I Stopped Seeking Praise for Doing the Right Thing

(Minghui.org) I own a small laundry shop, and I mend customers’ clothes. I always check their clothing for damage before I wash it to avoid disputes later. While looking for defects, I often find money in the pockets. In the past, I was very happy when I found money—I did not intend to keep it, but return it. When I returned the money the customers praised me and said I was a good person. I enjoyed the recognition, and I felt that I had higher morals than most people.

One customer left me with a very bad impression after bargaining with me to wash her sports clothes, even though the price I charge is already very low. I later found 100 yuan in her clothing. I jokingly thought about her behavior—she argued about the price but left 100 yuan behind. Even though I was irritated, I returned the money and expected to see a happy face. To my surprise, she said, “Thank you” very reluctantly. I told her that I returned the money because I practiced Falun Dafa, and this seemed to worry her. I was disappointed because this time my good deed did not get positive feedback. I concluded that people like her did not deserve their money back. If I were not a Falun Dafa practitioner, there’s little chance I would have returned her money. I did not realize how inappropriate my thoughts were.

Removing the Attachment to Fame

Sometimes I found a few coins in the pockets that no one would care about. I accumulated a lot of coins over the years. I thought that I should return these coins as well so I began to put them back with the washed clothes. When the customers picked up their laundry, I clarified the facts about the persecution to them. They agreed with me and many people decided to quit the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its youth organizations. Occasionally, I forgot to give the money back, so I visited the customers' homes to return their money.

I wondered why I always found money in the laundry. Was Master Li (Dafa’s founder) testing me to see if I was attached to gain? I no longer had the desire for self-interest, but I found that I still have the attachment to being praised, and being recognized. After I identified these attachments, I gradually stopped paying attention to whether or not people thanked or praised me. It became normal for me to return other people’s money. As my character improved over time, I seldom found money in the laundry.

After cultivating for eight years, I removed my strong desire to be recognized for good deeds. Instead, I felt calm and it was natural to do the right thing. I knew I should work hard, continue to improve myself, and eliminate any inappropriate thoughts.

Consideration for Others

Last winter, a man in his 30s brought in a jacket that was made of a synthetic fiber. The cloth was very worn out. Its surface was covered in lint balls, and some of the outer coating had peeled off. It would cost him 30 yuan to wash and repair. I suggested he not spend money on it, since it was in such bad condition. However, he wanted it done.

When checking the clothing, I found a plastic bag, tucked in an inner layer, containing 65 yuan and delivery receipts detailing how many boxes of eggs went to one address and how many steamed buns went to another address. I felt very sorry for the young man—I knew that many young folks carry mortgages and car loans, and have to support their families. I washed the top and repaired it very carefully so it looked like new. The young man was very pleased. I also handed him the plastic bag with the money and his receipts. He wanted to give me 15 yuan but I refused. He thanked me repeatedly. I wished I could clarify the Dafa facts to him, but ran out of time.

I am fortunate to learn Falun Dafa in my life. Dafa has gradually changed me from being selfish to being considerate of others. In the remaining limited time, I must strictly demand of myself to do the three things well, and return home with Master.

I am very grateful for Master’s compassion. Thank you, Master!