I climb the steep steps, stretching miles ahead,
Winding upward and steep, this road,
     even to set off is hard;
Glancing back, ‘tis just like cultivating Righteous Fa,
Pausing half way makes salvation hard.

So steel the will, and lift thy leaden leg,
Endure the pain, diligent, and cast off attachments;
Dafa disciples, the tens of millions—
A place still higher awaits you at Consummation.

April 15, 1996

^[8]Mount Tai is located in central Shandong Province. For centuries it has been a vitally important part of Chinese culture, and was the site of official rites performed by past emperors.