by a western practitioner written at World Falun Dafa Day 2003 in Brisbane
A practitioner said to me ,’how can we explain such things to the public of why we practise Falun Dafa and what is the importance of truth , compassion and tolerance in the world? How can the public who do not practise Falun Dafa understand the concept of why we embrace and practise forbearance ? How can the public understand that we celebrate having truth , compassion and forbearance in our lives? How will they understand why we are celebrating today whilst millions of Falun Dafa practitioners are persecuted in China, by a regime that has made the principles of truth , compassion and tolerance illegal. ? I want to clarify and share my understanding as a practitioner of Falun Dafa. I am not sure how best to express to others the importance of the principles, in my life, especially Forbearance. Why do I see and feel the beauty of enduring hardships and tribulations? I have decided on this day , that I wish to at least try to express this.
On the surface the world is in growing chaos, there is no doubt about it. Is it a time to celebrate? Why?
Due to my practice of Falun Dafa, whilst the world grows increasingly chaotic, my internal world grows more understanding of the world, more peaceful, more still…
I have more honesty within myself , more compassion to all people and I understand the need to forbear that which I sometimes do not understand at the time.
Is it a time to celebrate?
I see so many people looking inside themselves for answers. Recognising that there is a time in one’s life to stop and take count. To really consider which way to go from here.
I cannot say that Falun Dafa is for everyone, and yet I can say that it here for everyone in the world if they choose it to be so. Li Hongzhi has offered to teach every one of us in the world how better to take responsibility for ones own actions to be a better person for ourselves and for society. Within the guidance of the teachings, the practice of the principles of Truth, Compassion and Tolerance , I would say that truly looking inside ones self is to ‘endure’ . We learn to be accountable for ourselves . We learn to change ways that are harmful to ourselves and others in society. Sometimes it is no easy task, this is for sure….it is worth it. For we learn to recognise that whilst the external world grows in increasing disarray, our inner world grows more aligned , more focused.
It is time.
The world needs to find a better way. The people of the world need to find a better way.
The world recognises that it is in a state of increasing chaos. Seemingly spiralling down some unbeknown path. To some place that so many feel that they have no control over. On the surface, the future of the world doesn’t seem bright. For myself and for those who practise Falun Dafa, whilst everyday is a test of a sort and whilst the world reflects an unsettled state, for me, today is bright, the future seems bright.
I think it is time that each and every human being on this earth tries to find the courage to look deeply within themselves. To acknowledge their beauty and their misgivings . To acknowledge that each and every one of us has a choice and a responsibility to ourselves and to society.
The world needs to learn better ways
The world recognises that it is falling in moral integrity.
We need to find a better way for our children, our children’s children… for all future generations..
Can we be selfless?
can we put others before ourselves?
It seems that these days , when someone turns to another for external help, there is always someone else there, ready to take advantage of the search, knowingly or unknowingly. There is usually someone else there ready to ‘ Take a Buck’ for every tear shed , for every pain in the bones….for every loss they feel. ( In the name of healing….)
There is a better way..
The world is unsettled, people of the world recognise that changes are coming ..
The world appears more chaotic on the surface and yet within it is a spiritual way called Falun Dafa, which makes sense of why the world is as it is. It makes sense of why we endure what each of us endures . Most importantly, it is a spiritual way that teaches us that regardless of what grievances or what hardships come our way that it is only how we respond to it that truly matters.
As a practitioner of Falun Dafa it is so encouraging, so overwhelming at times , to witness the forbearance, the tolerance , the endurance of practitioners of who have been persecuted for practising to be a better person; The bold and very real smiles of those here with us in Australia today whose family members are detained or have been killed in China for the practice of Truth , Compassion and Tolerance . Their smiles and the softness , the endurance, their steadfast strives and ongoing efforts to explain the truth of Falun Dafa to the world , their forbearance warms my heart. They and 100 million practitioners around the world ,reinforce the teachings , by their actions and help me to understand the true meaning of forbearance…tolerance, something this world could surely use more of.
For me, due to my practice , I can endure the world and its chaos. I grow more still, more directional. To where you may ask? To a place so comfortable within me that recognises the importance of truth, compassion and forbearance, a place within me that tries to reflect Truth , Compassion and Tolerance. I practise striving to be a better person . A person who genuinely practises a way that attributes to the betterment of society. I can truly celebrate today.
Boundless gratitude to Mr Li Hongzhi for his supreme compassion to all .
Posting date: 14/May/2003
Original article date: 12/May/2003
Category: Practitioners’ insights
