18th October 2001
The other day, a canvasser for an environmental agency stopped me to ask me if I would join the charity. I explained that I was already a member of Amnesty International. Furthermore, I was committed to raising awareness of the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China and that this took up all my resources, time and energy.
He tried to convince me that what I was involved in was about human beings and a financial contribution could help with safeguarding the environment. We then discussed the link between morality and a safe, healthy environment. I explained that if people had compassion in their hearts, they would not do things to harm the environment.
We went on to discuss the principle of karmic retribution in which he also believed, i.e., "good is rewarded with good and evil is met with evil." I told him about the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China and the greatness of these practitioners in the face of torture and persecution. He listened attentively. The canvasser was pessimistic about the future considering the present world events. I told him that I was optimistic about the future. He had an incredulous look on his face so I told him about the lofty conduct of the practitioners in China who keep Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in their hearts in the face of viciousness and inhumane treatment. I told him that if people could behave in such an upright way in one of the most complicated and harsh environments, then there was hope for the world. He was uplifted by this.
Previously he had felt it was justified and normal for people to fight back if they felt aggrieved. I told him that I disagreed with him [which took him aback] and that there were other ways to deal with difficulties. Again, I talked about the magnificence of the practitioners in China who bear no grudges, bitterness or hatred towards others despite their cruel treatment.
We parted with a friendly handshake and he wished me well with the truth clarifying work
Reprinted from Clear Harmony Net
Source: http://www.clearharmony.net/articles/1413.html
Category: Journeys of Cultivation
