PureInsight | February 28, 2010
[PureInsight.org] I remember I used to go to the library in elementary school and usually stayed there for a whole day. It was quiet and gave me a very comfortable feeling. As I read leisurely, it was like I was in my own small universe. In college when preparing for my thesis, I would sit in front of a computer all night. Although it was hard, I found it pleasurable and forgot everything existed outside.
Later in life, I occasionally sat in front of a computer with my fingers on the keyboard but not typing anything and I would feel a faint discomfort. That once marvelous feeling of concentration had disappeared without my knowing it. I saw my thoughts churning inside. My busy work schedule and complex adult life had gradually bit by bit diluted my ability to concentrate. My pure inner being became fuzzy and unclear, and I could no longer see myself.
Two months ago after work, I came across a friend from middle school who I hadn't seen for a long time. Her complexion was rosy and she was full of confidence. She wasn't a beautiful girl, but she gave people an impression of gracefulness and serenity. I said with envy: “Your complexion is excellent. You still have such a good mood even though you have to stay home all day to take care of your children. On the contrary, I am in terrible shape with my work and have a bad mood. I am only thirty years old and have already lost the pleasure of living; every day I am busy running around. I want to take a rest when I get home but I can’t quiet down and have trouble sleeping. I often quarrel with my husband over trifle matters.”
She told me cheerfully that she has been practicing Falun Gong. She would go to a park to meditate with friends every day. She told me that after one hour of meditation any feeling of mental or physical exhaustion melted away. “Really?,” I replied in amazement. “Can you teach me? I will pay you.” She answered with a smile: “Teaching others is free. We are all doing it voluntarily. If you want to learn it, I can teach you right now.” I looked at her with wide eyes and was in disbelief that there were still people in this society who would give up personal benefits.
My friend first taught me how to do the sitting meditation. I sat on the ground in the park and practiced [the hand signs] again and again. It was so strange. As I did the hand signs, my mind gradually opened up and felt very comfortable. When the music started, it was so penetrating and blissful. I began to calm down. My body felt warm, yet cool. As I wasn't used to sitting with my legs crossed, I felt excruciating pain. Several times I wanted to put down my legs, but I didn’t want to give up that peaceful feeling and I forced myself to endure the pain. After I finished the meditation, I opened my eyes to see the familiar surroundings. For the first time, I felt so refreshed and clear.
After learning Falun Gong, my long lost ability to concentrate gradually returned. In my meditation, my mind leaps over the boundaries that used to confine and distract me. My traces of aging gradually began to disappear. I began to forget about many unimportant things and the thoughts that would make my mind confused and worried began to vanish. As I read Zhuan Falun, I saw my detached mind and found my true self. I am walking on the path of returning to my origin.
I no longer have the feeling of tiredness after work each day. The dull and empty thoughts of the past have become full of life and my mood is bright. After reading a chapter of Zhuan Falun recently, I felt broadminded and I wrote this article to share. Amidst the wonder of concentration, I find myself once again.
Translated from: http://www.zhengjian.org/zj/articles/2009/11/15/62614.html
