After going through many busy months of Dafa work and observing my own cultivation state as well as those around me throughout this time period, I would like to share some of my understandings about what the process of Fa-rectification means for a Dafa disciple during the current time period.
From my understanding, the process of taking part in Fa-rectification is a cultivation course that the body of Fa-rectification disciples must maintain and keep pace with, and it is not simply a series of actions and activities that we must undertake. That is to say, the requirement on us during this time period is a requirement on our understanding of Fa and Fa-rectification cultivation, and not simply a requirement on our actions. Depth of understanding and a righteous mind will naturally lead to righteous actions, but the requirement itself is on the former, not the latter.
Fa-rectification disciples are particles of the Fa, and therefore, as a whole body of practitioners, our path towards consummation itself is one and the same as the Fa-rectification process (at least with respect to the realms of Dafa disciples. However, the entirety of Fa-rectification probably extends way beyond what is related to Dafa disciples on Earth). That is to say, to strengthen the righteousness in our minds, to eliminate all our bad thoughts, and to solidify the compassion in our hearts is precisely the foundation of what it means to rectify the Fa because as particles, the more righteous, pure and benevolent we are, the more righteousness, purity and benevolence is brought into the process of Fa-rectification. Therefore, Fa-rectification is not simply what a disciple does, but rather the rock-solid foundation of Zhen-Shan-Ren that he/she cultivates in his/her heart, for it is that rock solid foundation that will truly eliminate the evil and help bring the Buddha-light into the world.
Some may ask, however, "does this mean that action is less important than one's understanding or that we don't have to do many activities to validate the Fa as long as we maintain a good understanding?" From my understanding, this issue does not exist at all. One whose mind and heart is assimilated with Dafa and is truly keeping pace with the process of Fa-rectification will naturally step forward to do everything that must be done, including clarifying the truth to everyone he/she meets in society, taking part in Dafa activities, taking the initiative to recognize what needs to be done for Dafa and doing it, etc., and all the while bringing all the compassion, wisdom and steadfastness of a Dafa disciple to bear on the sacred task of assisting Teacher in the human world. If one fails to do this, it is a clear indication that the foundation of his/her cultivation has omissions. These cannot be ignored and it is a clear sign that the cultivator has taken a wrong path. As Master said in Lecture on the Fa at the Washington, D.C. International Conference, "Anyone who tries to make excuses for himself and who's never stepped forward is wrong." Consequently, a Fa-rectification disciple must strive forward vigorously to remove these blockages so that they can take their path well in the process of Fa-rectification and offer salvation to beings with benevolence.
Still, I find that some practitioners, including myself, have read Master's recent articles and go to the extreme of thinking that it is the actions alone that demonstrate an understanding of the Fa-rectification process and constitute truly being a Fa-rectification disciple. Consequently, on many occasions, some practitioners run here and there in an attempt merely to "do things for Dafa." From my understanding, this is only looking at the surface while overlooking the fundamental issues. It is the righteous mind/heart of the cultivator and his/her unceasingly furthering understanding of Dafa behind the action that makes it an effective Fa-rectification activity and something done by a Fa-rectification disciple, instead of ordinary people working for Dafa.
In examining my own thoughts over the past few months, I have found that I have become more firm and sober minded as a Fa-rectification disciple. Still, on many occasions my attachment to fame and gain or my competitive mentality have arisen. I think the reason for this is that I often still view the Fa-rectification process from a selfish perspective, thinking "what can I do to help with the Fa-rectification process so that I will do well during this important time period?" When my starting point is from this attachment (which is focused on myself), I begin to focus on what "activities" I can do, forgetting to put proper attention toward my cultivation and what is required for Fa-rectification itself. In short, I lose sight of Dafa for looking at myself.
On other occasions, however, when I have studied the Fa well and put my mind to sober-minded cultivation, I find that my perspective has completely shifted. My concerns shift from "how shall I do well in this time period?" to "what is the requirement of the understanding of disciples during the current time period?" and I see more clearly how studying the Fa is truly precious and vital.
In this state, my heart becomes calm, my remaining attachments come more clearly into focus and begin to fade away, my mind views matters from the perspective of Dafa and benevolence issues forth from being.
In this state, I strive forward to deepen my understanding of this precious Dafa so as to best fulfill the vows from ancient history and properly assist Master in this human world.
In this state, I look for opportunities to share experiences and understandings with fellow disciples, calmly searching within myself to see where I fall short and discussing cultivation in an open and dignified manner with others.
In this state, there is no room for an unrighteous thought in my mind, Master's Fa is kept in my heart and all that is unrighteous fades away.
Let's us all strive forward together during this precious time.
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Category: Journeys of Cultivation
