(Minghui.org) Some Falun Dafa practitioners in our area have been involved in producing films to show the goodness of Dafa and tell the public about its persecution in China. We encountered difficulties and tests, which helped to improve our skills and showed us how to work together more smoothly. We've also realized how serious cultivation is. Our experiences show us how to be tolerant and compassionate, no matter what we encounter.
Different Opinions
We filmed a character-forming activity during the Taiwan Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference last year. We enjoyed watching the film, and naturally, those involved in producing it evaluated it. All the details were discussed: who contributed, what could have been done better, etc.
Discussing and sharing our experiences after each activity is a good thing. However, some practitioners asked, “Why wasn't my footage used?”
Some practitioners didn't care if their footage wasn't used. They were just happy to be involved and grateful to have this opportunity to learn. Others were moved and looked inward to see where they fell short in cultivation and filming skills. Some weren't able to calm down for quite a while. My initial response was that how we handled rejection reflected our different levels of cultivation.
The first time I viewed the film, I felt that the difference in each person's attitude and effort in filming determined whether their footage could be used. However, when I reviewed all the footage a week later, I noticed that every practitioner was so dedicated. Everyone had done their best to capture the moment; from the planning, preparation, layout, sound effects, to coordinating well with others.
Looking at the effort each practitioner put in, suddenly the aesthetic effects no longer seemed important because I was touched by each practitioner's dedication to their work.
I felt ashamed. Why did I always see the shortcomings and negative sides of other practitioners whenever something happened? Why did I always judge others from my perspective?
I believe this showed that I didn't look within whenever something happened. Did I consider others' feelings first? Did I see if it happened because of problems in my cultivation? Did I assist fellow practitioners and do my best to cooperate with them?
Remembering To Have Compassion for Each Other
After we filmed the character formation, I was responsible for merging the high-speed pictures into a video. I had done this many times before, but it was difficult that day no matter how hard I tried. My computer was very slow, but when I switched to another one it was also slow.
I had little time since the video had to be aired the next day. I became annoyed because I seemed to be stuck on such a small issue. When I thought of Master, the founder of Falun Dafa, I calmed down. I realized that I had previously only worked with a few hundred pictures, but that day I had to merge over 6000 pictures. So I used the most primitive method and split the work into two to three hundred per batch. It took me another hour or more to get it done.
We frequently remind each other to practice and get familiar with the equipment before we begin filming. However, at a critical moment, I was not familiar with my equipment. I felt like a student who was required to run a marathon but had only run short distances before. This incident showed me that I lacked dedication.
I was reminded of this when something happened a few months later. I'm sure all practitioners who work in the media wish to participate in filming practitioners' activities. Each cameraman is assigned an area and has the chance to capture an important image.
For one Dafa parade, a practitioner was assigned to the most crowded spot along the parade route. However, when our group passed by, the practitioner mistakenly pushed the stop recording button, so the most valuable footage was not captured.
When I discovered this during editing, I said something serious to him. Another practitioner reminded me not to criticize him. The next day I heard that he was deeply remorseful. I suddenly realized that if this practitioner had to face more criticism from other practitioners, it would be very difficult for him to get over it. Since we are one body, one person's mistake may not entirely be his but rather a reflection of our problems as a group.
Master said:
“When a being is considerate of others in doing things and displays tolerance in the process, it's because his starting point is selfless.”
“When Dafa cultivators find selfishness in themselves, they should gradually work to overcome it. Becoming aware of it means that you have taken another step forward in cultivation, because a non-practitioner can't become aware of it and it doesn't occur to him to think about whether he is selfish. Only cultivators make a practice of examining themselves and looking within.” (“Teaching the Fa at the 2004 International Fa Conference in New York”)
Once I realized this, I stopped talking about it. I met with this practitioner that evening and encouraged him. I told him that our project will continue getting better.
He quickly overcame his sadness, became more enthusiastic and dedicated, and actively took on more responsibilities. This was an unexpected outcome.
I am thankful to Master for offering us the opportunity to participate in this project during the Fa-rectification period. It's an honor to record for history Dafa disciple's activities to assist Master and let the world know the truth.
Thank you, Master.Thank you, fellow practitioners.
Category: Improving Oneself
