(Minghui.org) I began cultivating Falun Dafa in 2016. Before that, I used to have many bad habits that included smoking, drinking and being addicted to Internet games. I would like to share my cultivation journey and experience in helping young practitioners be more diligent in studying the Fa teachings.
How I Began to Practice Dafa
I first heard about Dafa from my mother-in-law, but I really didn’t understand what it was. My wife began practicing two years ago and would often tell me how wonderful Dafa was. I believed what she said even though I had not read the books.
Out of nowhere, tiny, red pimples started appearing all over my body. Initially, only some areas were a little itchy, but then I started to itch all over. My wife said it was a good thing because Master Li was eliminating my karma. I was elated that Master would do so, although I hadn't started to cultivate yet.
I was playing fewer Internet games after my wife told me about their negative effects, but I still couldn’t give up my addiction. As I was playing one of the games, my wife said, “Master is eliminating karma for you, but you continue to play those games. Please stop!”
I didn't reply, but I thought, “After the New Year, I will read the Dafa books.”
Several days later, two practitioners came over to talk to my wife. One of them later suggested that I study the Fa. I agreed since I had already thought I would.
The next day, I began to study the Fa. There are no words to describe how I felt. I finally understood the true purpose of life.
Learning to Let Go of Attachments
The itchiness worsened, waking me up in the middle of the night. I scratched my body until it bled. I was getting impatient and annoyed by the pain and itchiness.
Then, as I was studying one of Master’s overseas lectures with my wife, I enlightened that Master was helping me push the sickness karma out a little faster because I had obtained the Fa so late.
After that, whenever the itchiness woke me up, I would just get up and do the exercises. I knew Master was purifying my body. Along with letting go of being impatient and annoyed, the pimples and itchiness disappeared in two months. I am grateful for Master's boundless grace and do not know how to repay Him.
Clarifying the Truth to My Father
My father is a strong man and a Communist Party member. He believed in the regime’s propaganda about Falun Dafa and was blinded by the Party indoctrination. When he learned that my wife had taken up the practice, he told me that he would disown me if I became a practitioner, too.
When I began practicing, I didn’t dare tell him because of my fear. But as I continued to study the teachings, I understood the responsibilities and mission of a Dafa practitioner. I am different from ordinary people.
I changed a lot after obtaining the Fa. I was able to quit smoking even though I had smoked for 20 years, and I became more peaceful and compassionate. My father noticed the changes in me and realized that I had started practicing Dafa.
When I took my son to visit him and my mother, my father said, “You can't practice Falun Dafa!” I nodded but didn’t say anything.
When I got home, the more I thought about it, the more uncomfortable I felt. Master had done so much and suffered for me. I cried and asked myself, “Are you a Dafa practitioner? Are you still Master’s disciple? You don’t dare to admit that you are a practitioner because of some minor pressure!”
I made up my mind and decided to tell my father that I was practicing Dafa and that I would be an honest practitioner.
I took my child to my father’s home again. As soon as I sat down, he asked me if I was practicing Dafa. I firmly told him that I was. He became furious and began to yell at me. I was not moved and just sent forth righteous thoughts to clear the evil elements in other dimensions controlling him. I also asked for Master’s help.
After he finished yelling, I calmly told him the facts about Dafa and the persecution. He seemed to accept some of what I said. Although he was deeply deceived, I believe that he will understand the truth one day.
Improving Myself While Helping Others
In the autumn of 2017, I met several other young practitioners, one of whom hadn’t studied the Fa for many years. My wife and I invited her to our house one day. Before she came over, we sent righteous thoughts every night to clear the evil factors interfering with her Fa-study.
My wife had a sincere talk with her and learned that she still remembered Master’s teachings. Before she left, she promised to read Zhuan Falun again and join the Fa-study group. We were happy for her and knew that Master had arranged for us to help each other.
I later began to pick up three young practitioners to go to the group Fa-study every time. Although it took about 45 minutes one way, I felt it was my responsibility and mission. I didn’t mind the long drive, as long as that the young practitioners could cultivate diligently.
Going to group Fa-study has helped all of us improve. I realized that when we are helping fellow practitioners, we actually help ourselves. Their improvements can motivate us to be more diligent.
More and more young practitioners later began to return to Dafa. One of them agreed to come to study at my home. The first night, I waited for him downstairs as we had arranged. He didn’t show up at the time we were supposed to meet, but I waited, thinking he might have been stuck in traffic. After waiting another 30 minutes, I called him. He said that he was on a business trip and couldn't inform me because he didn't have my phone number.
We then agreed to meet at another time. I went downstairs to wait for him, but he didn’t show up again. I called him and he apologized, saying that he forgot we were supposed to meet. I knew that this was interference. I hoped that he could hurry to study the Fa. I sent righteous thoughts to remove the interference in other dimensions.
He eventually made it to my house on the third try. He now arrives on time and is clear on the Fa principles. He said that he had been missing such an environment. I knew that all of this was Master’s arrangement.
I am very grateful to Master for his efforts and compassion. In the future, I will cultivate more diligently, do the three things well, and return home with Master.
