My Perspective on Doing the Falun Dafa Exercises

(Minghui.org) Last night brought a light rain, which had ceased by dawn. In the early winter morning, just before daybreak, the ground remained damp under the streetlights, and there was a chill in the air.

Arriving at the practice site, I saw no fellow practitioners. I thought to myself, “Since I’m here, I might as well make the best of it and practice alone!”

Sitting down to do the fifth exercise, I turned on the player. As soothing exercise music began to play, I focused intently on Master’s instructions, gradually experiencing the exquisite beauty of entering a state of tranquility.

As I continued, I felt I was no longer alone, and a profound sense of wonder arose within me, echoing the verse: “Bright does the whole universe glow, Melding into the light of Fa.” (“Assimilation and Consummation,” Hong Yin)

Am I Alone When I Do the Exercises?

Master describes the human body as a small universe, and that always gets me thinking. Modern physics can only study the particles of matter and their components after fission. With only the testing instruments we have now, it is impossible to imagine that spaces between each layer of particles—and the spaces between particles—are vast expanses.

Modern medicine also studies the entire physiological system, starting with human cells, to analyze the causes of disease. Human thought is completely confined within the framework of what science can comprehend.

Master has unveiled the mysteries of the universe, spacetime, and the human body. It turns out that our tiny physical bodies are actually like miniature universes, containing countless layers of space, from the surface level of molecules, atoms, electrons, and protons, delving deeper reveals quarks and neutrinos, and beyond that, layers invisible even to microscopes. Each layer of space carries immeasurable multitudes of life. Yet Master states: “Yet they are far from the origin of life and from the origin of matter.” (Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)

Upon careful reflection, on our cultivation journey, there are not only the people we encounter in real life and the sentient beings within the celestial bodies that correspond to us. What about the countless life clusters within our bodies? Are they not also sentient beings who place boundless hope in us as the primary entity? When added together, the sheer magnitude of lives is beyond what the human mind can ever conceive of.

When we practice our exercises, the moment our bodies move, countless layers of boundless life clusters within other dimensions also move in unison with the main body. At that moment, how could it be that I alone am practicing in this spatial field?

Our Main Consciousness Must be Clear and Strong and Responsible for All Beings

Not only that, when Master spoke of the importance of Dafa disciples clarifying the truth to save sentient beings, he also said:

“While you’re clarifying here, layers upon layers of your bodies that have completed cultivation are also clarifying at cosmic bodies of different levels.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the Metropolitan New York Fa Conference,” Collected Teachings Given Around the World Volume III)

It is evident that when we focus on studying the Fa, sending forth righteous thoughts, clarifying the truth, or practicing the exercises, countless life forms across different levels and dimensions within our microcosm are also engaged in these activities alongside us. Guided by our main consciousness, they cultivate together, assimilating Dafa. They will undoubtedly rejoice at the hope inspired by our diligent progress.

Conversely, if we fail to be strict with ourselves and become complacent about cultivating and practice halfheartedly, not only will our own bodies suffer, but we will also neglect and endanger countless lives. This will put them in a perilous state of potential elimination. How anxious and disheartened they will feel!

Reviewing Shortcomings and Striving to Improve

Master has bestowed upon us this precious cultivation method of dual cultivation of mind and body that guides us to fulfill our prehistoric vows to assist Master in rectifying the Fa and saving sentient beings.

Master has poured out his heart and soul for this grand vow, and the hardships endured are such that even the gods are filled with awe. How can we be worthy of this boundless Buddha’s grace, which is encountered only once in millions of years, with due reverence and humility? How can we only actively take action when illness or suffering arises, merely to quickly eliminate karmic debt, resolve pain, or slow down aging?

The foundation of our practice lies in putting Dafa first and in cultivating ourselves well, and fulfilling the sacred mission of assisting Master in saving sentient beings, which is the key to Falun Dafa disciples’ cultivation.

Thinking of this, I couldn’t help but feel deeply ashamed of my past tendencies to practice “by how I feel” or to fail to achieve complete “unity of body and spirit” during cultivation. I truly feel I have failed to live up to the compassionate grace Master has bestowed upon us.

To be responsible for Dafa and to all sentient beings, I am taking this opportunity to remind myself that, no matter how busy I am with work, I cannot be negligent about doing the exercises. It is on par with the three things that we must do diligently and thoroughly. Going through the motions or merely fulfilling the requirements superficially will ultimately be futile and a waste of effort. What is past is past; the only way forward is to strive diligently to catch up.