(Minghui.org) I often came across an octogenarian former teacher, Mr. Yang, in a park. I sometimes just greeted him and sometimes told him about Falun Gong. He always listened and did not counter me, even though he did not believe what I said. He then would wholeheartedly advise me not to be too obsessed and to watch out for my safety.
One recent afternoon, Mr. Yang saw me walking to the park. He called my name and walked over to me, which was unusual. Looking quite serious, he said, “I would like to tell you about something significant that happened a few days ago.
“When I was chatting with some friends in the park, a tall, elegant-looking young woman came over and gave us some flyers. One of my friends, a school principal, shouted at her, 'What are you doing? A young woman like you should do something more useful. Go away! Go!' He treated her like she was a thief.
"But the young woman just gave us a friendly smile and said, 'Sorry for interrupting your conversation.' How polite she was!
"After she left, my friends and I told the principal that he should not have been so rude to her since she was just a Falun Gong practitioner and hadn't done any harm.”
Obviously impressed, Mr. Yang then announced, “I witnessed the power of belief. Falun Gong practitioners' compassion and their perseverance in their belief eclipse other religious believers'! I was so moved by that practitioner's attitude.”
This retired teacher finally realized how steadfast Falun Gong practitioners have been in carrying out the difficult task of saving sentient beings over the past 16 years. He sympathized with and praised them. I nodded from time to time and held back my tears as he related his story. We were finally in agreement.
I live very close to Mr. Yang, but I could not make him understand Falun Gong. It was the righteous thoughts and actions of that young practitioner that had moved him and led to his positive opinion of Falun Gong.
I've had experiences similar to this young practitioner's, but I've never calmly apologized to anyone who was rude. At most, I only reluctantly said that I wished him well. In addition, I always felt at a loss when I spoke to people who thought themselves superior to others.
Apparently, I am far behind in my cultivation. I should study the Fa more diligently and follow Master's instructions more carefully.
Category: Improving Oneself
