(Minghui.org) I came from a poor family and was teased by my classmates for wearing ragged clothes. Because I could only recognize simple words like “up” and “down,” I dropped out of school after a few days. I couldn’t even write my own name.
Before I began practicing Falun Dafa in 1998, I was often sick. I dared not go to the hospital in case I had to write something and embarrass myself.
Since I was illiterate, I repeatedly listened to the recordings of Master’s Fa lectures. When I went to the practice site to do the exercises, the practitioner-in-charge said that we could take home a copy of Zhuan Falun, so I brought one home. When another practitioner pointed out that I could not read, I was even more determined to learn how. When we gathered to study the Fa, I tried my best to follow along, but I couldn’t keep up.
At home, I asked my son and daughter what each word meant. When my son got impatient, I asked my daughter. They fussed at me for being so slow and forgetful. I finally told my son that I would give him 10 cents for every word he taught me.
Once, I could not remember how to say a word, but I didn’t want to ask. Master reflected the sound of the word into my mind! From then on, I remembered this word whenever I came across it.
One day we decided to study two lectures. There were so many unfamiliar words that my head ached. I finally said, “Let’s call it a day! My head hurts like it’s about to explode!” The other practitioners said, “No! We have to finish.” So I persevered and never had headaches after that when we studied the Fa.
After six months I was able to read Zhuan Falun and I could even keep up with the others. From then on, I read the Fa every day without having to take a break. Sometimes I read two lectures, sometimes three, or even four lectures a day. The more I read, the more I wanted to keep on studying.
At the beginning of 2018, I decided to memorize the Fa. At first it took me hours just to memorize one paragraph. It was a slow and difficult process, but I got quicker and quicker. I can now memorize a paragraph in half an hour.
Now I can check my behavior and see if it’s in line with the Fa and clear my mind of any negative thoughts.
Doing the Exercises
It’s very important to do the exercises consistently. Other than the times when I was persecuted, I do them every day. At first, I didn’t do them at any set time. I gradually began doing them at 4 a.m. every day.
Sometimes I felt lazy and it was hard to get up. Whenever that thought crossed my mind, my abdomen hurt, but it stopped when I played the exercise music. I sometimes hear the exercise music in my dreams so I know it’s time to wake up.
I've noticed that many young practitioners do not really practice the exercises. My daughter (who is also a practitioner) is like this. Sometimes she only does them once a month.
Master said: “A complete cultivation practice of mind and body requires both cultivation and practice.” (Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)
I hope that all the young practitioners will pay attention to this.
Righteous Thoughts
Sending forth righteous thoughts is serious. I never miss any of the four times (unless circumstances prohibit and then I make up for it afterward). I will also lengthen the time and sometimes send righteous thoughts 12 times a day.
One year I sent forth righteous thoughts for those practitioners being persecuted in prisons, labor camps, and brainwashing centers for one hour. Whenever I can, I send righteous thoughts at every hour of the day, or when I can’t sleep at night.
I once dreamed that I was cleaning up the environment with a broom. I realized that it was Master’s way of telling me that I'm doing it right. Over the years the righteous thoughts I've sent have cleansed my body and mind.
Improving My Cultivation
When the persecution first began, the environment was toxic and evil. Whenever “sensitive dates” rolled around, such as July 20th (the day the persecution started), May 13th (World Falun Dafa Day), or Chinese Communist Party (CCP) conferences, officials came to my house. Once, they even kidnapped me to a brainwashing center for a week. I developed a strong sense of fear, worrying that the Party’s agents would come for me whenever it was a “sensitive date.”
I gradually realized that I should not be fearful about these “sensitive dates,” so I eliminated this concept from my mind. Since I did not have fear, I was able to do the three things as usual.
Once, my arms and shoulders started hurting really badly, and I couldn't even lift them. This went on for over a month. After I looked inwards, I realized that I resented another practitioner. After I eliminated this, the pain disappeared.
Master said, “If you are to do well at the task of saving sentient beings, you first must cultivate yourselves well.” (“To the Brazil Fa Conference”, EssentialsforFurtherAdvancement Vol.III)
I began going out to clarify the truth after the persecution began in 1999. My intention was simple—I just wanted to tell people my personal experiences and that Dafa is good.
Once when I bought groceries, the vendor gave me 20 dollars extra in change. I returned it to her. She exclaimed, “You are such a good person!” I replied, “I practice Falun Dafa.” When she said, “Isn’t that against the law?” I said, “Falun Dafa is good. It teaches people how to be good based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I was ill and illiterate, but now I'm healthy and I can read!”
I’m from Southern China, so I have a strong accent, but this hasn’t stopped me from going out to talk to people every day. People always said that I look young, but I’m 57 years old! I use this as an opportunity to clarify the truth.
Master has given me so much. I will cultivate diligently and save more sentient beings!
