(Minghui.org) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) recently ended its zero-COVID policy and eased up on its strict lockdown regulations. Positive cases of COVID soon exploded across the country. Some previously unreported or under-reported information also surfaced.
My company was also hit with increasing positive cases. Among over 200 employees, only less than 20 still showed up for work in the office as one after another, positive cases emerged. From what we heard from family and friends, the virus has been spreading quickly. Most of my coworkers chose to work from home to avoid being infected for as long as possible. Based on news reports and information from other channels, many agree that it is just a matter of time before we all get infected.
Under such circumstances, some Falun Dafa practitioners began to exhibit COVID symptoms such as fever, cough, body pain, and headache. The practitioners that I knew who tested positive included my own family members, my coworkers, and practitioners in nearby communities. Since this situation is so common, I would like to share some thoughts here.
Master Li, the founder of Falun Dafa, wrote,
“There is also a certain segment of practitioners, among whom are veterans to the practice, who are regularly involved in Dafa work and who have continued to study the Fa, but who aren’t able to overcome certain blocks at critical moments.”
“...while saving people you have helped to eliminate for many people bacteria and viruses thousands of times more potent than those of any epidemic. And yet you haven’t managed to handle the matter of the pandemic properly, on a personal level.” (“Wake Up”)
It is time for us to reflect on the situation: “Will Dafa practitioners get infected with COVID like everyday people? Will we have symptoms like everyday people?”
Master also wrote,
“What I want to tell you is that you are sizing yourself up with human thinking, rather than viewing things from the perspective of someone who is devoted to spiritual practice. And that is because there is a flaw in how you have developed yourself spiritually.” (“Wake Up”)
Based on my understanding and observations, some practitioners have not yet understood this situation as a practitioner.
From media reports and medical experts, some practitioners learned that many need to be infected in order to achieve herd immunity. Since many people around us tested positive, we are likely to get infected sooner or later. As the symptoms are similar those of the flu, some practitioners felt that getting infected may not be a big deal. Without a clear understanding, some spent lots of time learning about COVID prevention, current trends, and looked into measures of self-protection.
In my opinion, all these thoughts are based on human notions, not Dafa teachings. When going out, we may also wear masks, but the purpose is to conform to everyday society instead of protecting us from the virus per se. The difference can be subtle, but it is critical.
I think it is important for us to know the expectations for us in this environment. Do we firmly believe Master’s words about our power and capabilities as mentioned in “Wake Up”? Suppose many more people around us are infected with all kinds of severe symptoms, would we doubt ourselves? Would we make our mask tighter to avoid infection?
Suppose a large component of the population is dying and there are corpses everywhere, would we worry about our own health or make the best use of every minute to save more people? Having faith in Master and Dafa is beyond mere words. It is from our heart and our mind. If we truly have the power to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other elements way more potent than the pandemic, wouldn’t these things run away from us to avoid being eliminated?
From another angle, the pandemic is not accidental. It could be related to the manifestation of the Fa-rectification. If so, we must be clear that the center stage is for Dafa disciples to save people. It is not random who will be infected and who will not. It is a test of whether people – and ourselves – really believe in the divine. Therefore, we cannot think or act like everyday people.
In both Chinese and Western culture, there exists the god of plague. Would the god of plague be afraid of pandemics or ensure self-protection? Of course not. In fact, any thought like this is insulting to divine beings.
Furthermore, if Dafa disciples are all infected like everyday people, how would people react? How would they react to our words about Falun Dafa? Therefore, we need to be mindful of our actions as well.
By following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and constantly improving ourselves, we Dafa disciples are walking towards the divine. Saving people is fulfilling our sacred vow. The recent death of Jiang Zemin and the rollback of the zero-COVID policy have given us more opportunities to save people. The most important thing is that we understand this and act like genuine Dafa disciples.
Editor's note: This article only represents the author’s understanding in their current cultivation state meant for sharing among practitioners so that we can “Compare in studying, compare in cultivating.” (“Solid Cultivation,” Hong Yin)