The Importance of Group Practice

By a Western practitioner in Los Angeles

(Clearwisdom.net) The other day I was reading Essentials for Further Advancement when a sentence struck me like a heavy hammer and inspired me to write this sharing. In the article "Abandon Human Attachments and Continue True Cultivation" Master said:

"Maintaining Dafa's tradition, upholding Dafa's cultivation principles, and persevering in true cultivation are long term tests for every Dafa disciple."

I suddenly had a new insight into the great importance of group practice sites. I've always felt that it was fine to just do the exercise on my own. California is a large state and many practitioners are spread out. Because of this, many don't go to group practice sites. But Master showed me that this notion is really an omission.

We must make every effort possible to go to group practice. Practice isn't just for ourselves, I've realized. By doing group practice, we are establishing a culture and tradition that the people of the future will use. Persevering in this is a "long term test" for us. This is one of the responsibilities Master has blessed us with.

The persecution will end soon. In my understanding, the Dafa disciples of the future will not be clarifying the truth. We need to leave for them the tradition that Master left for us. Group study and group practice are vital. Master has also said in Essentials for Further Advancement in "Environment:"

"The cultivation practice form that I have left for Dafa disciples ensures that disciples can truly improve themselves. For example, I ask you to do the exercises as a group in parks in order to form an environment. This environment is the best way to change the surface of a person."

Group practice is, in and of itself, also a great way to clarify the truth. When everyday people see a large group meditating, they are really moved. Some even join in and become curious to learn more. It shows people not that we are just being persecuted, but why we are able to rise above it and how meaningful Dafa is in each of our lives.

Master has given us the form of group practice and we must cherish it. How many thousands of years have we been waiting to do this? Please point out any omissions in my understandings. Thank you, Master. Thank you, fellow Dafa disciples.

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