(Minghui.org) It was in 2010 that I began to practice Falun Gong, but only recently have I taken cultivation seriously.

When I first read Zhuan Falun, Falun Gong’s main book, it said that cultivation could uplift a person’s moral realm and change one’s thinking and behavior.

Cultivating Speech

I could not read many of the Chinese characters in Zhuan Falun when I joined the Fa-study group. The dictionary and my sister-in-law helped me understand the meaning of the characters.

I used to practice Taoism and also dabbled in other religions, but I still fought when I encountered conflicts, and I often used coarse language. However, practicing Falun Gong changed all my bad habits and helped me take a step back when facing conflicts. I also overcame my fear of speaking with strangers.

Learning the Fa also helped me to look within, focus on others’ good points, minimize criticism of others, reduce complaints, and stop blaming others.

I used to have inflammation in my mouth when I gossiped behind people's backs. Falun Gong taught me to pay attention to what I said. I understood the importance of cultivating my speech and no longer have to worry about the inflammation.

Protected by Master

My life was not smooth sailing, but there was always someone who pulled me up. Studying the Fa made me understand that Master was looking after me.

There was an explosion in my work unit, but no one was hurt. I was removing some loaves of bread from an oven when the oven suddenly exploded. My boss was scared. But, neither I nor anyone else who was in the kitchen was injured. I knew Master Li had protected us.

When getting ready to cross a road I did not see any cars. However, I failed to spot an oncoming motorcycle. Fortunately, the rider managed to stop without hitting me. I encountered danger, but once again, I was safe.

A third incident happened at my workplace. While sharpening a knife, I lost control and deeply cut my hand. The wound bled profusely and even soaked my clothes. I wrapped the wound with paper towels and it eventually stopped bleeding. I did not think of seeing a doctor. I knew I would be fine because Master was taking care of me.

Purifying the Mind

I was controlled by lust for many years. Even after I began practicing Falun Gong, I still surfed the internet for websites with explicit content. I chastised myself afterward, but did not stop that bad habit, which seriously affected my cultivation and my ability to concentrate on my work. My mind was full of dirty thoughts and my whole body had a filthy smell. I felt that I was unable to continue my cultivation.

Besides, I had the attachment to being lazy. The Zhengjian website published an article entitled “Using Strong Will to Break Through Laziness.” The article said that laziness was caused by emotion and it was the brother of the attachment to seeking a comfortable life. Both indicated a weakness resulting in being unable to control oneself.

Reading this article made me realize that laziness caused my lack of diligence in cultivation. It was also laziness that controlled my mind and made me commit bad deeds again and again.

Now, I follow strictly the Dafa standards. If any bad thoughts occur, I try my best to oppose them, eliminate the evil influence, and dig out the root of the problem.

When any bad thoughts, such as, lust, impatience, hatred, lies, excessive sleep, envy, or anger come up, a cultivator must control them, otherwise, that low-level spirit would instantly attach to one’s body.

With more of these low-level spirits in one’s dimension, they bring interference and persecution. Master’s Fashen and other guardian beings have no way to protect such a cultivator because the problems are caused by his or her attachment. So it is important to purify one’s mind.

Master said:

“…What do the old forces and the old cosmos see as the gravest thing? Lust, [in the form of] sexual activity outside of marriage. That's what they see as the most serious of things.” (Teaching the Fa in the City of Los Angels)

“…They know [and think to themselves], "Li Hongzhi, you won't abandon your disciples, so we will make you abandon them." That's why they have the students who have made mistakes make more mistakes, over and over, and in the end do wicked things and go to the opposite side.” (Teaching the Fa in the City of Los Angeles)

I cast off many attachments. My life has become meaningful and I realize that I have walked out of the darkness.