在大法修煉中成為更加成熟、自信的生命(PM 7th sharing)
泰河
我是來自墨爾本的大法弟子，於2020年5月13日得法。
得法前，雖然表面上我的生活看起來比較穩定，但內心卻一直感到困惑和壓抑，覺得人生沒有意義。當我在瑞士與前夫的婚姻走到盡頭時，我萌生了一念：「我想出家修行。」沒想到，正是這一念，成為了引領我在墨爾本走入法輪大法修煉的奇妙機緣。
第一部分、在天國樂團項目中修煉心性
剛加入天國樂團時，我只是抱著一顆歡喜心，覺得能學習一種樂器是件很開心的事。但感恩師尊慈悲安排，這是一條雖然艱難但卻能夠讓我在其中實修的道路。
回顧自己能夠在天國樂團項目中堅持到今天，我悟到，大法的每一個項目都不是輕而易舉就能做好的。如果不能真正用心，百分之百認真對待，並歸正自己的一思一念，就很難通過考驗，也難以取得成果。
學習法國號的過程，需要堅定的意志和持久的體力。我身材比較瘦小，卻要拿著一支將近三公斤重的銅管樂器，而且不能讓樂器靠在身上，還要在遊行的行進中，一邊運用氣息持續吹奏，保持音色穩定。
看到許多同修不到一年就通過了八首曲目的考核，而我卻花了兩年半才正式通過考核入團，這個過程不斷暴露出我內心深處隱藏的執著：自卑、灰心、對自己期望過高，以及妒嫉心和怕丟面子的心。每當有人問起我的學習進度時，我都會感到很大的壓力。
這種精神上的壓力曾經大到讓我難以承受。如果不是因為得法修炼了，按照過去的自己，恐怕早就放棄了。
通過學法，我不斷提醒自己，師父在《轉法輪》第九講中開示：
「我過去修煉的時候，有許多高人給我講過這樣的話，他說：「難忍能忍，難行能行」。」
繼續向內找，我發現自己遲遲不能過關的根本原因，是沒有合理安排好時間，不能精進煉功，同時還有一顆追求安逸的心。
師父在《大圓滿法》中开示：
「常煉法輪樁法可使修煉者全身全部貫通，是生慧增力，提高層次，加持神通的全修方法。」
我認識到，自己正需要「生慧增力」，既需要清晰的智慧，也需要充沛持久的體力，才能提高演奏能力。
於是，我重新安排每天的時間，確保自己能夠精進煉功。尤其是第二套功法，我努力做到每週煉三至四次一個小時的抱輪。
同時，我時時提醒自己背《大圓滿法》中第二套功法的煉功口訣：
“生慧增力，容心輕體；
似妙似悟，法輪初起。”
天國樂團這個項目，對我來說就像一面鏡子，能夠照出自己內心深處的各種執著。
有時很多根本執著交織在一起，同時表現出來，讓我很難清楚地分辨每一念。例如急躁、怨恨、不平衡，以及當別人沒有按照自己的想法做事時產生的失望和不滿。
有時候，只是一件很小的事情，就足以引發我內心的憤怒。雖然表面上我努力克制，不讓情緒表現出來，但內心的怨恨卻仍然存在。
有一次，我與母親同修發生了分歧。開車時，我一直沉浸在委屈和抱怨的情緒中不能自拔，結果撞上了前面突然煞車的汽車。
我平時開車一直很小心，從來沒有造成過交通事故。這次意外讓我警醒：長期以來，由於成長環境和所受教育的影響，我習慣把怨恨壓在心裡，以為只要不表現出來就沒有問題。
但這種怨恨心在心裡積累久了，遲早會在現實生活中表現出來，成為需要面對的考驗。
漸漸地，我開始學著觀察並克制自己的怨恨心。
最難的是，我不知道自己究竟放下了多少？很奇妙的是，我發現法國號的聲音，竟然成為了衡量自己心性狀態最直接的一把尺子。
每當我有怨恨心升起時，我吹奏的氣息就會變弱，甚至不順暢；而當我真正放下了怨恨，吹出來的聲音就會相應地變得更加穩定、準確。
隨著自己內心不斷的淨化，我的家庭環境也在不知不覺中發生了變化。
過去，我常常因為一些小事斤斤計較、無故生氣，造成夫妻之間不和睦。如今，丈夫看到我的改變後變得更加開心，還會自豪地向朋友稱讚我吹奏法國號的音色很美。
我真正體悟到，師尊安排我進入天國樂團，絕不是為了滿足我表面上喜歡音樂的願望，而是利用這種純正的藝術形式，讓我在其中不斷磨煉、歸正自己，成為一名真正的大法弟子。
師父在《二零零五年舊金山法會講法》中開示：
「如果你們真的把這些東西看的那麼重，就能夠克制它，那你就能夠消弱它，漸漸的徹底的去除掉。」
第二部分、突破怕心，在實修中增長智慧、講清真相
得法以前，我性格膽小、內向，習慣埋頭讀書，很少關心社會新聞。這使我剛開始講真相時，感到壓力非常大。
我的丈夫是俄羅斯裔，在澳洲生活了三十多年，但仍然深受前蘇聯共產主義思想的影響。他一直維護共產黨，甚至對大法有著非常不好的看法。
面對丈夫的攻擊和不理解，我感到無力和委屈。
通過向內找，我逐漸認識到，問題的根源並不只是自己表面上知識不足、能力不夠，而是自己還有私心，修煉狀態也不夠純正。
母親同修提醒我看一看《九評共產黨》和《魔鬼在統治著我們的世界》等書籍，但起初我並沒有真正用心去讀。
後來，隨著與同修交流、參與集體活動，我開始認識到，自己去聽一聽相關內容。
當我聽到《九評共產黨》時，內心受到很大的震動。它讓我從過去對共產黨的天真認識中清醒過來，也幫助我清除自己思想中受到的毒害。
通過每天學法帶給我的智慧，以及對邪黨的本質有了進一步了解，我開始耐心地坐下來與丈夫交談。
這一次，我不再抱著爭鬥心，也不是為了在政治觀點上爭個輸贏，而是用慈悲心，幫助他擺脫共產邪靈的影響，引導他重新認識神佛。
我根據他的接受程度，一次次耐心地講，慢慢地，他心中的偏見開始消除。
丈夫不僅改變了對大法的認識，還開始真誠地念「法輪大法好，真善忍好」。
他甚至會在開車上班的路上，主動收聽揭露共產邪靈的相關內容。
現在，他尊重我的修煉，也很樂意為我創造安靜的學法環境，還會提醒我準時去煉功點煉功。每個星期天早晨，他也會定期和我們一起去煉功點。
這個變化讓我深刻體悟到，真正改變丈夫思想、使他相信大法的，不是我們之間的辯論，而是我發自內心的善良、慈悲和救人的心。
這種轉變也延伸到了我的日常生活中。現在，面對不同的講真相環境，我能夠更加平和地應對，遇到困難時知道向內找，並請師父加持自己的正念。
有一次，我從墨爾本前往悉尼參加遊行，這次經歷讓我更加深刻地體會到整體配合的力量。
去程時，我們乘坐了一輛 Uber，司機是一位法國人。車上的中國同修不太會說英語，便示意我向司機講真相。
當時我有些不知所措，雖然努力開口，但由於知道的內容有限，只說了幾句話，就不知道接下來該說什麼。
這時，中國同修提醒了我幾個英文關鍵詞，例如「活摘器官」和「神韻」。
我一下子明白了應該從哪些方面向司機講真相，於是努力用英語和法語與他交流。
行程快結束時，我突然想起自己還有一張大法真相傳單，便拿出來送給司機。他很高興地接受了。
我明白，中國同修雖然不會用英語講真相，但一直在默默發正念，配合救人。
回程時，我們遇到的是一位印度裔司機。這一次，我主動坐到了副駕駛座位上，準備向司機講真相。其他同修也很自然地降低了說話聲音，安靜地發正念配合。
與去程時的緊張和膽怯不同，這一次，我不再迴避，而是能夠自然、流暢地向司機講真相。
在那個祥和、慈悲的環境中，我深深感受到了佛法的美妙和整體配合的力量。
我在心裡感謝同修們，也被師父對大法弟子的強大加持深深感動。
第三部分、走出來承擔責任，協助維護煉功點
師尊為大法弟子留下了集體學法、集體煉功的形式，使我們能夠在整體修煉環境中共同提高，互相交流、互相幫助。
剛開始修煉時，我並沒有認識到這種環境的重要性。
那時，我主要是一個人在家學法、煉功，只有在同修組織交流活動時才會參加。
雖然我已經讀完了師父的所有經文，但感覺自己的心性並沒有提高多少。
我很想參與大法項目，卻完全不知道應該從哪裡開始。對於做好三件事、救度眾生，我更覺得離自己很遙遠。
因為那時我連自己都還沒有修好：煉功時斷時續，經常與丈夫爭吵，對母親同修也常常感到不滿，甚至連法輪大法究竟好在哪裡，都無法清楚地向別人說明。
第一個考驗出現，是一位住在我家附近的新學員。她因為病業問題來找我，希望能夠得到幫助，當時她對修煉也感到很迷茫。她經常到我家，詢問應該怎樣修煉才是正確的。
我不敢說自己對法有多深的理解，也不敢隨便回答。但因為自己已經讀過師父的經文，對大法的信心也比較堅定，所以我建議她把師父的經文都讀一遍，因為很多問題的答案都在法中。
可是，她讀到一半就放棄了，說自己不想再修煉，因為她對大法產生了懷疑，想去治病。
師父在《轉法輪》第六講〈心一定要正〉中開示：「不能夠強迫你修、逼著你修。」
我沒有被情帶動，而是平靜地對她說：「妳去吧，沒關係，我相信有一天妳還會回來修煉大法的。」
她離開了一段時間後，果然又回來了，並決定繼續修煉。
我悟到，師父安排她來找我，是為了讓我學習如何幫助別人，明白救人究竟意味著什麼。
她回來後，我開始陪伴她一起修煉。她常常覺得修煉太難，向我訴說自己的苦惱。我就耐心地和她分析遇到的情況，並問她：「妳的緣分已經到了，現在不修煉，妳還想做什麼呢？」她無法回答這個問題。
在師父的安排下，她逐漸堅定了修煉的信心，繼續和我一起修煉。
隨著這位同修的信心越來越堅定，我們開始交流如何做好三件事，悟到哪裡就做到哪裡，並逐漸把注意力放到了煉功點上。
正好那時，墨爾本東南區一位年長的西人同修，需要年輕同修協助維護當地的兩個煉功點。
於是，我們兩人分工合作，各自承擔起維護煉功點的責任。
後來，又出現了一個機緣。
有一對年長夫婦，是母親同修的朋友。過去，他們一直拒絕了解法輪功，但有一天卻突然表示想學法。
我便和那位同修商量，決定立即在兩位老人家中成立一個面對面的學法小組，每週學法三次。
我們有一個共同的認識：幫助別人，其實也是在幫助自己。
雖然我們都沒有組織面對面學法小組的經驗，但還是努力放下各種怕心，包括怕麻煩、怕花時間，以及擔心兩位老人是否能夠堅持下去的想法。
就這樣，兩年多來，我們每個星期都按時到兩位老人家中學法。我們沒有想太多，只是把每次學法都當成自己應該做的事情。
剛開始時，由於兩位老人讀法速度很慢，經常讀錯字，還會不斷提出一些基本問題，讀完一講《轉法輪》往往需要兩個半到三個小時。但我們並沒有著急，而是耐心地幫助他們糾正每一個字，交流每一個問題。
在這個過程中，我自己也受益很大。由於我的漢越詞彙知識比較有限，通過一起讀法，我對許多漢越詞語有了更深入的理解。
漸漸地，兩位老人在學法上也有了很大進步，後來只需要一個半小時，就能夠讀完一講。
在師尊的加持下，我們的學法小組一直穩定地堅持下來，大家越學越順暢，對法的理解也越來越清晰。
雖然每個人都帶著自己的觀念來學法，難免心性會發生碰撞，但正是在這些矛盾中，我們在大法的指導下才能不斷提高。
以前，我一個人在家讀法時，還曾自以為理解得很好。但在集體學法中，同修們提出的一些看似簡單的問題，卻讓我對法有了許多新的認識。
不知不覺中，大家開始稱呼我為「班長」。兩年多來，雖然我們在維持面對面學法小組的過程中，也遇到過一些不理解和困難，但這個小組逐漸產生了積極的影響。
附近一些越南裔中老年學員受到鼓勵，也開始組織另一個面對面的學法點。
看到大家能夠主動互相幫助，定期學法，一起幫助新學員，我更加深刻地體會到了集體修煉環境的力量。
這段經歷讓我更加深刻地理解了師父在《轉法輪》第三講中所講的集體學法、集體煉功的重要意義。師父開示：
「我們的煉功場比其它任何功法的練功場都好，我們那個場只要你去煉功，比你調病要強的多。我的法身坐一圈，煉功場的上空還有罩，上面有大法輪，大法身在罩上面看場。那個場不是一般的場，不是一般的練功那樣的場，是個修煉的場。我們很多有功能的人都看到過我們法輪大法這個場，紅光罩著，一片紅。」
我悟到，無論是集體學法、集體煉功，還是一起參加遊行、講真相、做好三件事，當我們共同參與時，有師父的法身看護，整體的能量場也會更加強大。
因此，我們應該珍惜師父為我們安排的這個純正的修煉環境，互相鼓勵，共同精進。
師父在《洪吟》〈安心〉中开示：
緣已結
法在修
多看書
圓滿近
我一直希望能夠與更多來自不同國家的同修一起修煉，互相幫助，清除思想業和各種執著給修煉帶來的障礙。
後來，由於丈夫希望能有一個與人交流、互動更多的環境，我轉到了一位西人同修負責的煉功點。
這個機緣讓我有機會接觸不同文化背景的同修，也使我對不同文化中的思維方式和做事方法有了更深的理解。
過去，我一直認為，去煉功點就是要專心煉功，實修自己，然後就可以回家了。
但這位西人同修讓我對此有了不同的認識。
我逐漸明白，設在常人社會中的煉功點，不僅是我們自己返本歸真的修煉環境，同時也是面向眾生、洪揚大法的重要場所。
負責的同修會親切地關心遲到的學員，主動幫助他們糾正煉功動作。同時也會向路過的常人發放真相傳單、贈送蓮花，或者教新學員煉功。
相比之下，我卻常常只顧著自己煉功，沒有想到身邊的眾生。
這位同修是一名修煉多年的老弟子。她經常提醒我一句話：那就是「妳必須放下自我。」
後來我悟到，這其實是師父通過同修對我的點化，只是過了很長時間，我才真正明白其中的含義。
與這位同修一起配合兩年多後，我逐漸學會了放下自私的心，更多地為別人著想，以寬容的心態對待周圍的人。
在這位同修的鼓勵下，我開始主動安排時間，承擔輔導員的責任，協助維護煉功點。
回顧這兩年多來走過的修煉之路，我由衷感謝師尊的慈悲安排，讓我在不同的環境中磨煉自己、提高心性。我願在今後的修煉道路上更加堅定，不斷精進。
以上是我在實修過程中的有限體悟。如有不当之处，敬请慈悲指正！
感恩師尊！
謝謝同修！
Becoming mature and confident in Dafa Cultivation
H P
My name is Ha Pham, I am a Dafa practitioner in Melbourne; I obtained the Fa on May 13, 2020. Before I encountered Falun Dafa, although my life appeared stable on the surface, I felt lost, and that life was meaningless. When the relationship with my ex-husband came to an end in Switzerland, the thought of “becoming a nun” arose within me. I believe it was a predestined relationship that eventually led me to practice Falun Dafa in Melbourne, a spiritual discipline practiced amid the ordinary world.
1) Joining the TianGuo marching band: a journey to improve my character and to cultivate wholeheartedly
When I first joined the marching band, I was driven simply by my interest in learning a musical instrument. Yet, Master, in His compassion, has arranged this rigorous, thorough path to help me improve my heart. Looking back on the journey, to remain steadfast in the band to this day, I have come to realize that no Dafa project is ever easy. If we don’t truly dedicate our hearts and commit 100% with strong, righteous thoughts, it is hard to overcome challenges or achieve any fruition.
For me, learning the French horn requires both mental determination and physical endurance. With my petite figure, I learned to hold this brass instrument, with its awkward shape and nearly 3 kg weight, against my body and play while marching. Yet, it is really challenging to maintain a steady, controlled airflow so the sound stays stable and clear while marching. Each member has a different arrangement to practice on their own to complete the required eight-piece examination. Some could pass it in under one year. I took two and a half years to complete that exam. That comparison brought my attachments to the surface: feelings of inferiority, discouragement, high expectations of self, jealousy, and a fear of losing face whenever others asked about my progress.
The mental pressure was so intense that I would surely have given up long ago if I was not a Dafa practitioner.
Master said in Zhuan Falun lecture 9: “When it’s difficult to endure, you can endure it. When it’s impossible to do, you can do it.” I remind myself to endure a little bit each and every day. Looking inward, I realized I haven’t balanced my exercise time well and have slacked off. Like practicing cultivation, learning a musical instrument is also boundless. The more one practices, the better the results. It truly shows how much effort one has put in. Therefore, learning to be selfless, confident, and serious with each musical note shows how I am building my character.
Master said in The Great Way to Spiritual Perfection:
“Frequent performance of Falun Standing Stance will facilitate the complete opening of the entire body. It is a comprehensive means of cultivation that enhances wisdom, increases strength, raises a person’s level, and strengthens supernatural powers. The movements are simple, but much can be achieved through the exercise.”
I realized I need to “enhance wisdom, increase strength”: wisdom to understand knowledge and physical strength to improve my performance, so I rescheduled my timetable to ensure I exercise every day. Especially for the Falun Standing Stance exercise, I try to do it for 60 minutes; in some unavoidable circumstances, I do it for only 30 minutes. I also recite the verse to remind myself about the power of this exercise:
“Wisdom is Enhanced and Powers Strengthened.
The Heart is Harmonized and Body Lightened.
As if in a Wondrous and Enlightened State.
The Falun Begins to Rise.”
The TianGuo Band project is where my human heart is fully exposed, a complex web of fundamental attachments that surface at once, making it hard to distinguish one thought from another: impatience, resentment, a sense of grievance, and frustration. I used to have a short temper when others failed to act according to my expectations. Even the slightest disagreement, no matter how trivial or unreasonable, can upset me from within, yet on the surface I manage to suppress it and keep it from showing.
An unforgettable lesson happened when I disagreed with my mother, who is a practitioner. That day, I couldn’t let it go and bottled up my frustration while driving; then I lost focus and slammed into the vehicle ahead, which had stopped abruptly. As someone typically very cautious, I had never caused an accident before; this incident served as a wake-up call: the habit of suppressing resentment cultivated over time by my upbringing and environment is far from “harmless,” and now manifests on the surface.
Gradually, I learned to observe and restrain my sense of resentment. However, it is difficult to truly measure how much I have let go of attachments. Remarkably, I discovered that the French horn became the most genuine “yardstick” for my state of mind: whenever resentment surfaced, my breath would immediately weaken, become obstructed, or even feel suffocated. Conversely, the more I let go, the more stable and precise my sound became, and my airflow was steady and controlled.
This process of inner purification naturally transformed my family environment. I used to become upset and resentful over petty issues, which led to friction with my husband. Now, I am much more cheerful. My husband, in turn, has become proud of me and even praises my French horn playing to his friends. I have come to realize that Master brought me into the band not merely to indulge a hobby, but to use this righteous art form to refine, rectify, and cultivate the character of a Dafa disciple.
Master said in Teachings at the 2005 Conference in San Francisco:
“If you truly take these things that seriously, you will be able to restrain them. Then you will be able to weaken them and gradually get rid of them completely.”
Master also added: “That [occurs] because things developed over a long period of time have been separated into layers by factors pressed down here by beings from the old cosmos. So each time a layer is broken through, that layer is wiped out; then another layer is broken through and wiped out; and another is broken through and wiped out. In this way, they will become weaker and weaker, and there will be fewer and fewer of them. They won’t be gone all at once, and this is what leads you to experience that [feeling you have]. The same applies to many other human attachments, the same happens with them.”
2) Overcoming fear to clarify the truth through the wisdom gained from genuine cultivation
Before I obtained the Fa, I was timid from childhood and reluctant to engage in social conversations. I devoted most of my time to studying and reading, neglecting social and current affairs, which made clarifying the truth feel overwhelming and extremely vague. My lack of historical and political knowledge also hindered my ability to connect with my husband, who is of Russian origin and has lived in Australia for over thirty years. He remains deeply influenced by the Soviet communist system, passionately defending the socialist ideals of the USSR and viewing Falun Gong as an “evil cult.” This left me feeling helpless and wronged. I realized that the root cause did not lie in any superficial inadequacy, but in my own selfishness and a state of cultivation that was not yet entirely pure.
Through my mother’s words, Master introduced me to the Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party and How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World. At first, I paid little attention to these works. However, after practicing and interacting with other practitioners, I realized their significance and decided to listen to these texts. When I finally listened to the editorial board’s series on communism, I was profoundly shaken. It awakened my innate innocence and helped purge the ideological toxins within me.
I came to realize that the evil party not only controls society through violence but also implants distorted notions deep within the microscopic levels of sentient beings causing people, in their state of delusion, to defend evil without even realizing it. A fellow practitioner shared with me that the series of Nine Commentaries are, in fact, the wisdom bestowed upon us disciples by Master to be used for saving sentient beings. I, too, have personally experienced the power of these works.
Drawing on the wisdom I’ve gained from daily Fa study and my understanding of the true nature of the communist regime, I sat down patiently to talk with my husband. I approached these conversations not with a combative spirit or a desire to engage in political debate, but with a compassionate heart, seeking to disentangle him from the influence of the “red demon” and guide him toward the Divine. Through persistent, gentle dialogue, tailored to what he was ready to absorb, his prejudice gradually faded. His perspective has shifted, leading him to sincerely embrace the goodness of Falun Dafa and its universal principles: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. He also listens to the Nine Commentary series while driving to work. Furthermore, he has come to respect my practice, happily ensuring I have a quiet space to study the Fa and reminding me to go to the exercise sites on time. He even joins us at the practice site every Sunday morning.
I was enlightened that it was precisely my kindness, compassionate heart and sincere desire to save others that truly transformed my husband’s mindset, leading him to believe in Dafa; it was not the result of those discussions.
This transformation also extended into my daily life, helping me remain calm when facing various situations while clarifying the truth. I learned to look inward and seek Master’s strengthening whenever I encountered difficulties. Another test came during the trip from Melbourne to Sydney for a parade that deeply underscored the power of working together as one body.
During the Uber trip there, I was initially at a loss when a Chinese fellow practitioner, who was not fluent in English, signalled for me to “clarify the truth” to our French-origin driver. With my limited knowledge, I managed only a few sentences before running out of things to say. The Chinese practitioners with their broken English then suggested some keywords, such as “organ harvesting”,” Shen Yun” which immediately clarified what I needed to talk about. I tried using both English and French to communicate with the driver. As the taxi ride came to an end, I remembered that I had a Dafa flyer in my instrument case; the driver happily accepted it. I realized that the Chinese practitioners had been silently sending forth righteous thoughts to support the effort of saving people.
On the Uber return trip that afternoon, we had an Indian driver. I took the initiative to sit in the front seat, while the rest of our group instinctively lowered their voices and quietly sent forth righteous thoughts. No longer hesitant or timid as I might have been before, I was able to fluently clarify the truth, all within the harmonious, compassionate, and truly wondrous environment of the Buddha Fa. I silently thanked my fellow practitioners; I was deeply moved by the powerful strengthening that Master bestows upon Dafa disciples!
3) Step forward to hold practice sites, coordinate small-scale group
Master has established the practice through group Fa-study and group exercises, allowing practitioners to improve in a one-body environment, share and exchange insights, and receive mutual support. At first, I didn’t grasp its importance, so I practiced on my own and only joined the group for scheduled gatherings. Although I had read all of Master’s books, my xinxing did not seem to improve much. I wanted to contribute to Dafa work, but I had no idea where to begin. Saving sentient beings seemed entirely out of reach, as I hadn’t even managed to “save” myself. My exercise practice was inconsistent; I spent my days still arguing with my husband, feeling frustrated with my mother practitioner, and unable to clearly articulate Dafa’s goodness to others.
The first test arose when a new practitioner who lived nearby came to me to discuss cultivation issues, seek solutions for her “karma sickness.” She would frequently visit to ask for my advice on how to practice correctly. Not wanting to claim any profound understanding or speak irresponsibly, I simply encouraged her to read all the teachings, as the answers to all her questions could be found within them. However, she stopped halfway through, declaring that she no longer wished to cultivate; she had begun to doubt Dafa and decided to seek medical treatment for her ailments instead.
Master said in Zhuan Falun, Lecture 6, Your Mind Must Be Righteous: “You cannot be made or forced to cultivate.” Instead of becoming attached to personal sentiment, I calmly said, “You are free to go; it’s alright. One day, you will return to practicing Dafa again.” She left for a time, but eventually returned, determined to continue her cultivation in Dafa. I came to realize that Master had arranged for her to enter my life to teach me what it truly means to save people. When she returned, I walked the path alongside her. She found cultivation difficult and would often vent about her hardships, but I patiently helped her analyze her situation and asked, “Your predestined relationship has arrived—if you don’t practice now, what else will you do?” With no answer, she continued to practice steadfastly by my side, guided by Master’s arrangement.
As her faith gradually grew stronger, we began discussing Dafa projects. As our understanding grew, we turned our attention to the practice sites. At that time, a veteran Western practitioner in south-eastern Melbourne needed younger practitioners to help maintain two local practice sites. So, we each took on a share of the responsibility.
Following that event, an elderly couple, who are friends of my mother, unexpectedly expressed an interest in reading Zhuan Falun, despite having long rejected the practice. I consulted with my fellow practitioner. We decided to immediately set up an in-person study group, three mornings a week at the couple’s home. Both of us shared a similar understanding: by helping others, we are, in fact, helping ourselves. Although we lacked experience in facilitating in-person groups, we cast aside all worries, whether it was time consuming or false judgement on how much they would persevere to continue with the practice.
For over two years, we arrived on time for the Fa study, as promised, driven solely by a desire to learn for our own benefit. At first, each Fa study session lasted two and a half to three hours because the two new practitioners read very slowly, frequently stumbled over words or misread the text, and kept asking basic questions. Yet, we never felt impatient; instead, we patiently corrected every word and addressed every issue. During the process, I myself benefited immensely, deepening my own limited understanding of Sino-Vietnamese words. Gradually, the couple got better at reading, and we spent only 1.5 hours to finish one lecture.
With Master’s blessing, our group has remained consistent. The more we study, the more things become clear. Each of us brings our own perspectives, which inevitably leads to friction, yet the mighty power of the Fa enables us to elevate ourselves through every conflict. I once prided myself on being “enlightened” while studying the teachings alone at home; however, simple questions posed by fellow practitioners in Fa study group have revealed countless layers of profound meaning of the Fa to me. Before I knew it, everyone had begun calling me the “coordinator.”
For over two years, we have maintained an in-person Fa study despite some initial bewilderment. Our small group has gradually spread encouragement, inspiring middle-aged Vietnamese practitioners in the area to establish another local study site. Seeing everyone proactively support one another, gather frequently, and guide newcomers, I have come to deeply appreciate the positive energy of our collective environment. Within the context of Dafa, even the smallest, most steadfast steps an individual takes contribute to connecting and strengthening the local body.
That success helped me gain a profound understanding of the vital importance of group Fa study and group exercise sites, as Master explained in Zhuan Falun, Lecture Three:
“My fashen are already so numerous that they are uncountable. Besides these students, no matter how many more people there are, I will still be able to take care of them.”
“Our exercise sites are better than any other qigong exercise sites. As long as you go to our exercise sites for practice, it is much better than your treating your own illness. My fashen sit in a circle, and above the exercise site is a shield on which there is a big Falun. A large fashen guards the site above the shield. This site is not an ordinary site, and neither is it a site for an ordinary qigong practice—it is a site for cultivation practice. Many of our people with supernormal abilities have seen that this Falun Dafa site is shielded by a red light so it is red all around.”
I have come to realize that the more Law Bodies are present to look after us, whether at the Fa study group, the exercise sites, a parade, the truth clarification points, or cooperation for Dafa projects, the more powerful the energy field becomes in that setting. Therefore, we should strive to encourage one another to remain within this righteous environment arranged by Master, so as to advance our own personal cultivation.
I would like to quote a verse in Hong Yin 1:
Set the Mind at Ease
The destiny is tied,
And Fa what you cultivate,
Study the book a lot,
Consummation draws near.
Understanding the obstacles arising from thought karma and attachments, I have always wanted to practice alongside fellow practitioners from Vietnam and other nationalities. Prompted by my husband’s desire for an environment with more interaction and exchange, we moved to a new practice site coordinated by a veteran Western practitioner. After moving, I gained a deeper understanding of how different cultural backgrounds shape ways of thinking.
Previously, I followed a certain mindset: arriving at a practice site meant focusing intensely, completing the full set of two-hour exercises for my own self-cultivation, and then heading home promptly. However, Western fellow practitioners introduced me to a broader perspective: a practice site set up amongst everyday life serves not only as a place for one’s own personal cultivation but also as an occasion for saving sentient beings and spreading the Fa. At this site, the schedule is flexible; the practice site coordinator kindly checks in with those who arrive late and proactively offers guidance to correct their movements. During the exercises, the coordinator is always ready to pause to hand out flyers, offer lotus flowers to passers-by, or assist new practitioners. Meanwhile, I remain self-centered, concerned only with my own practice. The veteran Western practitioner, who steadfastly maintains the practice site despite the negative influence of mainstream media in Australia, frequently reminds me: “You have to let go of yourself. You have to think of others and become selfless.”I knew Master hinted at it, but it took me a while to understand.
Over the course of more than two years of practicing together, that hint helped me transform my selfishness to become a self with altruism and tolerance. I learned to cultivate positive speech, knowing exactly when to speak and what to speak, in order to foster unity within the group and share the truth about Dafa. Encouraged by the veteran Westerner practitioner, I took the initiative to arrange my schedule to serve as a coordinator, helping to maintain a local exercise site.
Looking back over the past two-plus years, I am deeply grateful to Master for compassionately arranging various circumstances that have allowed me to temper myself and elevate my xinxing. This sharing is the reflection on my personal journey of genuine cultivation; while there are areas where I have done well, there are others that require greater effort—I vow to remain steadfast and diligent moving forward.
Thank you, Master! Thank you, fellow practitioners!