Recalling the Time I Began to Cultivate Dafa

(Minghui.org) This year marks the 33rd anniversary of Dafa’s dissemination, the 30th anniversary of Master’s publication of Zhuan Falun, and my 30th year of practicing Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong). In 1995, Master gave me a new life. That year I had just graduated from college, and the joy I felt after obtaining the Fa was indescribable. It was as if the world had become beautiful, and even though it was a harsh winter, everything I saw warmed my heart.

One day in November 1995, I was going to see a movie in the school auditorium. When I arrived, I saw a notice that said the movie was canceled. I was bored and didn’t know what to do. Then I saw a red poster on a pillar announcing an introduction to Falun Gong, saying it was free. So I went to the location, found a seat in the middle, and saw a banner hanging on the blackboard in front, which I later learned was the Falun emblem.

After enough people arrived, the host began his introduction. A man with a full head of white hair came up and introduced himself as the Party Secretary of a factory. He spoke expressively, recounting his initial mindset when he first began listening to Master’s lectures, mentioning the 18 questions he had, and how each lecture provided answers until he had no more questions and formally began to cultivate Dafa. His experience deeply intrigued me, and I wanted to learn more about Falun Gong. I eagerly awaited the day to watch Master’s lectures on video. Listening to them was a transformative experience; I was deeply moved. Master addressed all the questions that had puzzled me. I was incredibly excited and eager to listen to more. Thus, I obtained the Fa.

I still vividly remember how I felt at that time. On the way home, everything seemed so beautiful, and the air was exceptionally fresh. After watching the nine lectures, I understood why I was alive. I had been lost about my future after graduation, and was unsure of what to do. Many people were focused on making money, and influenced by this, I also wanted to make a lot of money. But at that moment, Master opened a door for me, and I understood the true meaning of life and why I am here.

I used to be an introverted person. When something upset me, my heart was in turmoil even though I didn’t say anything. I grumbled about it for days on end, and just thinking about it made me angry. After I began to practice Falun Dafa, when I felt unsettled, I silently recited Master’s Fa:

“ A wicked person is born of jealousy.Out of selfishness and anger he complains about unfairness towards himself.A benevolent person always has a heart of compassion.With no discontentment or hatred, he takes hardship as joy.An enlightened person has no attachments at all.He quietly observes the people of the world deluded by illusions.”(“Realms” in Essentials for Further Advancement)

My heart then calmed down, and I was able to let it go. It was truly miraculous. I knew I would never become a wicked or bad person.

One such situation happened at work. The television in the security guard’s office wouldn’t work, and many people tried to fix it, but couldn’t. The next day, a colleague fixed it. I complimented him, “You’re really amazing! How did you fix it?” But the colleague retorted, “What’s it to you how I fixed it?” He snapped at me, leaving me speechless. I immediately felt resentful. That was so disrespectful! I hadn’t said anything offensive to him, I was just chatting with him casually. Would I ever want to associate with him again? Then I thought, “I can’t react to this person with resentment, I’m a cultivator.” But then another thought came to mind, “This person is no good. With that temper, who can he get along with? He’s so bitter.” Then I thought, “He is helping me to improve my xinxing.” Then I recalled his faults again, and I just couldn’t suppress the negative thoughts. Later, I recited “Realms” to correct myself. It was truly miraculous: my heart became peaceful, I let it go, and I no longer resented that colleague.

Another time, an electrical outlet on my wall at home broke. I saw an unused one at work that had been lying there for a long time and I thought, “No one is using it; it’s just lying there. I can take it; it’s not a big deal.” So I put it in my bag. After work, I went to a practitioner’s place. I felt uneasy about taking the outlet, so I told him about it. The practitioner asked, “Did someone give you the outlet?” I said no. The practitioner said, “Then it’s wrong for you to take it. Besides, even if someone gave it to you, it’s still public property; you shouldn’t take it. Isn’t that still having a desire to take advantage? Even if no one saw what you did, it’s still wrong.” I thought, “He’s right, this doesn’t meet the standards of Dafa. I’m truly ashamed.” I immediately said, “I’ll return it, I can’t take it.” So I returned it.

These were small things at the start of my cultivation. However, Master is always watching over his disciples, helping us to improve our xinxing. Thinking back, every single thing I experienced was arranged by Master to help me improve. If I didn’t handle a situation well, I would truly be letting Master down. I will definitely do everything I should do, be worthy of the most sacred title of Dafa disciple, and be worthy of being Master’s disciple.