband were waiting outside the operating room, and all of them repeated in their hearts, “Falun Dafa is good; Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.” The surgery was a success and the tumor was benign. The doctor was surprised, claiming that she was surely blessed, there was only a slim chance for that kind of tumor to be benign. I was so touched, I teared up. Dafa is magnificent and extraordinary. Master is extraordinarily compassionate!

In 2012 one my colleagues was diagnosed with a breast tumor. The doctor recommended surgery as soon as possible. The next day she was admitted to the provincial hospital. Another patient in her ward had the same type of tumor and after surgery was told that it was malignant. My colleague became more afraid and did not want surgery. She called me and asked me what to do.

I asked her if she still had the amulet that I had given to her previously. Then I told her to repeat, "Falun Dafa is good; Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good." I assured her not to worry, just to be sincere and remember that things can change. Ten days later I went to see her before she left the hospital. She told me after our phone conversation that she had repeated "Falun Dafa is good; Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good” while sitting in bed with her palms together devoutly. She just focused on repeating it and was not concerned about what others around her thought. Her surgery was successful and the tumor benign. She put her palms together solemnly and thanked me. I told her there was no need to thank me, that she should thank Master. She said, “Thank you, Falun Dafa Master!”

During the 2013 Chinese New Year I gave my brother several banners with Falun Dafa truth clarification messages. They hung them all up. During the New Year's Eve celebrations, they saw a golden dragon going up to the heavens during the fireworks. This year his eldest son earned more than five hundred thousand yuan, certainly a blessing for promoting Falun Dafa.

These are just a few examples of the many miraculous things that happen when you believe Falun Dafa is good. The purpose of this article is to tell kindhearted people to not be deceived by the lies of the CCP and to learn the truth about Falun Dafa. At this critical moment in history, each person must make a choice between good and evil. You will have a good future if you make the right choice. Otherwise there will be no future for you. I hope everyone will have a good future!

Top

6. Letting Go of Fundamental Attachments and Being a True Practitioner By a practitioner from Jilin Province, China

(Minghui.org) I have been practicing Falun Dafa for 15 years yet I didn't realize that a hidden attachment existed deep in my heart. A practitioner's father passed away in August 2012. She complained about her sister's selfishness. On the way home I reviewed what she had said and judged the four sisters. Suddenly I discovered my attachment – the heart for wanting to be treated nicely and for wanting rewards.

Master said in

“Abiding in the Dao” from Hong Yin:
“Doing, but without pursuit—So constant, abiding in the Dao.”

After I arrived home, I looked inward for any pursuit I still had – pursuit for fame, self-interests, rewards, and being treated nicely. I realized that those attachments resulted from qing (emotion). They had been with me all this time, but I hadn't recognized them or cultivated them away. Whenever I failed a xinxing test, I attributed it to my attachment to qing. Practitioners also said that I had that attachment. I hadn't thought about it deeply enough.

I thought I had cultivated away my attachments for fame and self-interest. I was not attached to how much of a bonus I would get, whether I would get a pay raise, or whether I would win the most votes be awarded “best employee.” I followed the course of nature. After I retired, I was even less attached to those things, but I still had a hard time letting go of qing. After my recent reflection, I recognized that my attachments to rewards and being treated nice were deeply hidden.

When someone didn't treat me nicely or I was not rewarded for my sacrifice, I reacted with anger. I had a xinxing conflict with my nephew in 2011. Superficially I was attached to qing, especially to my sister, and actually it was pursuit for fame and rewards. When the bad substance in the other dimensions reinforced my attachment to qing, I did not handle the issues rationally or from the perspective of the Fa. I acted like an ordinary person.

I started to practice Falun Dafa in April of 1998 and my sister and her son also started to practice. We went to Beijing to appeal for justice for Falun Dafa in December of 2000. My sister and I were illegally arrested and sent back to the local police station. They refused to take me because I suffered from heart disease and had a foot injury, but they extorted 2000 yuan from my family.

My sister was sentenced to three years of forced labor. The labor camp refused to accept her due to her poor health. She was sentenced to forced labor five times and detained in a forced labor camp four times for a total of 2008 days. My nephew was held in the forced labor camp for one year and in prison for four years. He spent 1825 days there. They were released in 2011.

My nephew wanted to follow a practitioner whose third eye was open and travel with him to other places due to his unclear understanding of the Fa principles. Practitioners shared with him and pointed out that his behavior was not based on the Fa because he was not able to pay his expenses if he went on a trip, and that he could validate the Fa and save sentient beings at home all the same. But he didn't listen.

The day before he left, I went to see him and discouraged him, but I talked to him with a human mentality. I said, “You were in prison for four years. I took a taxi to see you many times. I gave you money and brought you food. On the day you were released, I hired two taxis and spent 900 yuan to prevent the 610 Office agents from taking you away. All together I spent at least 3000 yuan. You cannot go before you pay me back.” He said, “I didn't ask you to visit me.” He also said, “This is not your home. Mind your own business.” He actually hit me in the face. I was no longer able to bear it and forgot I was a practitioner. I was angry and felt hurt.

I was full of regret and sad after I returned home. I didn't want to do anything and switched off my cell phone. I didn't answer the door when anyone knocked, and I didn't make any truth-clarifying materials for three days.

Being hit like that was not a small issue for me. There must be something wrong with me. Did I cultivate myself? To rescue my sister and my nephew, I had gone to the police station, police department, detention center, procuratorate},} and the court to demand their release. I went to see them in the forced labor camps and prisons. I took risks to bring them Master's new articles and gave thanks for Master's protection and that I was safe.

Looking Within Reveals Attachments

I discovered the pursuit for fame, self-interest, and rewards. I expected people to treat me well. Second, I complained about him too much and looked down on him. Third, I didn't treat him as a fellow practitioner, but rather as my nephew. I viewed myself as superior. Fourth, when I talked to him, I reprimanded him every time and he couldn't accept it. Could it be a debt I owed to him in my previous life and that is why he didn't appreciate what I had done for him?

I asked myself, "Wasn't it a cultivation process for me when I tried to rescue them? Did I complain when I went to see other practitioners in the forced labor camps and prisons? I took those opportunities to validate the Fa, clarify the truth and save sentient beings, which cultivated away a lot of my fear and the attachment of seeking comfort."

During the process I cultivated my compassion and reinforced my righteous thoughts and belief in the Fa and Master, allowing me to elevate a lot. I had gained priceless things that our human eyes couldn't see and that was not in proportion to a thankful sentence or anything material. Then why did I feel hurt? Wasn't it a human attachment to pursue being treated nicely?

Master said in {{Zhuan Falun:

“Why shouldn’t you thank that person? You should sincerely thank him from the bottom of your heart—it is actually so.”

“You will be made to abandon all those attachments that cannot be given up among everyday people. As long as you have them, all of those attachments must be removed in different environments. You will be made to stumble, whereby you will become enlightened to the Tao. This is how one goes through cultivation practice.”

Thank you, Master! I woke up from this fall. I realized why my xinxing hadn't obviously improved these last few years. It was selfishness that was hidden deep down in my heart. The selfishness also generated and reinforced other attachments, such as a show-off mentality, competitiveness, complacency, and jealousy. I felt relieved as soon as I was enlightened to the Fa principles. I sent forth righteous thoughts to dissolve those attachments and asked for Master's help.

Fellow practitioners came to see me and encouraged me to study the Fa with them. They told me that they were reciting poems from Hong Yin III. I burned incense in front of Master's photo that night and knelt down, reciting poems from Hong Yin III. When I recited the fifth poem, I was so grateful to Master that I cried and my tears cleansed my regretful heart.

Master said in “Infatuated” from Hong Yin III:

“Life is short, You've merely stopped over at the inn. Don't forget your vow before descending here; If you hesitate along the path because offame, self-interest, emotion and revenge, When will you wake up and return to your home?”

I memorized 27 poems by midnight when it was time to send forth righteous thoughts. The next day I went out and found everything bathed in sunshine!

Top

7. The Power of Positive Thinking By a practitioner from China

(Minghui.org) While doing the exercises the other day, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. This had never happened before. My first thought was, “My body in a different dimension is being purified.” With this thought, the pain disappeared after just a few seconds.

This incident reminded me of what Master has said,

“...good or bad comes from a person’s initial thought, …” (“Improving Xinxing,” Lecture Four, Zhuan Falun)

When we encounter problems or tribulations in our cultivation, our initial thought plays a very important role in determining what happens next. If we see them as opportunities that Master gives us to improve ourselves, the result will be way more positive than if we treat it as old forces' interference.

Two Different Scenarios

Let's say we were out telling people about the persecution and saw dark clouds gathering and rain coming. One may think, “I am saving sentient beings and all righteous beings will cooperate. Even if it rains, it will rain after I am done talking and have returned home.”

Another person may think, “This is interference from the old forces. I will send forth righteous thoughts and eliminate all that's interfering with me saving sentient beings.”

Things may work out in the end for both, but the two different ways of thinking lead to completely different feelings. The former feels privileged, while the latter feels pressured.

Let's look at another example. A practitioner cultivates diligently and has a pure heart to save sentient beings, but all of a sudden he experiences a lot of pain in his legs and cannot walk. His initial thought may be, “This is encouragement from Master. He is purifying my body so that I can improve.” He feels very fortunate.

He thinks this way because Master has said,

“Only when you, the Dafa disciples, don't conduct yourselves well do they dare to do things. That's when they have an excuse to target you. Under normal circumstances they don't dare to do such things.” (“Explaining the Fa During the 2003 Lantern Festival at the U.S. West Fa Conference”)

He knows that the old forces do not have any excuse to interfere because everything he does is based on the Fa. So, although it is very painful, it must be a good thing.

Or he could think that it is the old forces' interference: “This is just an illusion. I do not acknowledge it and will eliminate the persecution imposed on me by sending righteous thoughts.” Either way, his pain may disappear quickly.

The two thoughts may seem similar, but the states of mind and the feelings are definitely different. In the former, the practitioner's first thought was appreciation for Master. In the latter, he feels pressured that the old forces might exploit his loophole—his focus is on the difficulties in cultivation and saving sentient beings. The former is happy, while the latter is being worn down.

Our Loophole

In our experience sharing articles, the story usually goes like this—the practitioners' common reaction when facing a tribulation is

“negating the old forces' arrangements.” (“Explaining the Fa During the 2003 Lantern Festival at the U.S. West Fa Conference”)

Then they look inward and find attachments. With Master's help and strengthening, they remove the attachments and overcome the tribulations.

But herein lies our loophole—even when we “negate,” we still fall into the old forces' traps and go with their arrangements. Because as soon as we “negate,” we have acknowledged the old forces and their arrangements. That's why some practitioners wonder, “I'm always sending righteous thoughts, but why do the problems and tribulations never stop?”

In simply trying to push back, block, and eliminate the “interference,” we may be able to handle one or two tribulations at a time, but if eight or ten show up at once, we won’t be able to.

The key is to stop being passive and to start to practice positive thinking. Of course, we also need to actively look inward and get rid of our attachments instead of waiting until problems occur.

Actively Getting Rid of Attachments

As cultivators, we all have attachments—if we didn't, then we wouldn't have to cultivate. When attachments surface, it is our opportunity to recognize them and get rid of them. Having attachments and even showing our attachments are no reason for the old forces to persecute us.

When our attachments surface, if we can actively look inward and truly cultivate ourselves, then we are walking down the path according to Master's arrangements, and the old forces will not be able to interfere.

However, if we don't try to get rid of the attachments, then

“whatever you're attached to, that's what the evil beings will strengthen, ...” (“Teaching the Fa at the 2004 Chicago Conference”)

Aren't we then providing the grounds for the old forces' interference?

The Power of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking makes all the difference. With the righteous thought of “I am a Dafa practitioner, and I am taken care of by Master. This is the best arrangement, and everything is going to work out,” one can overcome anything. With negative thinking, one positions oneself as the victim and probably will always be at risk of being persecuted.

To always have righteous thoughts and positive thinking, we have to focus on the Fa, instead of always worrying about the old forces. When one thinks about it, one is giving it a reason to exist in one's field.

The most important thing is to study the Fa well. Some practitioners think that “studying the Fa” is some task that we need to carry out, and as long as we spend time reading the book, then we are good. That is a huge mistake. If we don't pay attention when we read the Fa and hold ourselves to the standard of the Fa, then we have not gained the Fa.

If we always look inward, cultivate ourselves, and do the three things as Master asks, then we are bound to improve in our cultivation. At the same time, we don't need to focus on negating and eliminating old forces' interference, because it won't even be able to touch or interfere with us.

We should focus our energy on the positive—studying the Fa, cultivating ourselves, and doing the three things—it is that simple. Just as Master has said,

“Just by staying unaffected you will be able to handle all situations.” (Teaching the Fa at the Conference in the Midwest-U.S.)

This is my personal understanding and thoughts. I ask fellow practitioners to kindly point out anything that's extreme or inappropriate.

I only hope that we can all stay on our paths of cultivation steadily and righteously, and do better in helping Master in Fa-rectification, save sentient beings, and fulfill our vows as Dafa practitioners.

Top

8. A Little Insight after Changing a Notion A Dafa Disciple in China

(PureInsight.org) When I was young, I always heard elderly people say, “If your left eye flickers, you will have good fortune. If your right eye flickers, you will have disaster.” This adage has been deeply ingrained in me. Every time my left eye flickered, I would have a very good day, and I would be in a good mood. Every time my right eye flickered, I would have lots of unfortunate events. After experiencing this multiple times, I began to believe this saying.

After I began cultivation, I did not realize that this was an ordinary notion. I have been illegally arrested multiple times. One time right before I was arrested, my right eye flickered a lot. I sensed that something bad would happen, so I sent forth lots of righteous thoughts. The minute before I was arrested, my right eye flickered three times. Once I was released from jail, I still did not realize my holes in cultivation and treated that saying as the truth.

An event a few days ago made me realize that this was an ordinary notion and gave me the impetus to change it. A fellow practitioner’s daughter was about to get married, so he asked fellow practitioners to take this opportunity to help his wife change her misunderstandings toward Dafa. Because he had been persecuted multiple times, his wife’s attitude towards Dafa changed from supportive to not supportive. She had a misunderstanding towards Dafa. A few days before going to the fellow practitioner’s house, my right eye was flickering. I thought to myself, “Is it unsafe to go to that practitioner’s house? His name is on the provincial and municipal lists.” The night before going, I had a dream that I was arrested. The evil asked me a few questions, but I suddenly realized that the questions were weird, so I did not respond. It turned out that they thought my understanding had improved, so instead of being sentenced, they sent me to a labor camp. When I woke up, I still felt that it was unsafe to go to the fellow practitioner’s house.

The next morning, I told my wife (a fellow practitioner) about my right eye flickering and about the dream. She said, “Do not be bound by human notions. My right eye was also once flickering, and I also had some suspicions. However, I then thought that I needed to overcome this notion, and as a result, I managed to convince someone to quit the CCP. We are cultivators. We should not let human notions stand in the way.” I then went to that practitioner’s house. On the way, I suddenly understood. In “On Buddha Law” from Zhuan Falun, Master mentioned that there were three types of notions that must be changed: ordinary people’s notions, the longstanding way of thinking, and the rigid way of thinking. Wasn’t my notion of flickering eyes one of these types of notions? How could I bring it into cultivation? I started sending forth righteous thoughts to eliminate these notions. After discussing with my fellow practitioner’s wife, I felt that a shell surrounding me had been dissolved and my mind was clear.

I thought of two excerpts from Master’s Fa,

“So for the beings of the old cosmos, and this includes all the elements of beings, when it comes to the Fa-rectification and what I choose, all beings' harmonizing and completing things according to my choices and contributing their best ideas and approaches--not to change what I want, but to harmonize and complete things according to what I've said--is the best thought a being in the cosmos could have” (Explaining the Fa During the 2003 Lantern Festival at the U.S. West Fa Conference).

“Don't worry about what's going to transpire in the future, it's enough if you know inside what you should do, carrying the Fa in your mind, doing whatever needs to be done, and doing whatever you wish to do, as long as Dafa needs it” (Teaching the Fa at the Fa Conference at the U.S. Capital).

As the beings created by Dafa, we must use Dafa to guide us. How can we be manipulated by human notions? We should have Fa in our hearts and do what Master wants. We should do whatever Dafa needs. If we do them with notions, it is easy to go astray. That would be the same as walking on a path arranged by the old forces, a path to destruction.

From this lesson, I learned how frightening it can be to be led completely by human notions. As a Fa-rectification period Dafa disciple, I should be willing to face my human notions, always use Dafa to guide me and always have Fa in my heart. Only then can I do the three things well, completely negate the old forces and save more sentient beings.

The above was my own understanding at my level. Please point out anything that is not in accordance with the Fa.

Top