(Minghui.org) Before I began to practice Falun Dafa, I was a selfish person and always had the final say at home. We own a small shop, and I never backed down when a customer complained. However, Master Li’s (the founder of Falun Dafa) teachings changed me. I learned how to search inward for my shortcomings, and live my life according to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

I was displaced and sent to a forced labor camp as a result of the persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). However, none of that weakened my will to cultivate, and I overcame many obstacles under Master’s protection.

Letting Go of my Attachment to Self-Interest

I was released from the forced labor camp in 2005. My husband kept telling me how much money he spent on me, and how much I could have made had I not been arrested. I had not studied the Fa for many years and could only recite a small portion of it. So I could not maintain my xinxing and often argued with my husband.

Although my husband let me manage the finances, he constantly talked about money. I knew that he actually didn’t care that much about money, so I wondered why he was constantly talking about it? I looked inward and discovered my attachment to self-interest; I even dreamed about picking up money off the floor.

Master said:

“Those who are attached to money seek wealth and feign their cultivation. Undermining the practice and the Fa, they waste their lifetimes instead of cultivating Buddhahood.” (“Cultivators’ Avoidances,” Essentials For Further Advancement)

I understood that I had to let go of my attachment to money and my domineering personality.

I then decided to hand over the family business and finances to my son. I worked as a salesperson at our shop and used that as an opportunity to talk to people about Dafa and the persecution. I also retired from my other job and started to collect a monthly pension of 400 yuan, which was enough to cover my living expenses.

My husband and son were happy about my decision. My son even gave me rides to buy supplies to make truth clarification materials. When I let go of the “self” and my attachment to gain, my family life improved and doing work to validate Dafa became easier.

Getting Rid of Fear to Clarify the Truth

I had a lot of fear because I was persecuted several times. I was therefore selective about whom I clarified the truth to. After reading the Dafa books, I realized I was not being compassionate. It was due to my fear and inability to further let go of “self.”

Master said:

“Clarifying the facts and saving sentient beings are what you need to accomplish. There is nothing else for you to accomplish. There is nothing else in this world that you need to accomplish.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the 2015 New York Fa Conference”)

I spent more time studying the Fa to eliminate my fear. I tried to read two lectures in Zhuan Falun before I went out to talk to people. My attachment to fear gradually lessened.

On rainy days, I talked to customers at the shop about Dafa. I noticed there was a police officer who often walked around outside. I asked others about him and was told that he was in charge of our street. One day, as he walked past my house, I invited him in. I told him about Dafa and the persecution, and he agreed to quit the CCP and its affiliated organizations. 

I had finally overcome my fear and talked to the police! I saved a life with Master’s help. I thought I should hurry up and approach more people.

Reaching Out to People During the Pandemic

We spent the Chinese New Year in 2020 amid the pandemic. My brother and sister came to visit, and my son was home. I was getting ready to leave the house on the second day of the new year, and my sister asked why I was leaving. I told her I was going out for a walk.

I encountered a woman in front of the police station. I was a little scared to talk to her, and then I remembered Master’s poem:

“Should you have fear,it will seize upon youIf thoughts are righteous,evil will collapse...” (“What’s to Fear?,” Hong Yin II)

She agreed to withdraw from the CCP after I sent righteous thoughts to eliminate any bad elements interfering with her.

There was hardly anyone on the streets, but I finally saw another person. I walked up to him and wished him a Happy New Year. I told him about Dafa, but he didn’t want to quit the Party and left. I realized I talked too fast; I was impatient and didn’t have enough compassion. It made me sad that I could not save him.

A man and a woman came to the shop on September 4, 2020. I was in the backroom making steamed buns, so my hands were covered with flour. The couple wanted to buy plastic fabric to make two aprons, but my husband didn’t know how to make them.

I made the two aprons and attached rope to each side. They tried the aprons on and liked them. I told them about Dafa and the persecution; they both withdrew from the CCP. They thanked me and said that I was very kind. I asked them to thank Master Li.

My family life is harmonious now. My son helps me when I clarify the truth. A woman quit the Party a few days ago and I gave her a calendar. She was initially afraid to take it. But my son said, “It’s such a nice calendar! I would keep a few for myself.” She looked at it again and took one with her. I suggested that she read the message inside, which was even better than the one on the cover.

My husband sometimes helps too. He is happy when I help someone quit the CCP, and is worried when someone refuses to quit. I told him to not worry because Master arranges everything.

I have not cultivated well, and there are still many attachments that need to be eliminated. I will study the Fa more, assimilate to Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance, let go of all my ordinary notions, and strive to do the three things well and return home with Master.

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Category: Improving Oneself