(Minghui.org) Greetings, esteemed Master! Greetings, fellow practitioners!
I began practicing Falun Dafa in 1996. For a long time, I practiced alone and my cultivation state was up and down. Later, under Master’s compassionate arrangement, I connected with fellow practitioners and began cultivating diligently. Master has constantly cared for me and provided me with many opportunities to save people. My involvement in truth clarification activities has given me a deeper appreciation of Master’s arrangements. I’d like to tell you about my experiences in clarifying the truth to ride-hailing drivers.
Clarifying the Truth
I frequently use online ride-hailing cars (similar to an Uber service) to go to work and meet clients—I sometimes take cars several times a day. This has become the focus for my truth clarification efforts, as I meet all kinds of drivers in the process. From Chinese to English speakers, from old to young, from locals to Chinese nationals. Not all ride-hailing drivers work full-time. Like myself, some work part time during peak hours, others drive to pass the time and chat with passengers, while others just want to earn enough to cover the cost of maintaining their cars.
The drivers come from diverse backgrounds. Within this small sphere, I clarified the truth to people from all walks of life. It’s easy to clarify the truth while taking ride-hailing cars, as the isolated space makes it easier for two people to talk over a period of time. Moreover, drivers are generally more talkative, and the information they volunteer allows me to understand their backgrounds and determine the starting point from which to clarify the truth.
At the beginning, I was afraid and embarrassed to speak. The desire to save face, pride and self-preservation created obstacles and caused poor results. I knew my failings, and after each attempt, would identify the areas where I did not do well, the attachments I had, and assess if I had been too self-centered and adjust my method of speaking. After years of review and hands-on training, I developed a personalized method, in Chinese and English, that allowed me to introduce and expand on truth clarification topics. Now, once I enter the car and exchange a few words, I am able to grasp the other party’s personality, and how to go about approaching the topic of truth clarification.
If the ride is short, I skip my usual conversation starters and bring up topics related to China. The influx of Chinese immigrants to Singapore in recent years triggered local Singaporeans’ interest in learning more about them. After briefly talking about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) human rights abuses during the epidemic, which forced Chinese people to flee their homeland, I bring up Falun Gong. I mention that the practice was originally established to teach people how to be good, and why Falun Gong practitioners were being persecuted in China. I give the driver truth clarification materials. The driver usually accepts what I say and agrees to read the information.
For longer rides, I use a more in-depth version. Singaporeans are aware of the large influx of Chinese immigrants, but most are unaware that these Chinese are fleeing China. I usually ask the driver if they know why so many Chinese people moved to Singapore. Jack Ma’s wife, the founder of Haidilao, and many other wealthy people immigrated here, while many Chinese live in Singapore’s wealthy districts. Most drivers are aware of this, but don’t know the reason behind it.
I explain the CCP’s measures forced upon China during the zero COVID policy lockdown during the pandemic, which caused Chinese to flee abroad. I also mention the Cultural Revolution and the June 4th incident, which many locals are aware of. I then cover the basics about Falun Gong, the persecution that began in 1999 and why Falun Gong practitioners are still persecuted and their organs are harvested while they are alive. Most people understand the situation and sympathize with practitioners.
Many people assume the Chinese economy is doing well and that Chinese people are happy. I tell people these are lies fabricated by the media. Many drivers asked why their Chinese friends staunchly defend the CCP. I explain how the CCP manipulates state media to brainwash Chinese people into believing their lies, and that China and the CCP are two different things, and that being patriotic does not equate to loving the CCP.
Although it sounds like a lot, I’m able to explain the situation in 10-15 minutes, while answering their questions. I pay attention to my listener’s reactions while I speak, and answer their questions. Many Singaporeans have Chinese friends who are deceived by the CCP, and what they tell Singaporeans is the typical propaganda fabricated by the CCP. Unless they understand the full picture, Singaporeans cannot determine if you are telling them the truth or not. But because Singaporeans are generally kind by nature, once the situation is laid out from a logical and factual perspective, they understand and their good side is not easily swayed. Besides obtaining salvation through learning the truth, some think about their purpose in life and their fundamental values. Many drivers thank me for explaining the situation. A policeman told me that he was only aware of negative reports about Falun Gong and that day was the first time he had heard the truth. One civil servant wanted to learn the exercises and participated in the free online course.
Hurrying to Save People
Sometimes I encounter elderly Chinese drivers who refuse to accept what I say. In the past, I prepared myself as though I were going into battle. These encounters often ended up in arguments due to my attachment to arguing and showing off. While clarifying the truth to people, “Compassion can harmonize Heaven and Earth, ushering in spring.” (“The Fa Rectifies the Cosmos,” Hong Yin II).
Saving people should not be viewed as a way to validate myself. Now, whenever the other party asks questions, I smile and wait for them to finish speaking. I listen calmly because I know how to respond and untie the knot in their minds.
Many older Chinese Singaporeans continue to be deceived. They believe China is prosperous and refuse to listen to anyone who criticizes the CCP. Some even say they will sell their homes and retire in China. I ask them if they realize that many Chinese fled to Singapore. Normally the response is, “Quite a large number.” I point out, “A large number of Chinese are fleeing China, yet you want to sell your house and retire in China. Either you know something they don’t, or they know something you don’t. The possibility that these Chinese people know something you don’t know is much greater. If China really is as good as you say, then why have Chinese people been fleeing in droves over the past few years? Are they fools? Don’t sell your house. Instead, gather information from different media outlets and analyze it.” Convinced, many elderly Chinese say, “Yes, they would know more than me. If you hadn’t pointed this out so clearly, I would have been deceived.”
One time, as soon as I got into an elderly Chinese driver’s car, he started cursing the CCP. I told him about the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and how the Party harvests organs from practitioners. He told me he recently drove an elderly Singaporean man who went to Tianjin for an organ transplant. The elderly man told him that when he called the Tianjin Hospital, he was told, “You can come and have the surgery at any time. The hospital has enough donors to meet your needs.” After his successful surgery, the elderly man returned to Singapore and recounted his experience to the driver.
This driver said he knew the truth behind the CCP’s framing of Falun Gong. At the start of the persecution, his friend (possibly a TV station staff) was transferred to a department in charge of producing materials to slander Falun Gong. I told this driver the principle of karmic retribution and the importance of quitting the CCP, and he agreed to quit. After we parted I was unable to calm down for a long time. While I was happy that he made the right choice, I also felt the heavy burden of saving lives weighing on me. I knew I needed to clarify the truth and let people in Singapore know the situation in China, or those who listen to the CCP may inadvertently participate in its crimes.
Persisting Despite Difficulties
When I talk to one person, I’m able to speak freely. However, when there are many people, I’m a little hesitant. After I got used to clarifying the truth to the drivers, an amazing phenomenon occurred. More people started catching a ride in the car with me, and I suddenly found myself riding with the driver’s family members or friends. Some drivers asked if they could take a few more passengers so they could earn more money. As I did not know when these passengers would reach their destination, I was forced to clarify the truth quickly, lest some got out of the car while I was halfway through. I was surprised the first few times, but after a while, I realized this was no coincidence.
Master said,
“There was a person with very good inborn quality, who was indeed a good prospect. I found him to be very good and increased his tribulations a little bit so that he could quickly repay karma and become enlightened—I was preparing it this way.” (Lecture Six, Zhuan Falun)
Perhaps Master saw I was doing well, and increased the level of difficulty by a bit so I could quickly improve. It’s also better to speed up than slow down in our truth clarification efforts.
I started thinking about conversation starters suitable for this kind of situation, especially since the different parties might be unfamiliar with each other. This would allow me to catch everyone’s attention without having to overcome barriers. I decided to start with issues that every Singaporean thinks about, such as the rising cost of living, or ask the other party what line of work they were in. Each time, I would start off by greeting the others warmly, “It’s nice to ride with you,” and the other party usually responds politely.
Those living in Western influenced societies, such as Singapore, value their privacy and prefer not to be disturbed. I thought, “Should I take the initiative to talk to others?” Whenever I feel uncertain, I think of Master’s teaching,
“Clarifying the facts and saving sentient beings are what you need to accomplish. There is nothing else for you to accomplish. There is nothing else in this world that you need to accomplish.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the 2015 New York Fa Conference,” Collected Fa Teachings, Vol XIII)
Throughout our different lifetimes we established karmic connections with many people. Sentient beings have been waiting millions of years for practitioners to tell them about Dafa. My wish to save face should not prevent me from completing my mission. I should do things well within acceptable boundaries of ordinary society. Not doing it, however, is definitely unacceptable.
Once I took the same car with a young girl. As soon as she sat down, she put on her headphones, listened to music while looking at her phone and laughing. I had no way of knowing when she would get off. I thought, “There’s no chance to talk to her. I’ll just focus on clarifying the truth to the driver later.” Yet my heart refused to give up. How could a practitioner, whose mission it is to save people, give up so easily? Suddenly, the girl pulled off her headphones. I quickly told her that I was from China and wanted to let her know about something that had happened there. Because of her youth, I did not expect her to be interested in topics such as the CCP. But to my surprise, she was very interested and asked a few questions. I quickly told her the facts behind the persecution, and she thanked me. After she got out, I talked to the driver. He said, “I overheard what you said. How could such a thing happen in this world? It’s so cruel.”
Sometimes, after a tiring day at work, all I want to do is close my eyes and rest for a while after getting in the car. Despite the temptation to forego today and not clarify the truth, my responsibilities as a Dafa disciple overrule my desire for comfort. No matter how tired I am, I must continue to clarify the truth. Otherwise, I will fail my mission and disappoint sentient beings. I sometimes meet quiet drivers who refuse to engage in conversation no matter how I talk to him. Whenever this occurs, I silently send forth righteous thoughts. No matter what arrangement the evil has made, I will break this barrier which prevents the other party from hearing the truth. After sending forth righteous thoughts, some drivers have a sudden change in attitude and immediately express their desire to hear the truth. As long as I have righteous thoughts, I’m able to clarify the truth.
Master’s Boundless Grace
I met many Chinese nationals while taking ride-hailing cars, and most are able to accept the truth and withdraw from the CCP. On my way to attend a media event, I thought, “Master, I haven’t met many Chinese nationals recently.” After getting into the car, I learned the driver was from China and immigrated to Singapore more than 20 years ago. As soon as he heard the facts, he immediately agreed to withdraw from the CCP. I silently thanked Master for helping me.
Over the years, I’ve had many amazing experiences while taking ride-hailing cars. I realized from my experiences that truth clarification does not need to conform to a single form. The goal is to have compassion for others. The most important thing is to make sure we cultivate well and do the three things every day. While nothing changes on the surface, as long as one perseveres, one will be able to feel each step of Master’s compassionate arrangement. When I fail, Master encourages me. When I’ve done well, Master helps me handle things better, so that I can save more people. Master has endured countless difficulties for us, while giving us the best.
It depends on whether my cultivation is up to standard, and whether I choose to follow my righteous thoughts or my human heart. Even though I cannot see with my third eye, I truly feel the boundless abilities of cultivation, the infinite power of the Fa, and Master’s great compassion. I remember Master said, “Set your cultivation goal as high as you want, as long as you dare to!” (“Fa Teaching at the 2019 New York Fa Conference,” Collected Fa Teachings, Vol XV)
When I’m in the midst of tribulations and suffering from illness karma, when the opportunity to clarify the truth is presented to me, I sometimes manage to break through but sometimes I fail to overcome the barriers. This repeated process of suffering, studying the Fa, and learning from diligent practitioners only serves to strengthen my righteous thoughts. As I achieve greater understanding of what cultivation is and how to improve myself, I find more aspects that I need to improve on and more people to be saved. I will seize these opportunities, do my part well, stop worrying about how much time is left, challenge myself to let go of my human attachments and save more sentient beings in order to return home with Master.
Thank you, Master! Thank you, fellow practitioners!
(Presented at the 2024 Singapore Fa Conference)
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