Through quiet dust, the maternal shadow glides,
A selfless heart where pure compassion bides.
Though heavy clouds and subtle threats draw near,
The righteous mind remains devoid of fear.
A scattered spark returns across the sea,
Unbound at last from worldly vanity.
Though storms converge upon the silent ground,
In steadfast Fa, the true resolve is found.
A Memory Beneath the Surface
Only later would Hoa Long understand that the events surrounding him had begun much earlier than he realized. While he was walking his own path of cultivation, another quiet change was taking place at home.
His mother had been studying the Fa and reading Master's scriptures. Gradually, she came to understand more deeply the responsibility and mission of a disciple of Dafa. She began carrying truth-clarification materials to people she believed had a predestined relationship with the Fa. Riding her old bicycle through her own village and neighboring hamlets, she spoke with people whenever the opportunity arose.
She did not consider herself remarkable. She simply believed that if she had learned something that could benefit another life, she should share it.
Sometimes she spoke about Dafa. Sometimes she left behind truth-clarification materials. And sometimes, she did something even simpler: whenever she encountered an elderly person over eighty who was weak or struggling financially, she would quietly give them 100,000 Vietnamese dong—enough for a warm bowl of pho. Part of the money came from Hoa Long. It was not much by ordinary standards, but for his mother, whose own circumstances were modest, it was a meaningful sacrifice.
A Small Gift That Traveled Far
The gesture gradually became known throughout the countryside. In a society where many elderly people were increasingly treated as burdens, a stranger arriving at their door with a small gift and materials bearing three simple words—Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance—left an indelible impression. Stories spread from one household to another.
One afternoon, Hoa Long's young niece returned from middle school, her eyes bright with excitement:
“Grandma! My classmate said you're amazing! She said you ride your bicycle everywhere, telling people to live by Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and that you even give money to poor elderly people. A lot of villagers really respect you!”
Her grandmother listened in surprise. She had never imagined that such small acts would attract notice. To her, it was simply what a cultivator should do. She did not realize that her quiet kindness had already traveled far beyond the people who had received it.
When Kindness Draws Attention
As news of the old woman who shared Dafa materials spread, official attention began to gather around the family.
One afternoon, after returning from studying the Fa, Hoa Long noticed several unfamiliar people inside his mother's house. Five local security officers were sitting around the table, questioning her about where she had obtained the Dafa books, when she had begun practicing, and who had distributed the materials.
His mother did not appear frightened. Having lived through war, famine, and decades of ordinary hardship, five officials sitting in her living room did not easily unsettle her. She answered with calm dignity:
“A friend gave me the books. I practice Dafa because I want to become a better person. I share what I have learned because I hope people will understand the truth and live according to Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.”
There was no hostility in her voice, only absolute sincerity.
Mother and Son
Stolen novel; please report.
Hoa Long sat opposite the officer in charge. He explained that he, too, had received Dafa books from fellow practitioners and obtained materials to help people understand the truth.
“I believe that if I know something that concerns another person's future, I should share what I understand and let them make their own choice,” he said calmly. Then he added: “I don't wish to cause trouble for any of you. But if something I never said is written into the record and I sign it, the spiritual consequences will not simply disappear.”
The officer looked at him in silence before replying:
“We won't put anything negative about Dafa into the record. You can read it carefully before you sign.”
Hoa Long reviewed the entire statement. It accurately described how he had come to practice Dafa without misrepresenting his words. Both he and his mother signed.
Before leaving, the officers spoke briefly about the elderly villagers his mother had helped. They acknowledged that while 100,000 dong was small to many, for an elderly woman living with limited means, it represented a genuine act of compassion. The visit ended without confrontation.
The Pressure Spreads
The pressure, however, did not subside.
As Hoa Long and his mother continued clarifying the truth, more people became interested in studying the Fa. The increasing visibility of Dafa drew closer scrutiny from the authorities. Soon, the local neighborhood secretary and several officers began visiting the households that had received truth-clarification materials, demanding that the pamphlets be returned.
Intimidated by the official presence, some elderly villagers grew fearful. People who had once listened warmly became cautious, and some were even afraid to speak with Hoa Long's mother. The work of clarifying the truth became increasingly arduous.
The Third Summons
Not long afterward, a young officer arrived at Hoa Long's home with a third formal summons. This time, Hoa Long addressed him with firm clarity:
“You are doing something that violates your conscience. We are not involved in politics. We gave poor elderly people small gifts, shared materials explaining the truth, and encouraged everyone to be good citizens. Why would you go from house to house frightening elderly villagers and confiscating their materials?”
The officer remained silent, looking down. Hoa Long continued:
“Everything a person does is recorded by the cosmos. One day, everyone will have to answer for their choices. Remember—the uniform you wear is funded by the taxes of ordinary citizens like us. Do your duty according to your conscience.”
The officer's expression shifted. Lowering his voice, he admitted:
“I was only sent here because my superior ordered me to come. I don't want to do this either.”
Hoa Long looked into his eyes:
“Then go back and tell your superior one thing: 'I don't want to carry out these kinds of orders anymore.' That is enough.”
The officer nodded quietly: “Yes... I understand.”
He turned and left. From that day on, no further summonses arrived for Hoa Long, though his mother continued to face administrative pressure.
The Threads Converge
Gradually, Hoa Long began to discern the broader pattern beneath the surface. His mother's quiet acts of kindness had established deep goodwill among the villagers, while his own efforts had enabled many to learn the truth and begin cultivation.
Yet, as the truth became clearer to the public, the Old Forces responded with greater resistance. The rising pressure was designed not only to test the practitioners, but also to dismantle the favorable impression Dafa had created among ordinary people. The storm was moving closer.
The Return of a Practitioner
Around this time, another thread unfolded.
A young practitioner who had once cultivated alongside Hoa Long had quietly drifted away, accompanying his family on an extended journey through China. Though no one had forced him to abandon the Fa, the heavy atmosphere of the secular environment slowly eroded his Righteous Thoughts. He stopped reading the True Scripture, ceased practicing, and gradually succumbed to the ordinary notion that living a quiet, secular life was sufficient.
Hoa Long did not pursue him or attempt emotional persuasion. He simply maintained Righteous Thoughts for his former companion, waiting patiently for over a year.
Eventually, the young man sought Hoa Long out. The anxiety that had once clouded his face had vanished. He spoke softly:
“Amidst the churning torrent of the crimson dust, I have finally unearthed my anchor.”
Hoa Long gave a slight nod. He did not ask where the young man had been or why he had returned. He understood that cultivation was not a linear journey; sometimes, a soul must wander far through the mortal world before remembering its original vow.
The young practitioner resumed his cultivation—no longer driven by the initial enthusiasm of a novice, but walking with a quiet, unyielding resolve.
Looking Back
Only much later would Hoa Long realize how these seemingly separate threads were converging toward a single crucible:
❖ His mother's bicycle and her small gifts to the elderly.
❖ The truth-clarification materials passed from hand to hand.
❖ The fear instilled by official house visits.
❖ The young practitioner who wandered away and returned.
Each thread formed a link in a larger chain, pulling steadily toward the practice ground. Hoa Long did not know what trials awaited him there; he only knew that he must continue walking his path with unwavering Righteous Thoughts.
The practice ground was waiting.
Canto 66 — The Threads Behind the Storm
Through quiet dust, the maternal shadow glides,
A selfless heart where pure compassion bides.
Though heavy clouds and subtle threats draw near,
The righteous mind remains devoid of fear.
A scattered spark returns across the sea,
Unbound at last from worldly vanity.
Though storms converge upon the silent ground,
In steadfast Fa, the true resolve is found.