(Minghui.org) I started practicing Falun Gong in 2001. Initially, I spent four or five months coming to terms with what cultivation actually meant. I remember being pulled up by Master's words in Essentials for Further Advancement while sitting on a train. I realized that I understood Master's teaching and could no longer pretend that I didn't. True cultivation starts with realizing that this life was designed for just that, cultivation.

In early 2002, when I decided to face the reality that I must cultivate in every sense, I started going to the Chinese Embassy with other practitioners. There were usually about ten practitioners there. Sending forth righteous thoughts was a new experience for me, and I was surprised at the sense of purpose and clarity that this activity gave me.

I had previously thought that the exercises were powerful, and that Zhuan Falun opened up so much in me. However, after starting to send forth righteous thoughts in front of the embassy, and at several other activities, a different world opened up to me. Very shortly after sending forth righteous thoughts for the first time, I lost the self-consciousness that had always been present in me. I felt like a new person, a more honest person than I had ever been before. This was a major realization for me, and because of it, I made sure that I regularly went to the embassy from then on.

Over the years I have had ups and downs, many tribulations, and even conflicts with other practitioners, but a part of me always knew that I could remain clear and stay on my cultivation path by clarifying the truth and sending forth righteous thoughts in front of the embassy.

Many times I sent forth righteous thoughts without sitting down, or even without doing the hand signs. I realized however, that we should do the hand signs, especially at the embassy, for many reasons, such as showing people, including the embassy staff, that Falun Gong is good. Many times when I arrived to do a shift in front of the embassy, I was tired to the point that I felt ill or had negative thoughts. However, as soon as I sent forth righteous thoughts or did the exercises, I experienced a transformation and felt refreshed. After talking to just one person who took a flyer, I was also clearly reminded why I was there and that Falun Gong is a ladder to heaven.

I have always felt that by clarifying the facts in front of the embassy, I am responsible for how numerous people perceive Falun Gong, as well as for bringing the world's attention to the persecution in China.

Sometimes, my selfishness manifests in little ways, but I know that without the awareness that the embassy shifts help me maintain, I would probably be much more selfish. Many times I felt unworthy of being there to send forth righteous thoughts, but ultimately I was forced to reflect on the fact that I was there for a reason and had to try my best to improve my thoughts.

After many recent tribulations, I wanted to go back to square one, to start anew like it was my first day of cultivation and go back to the embassy to send forth righteous thoughts. I know that Master has saved me from falling back into an empty world, where I was always losing my way and forgetting the main reason for this life.

Lately, I have clearly seen that I still need to improve with respect to many bad thoughts and habits that have remained after such a long time cultivating. In moments of clarity and personal honesty, I feel immense gratitude that Master has allowed me to continue on this path.

Being in front of the Chinese Embassy has enabled me to confront myself and look at my true intentions. It has also reminded me not to stray from my cultivation path.

Thank you.