(Clearwisdom.net) Recently on the Internet, there has been a discussion on how to increase the time to study the Fa and to study the Fa well by listening to MP3 files of Master's Fa lectures. There are two main views held by those involved in the discussion. The first is that using MP3s help maximize the time available to study the Fa, and also helps to eliminate bad thoughts in everyday life. The second view is that studying the Fa in this way is disrespectful toward the Fa, and moreover, if the mind isn't at peace, the effect of listening to the Fa isn't good.
At first, I felt that both views were based on reason, as every cultivator's path is different and we don't seek uniform methods among practitioners. On my way to work this morning, the question came to me again. As I also have experience in this area, and being enlightened to a new understanding, I've decided to share my views in the hope that other practitioners might point out any misunderstanding I may have of Fa principles, so that we can improve together.
Before the persecution began in 1999, there was a period of time when I liked to listen to the Dafa music, Pudu and Jishi, on a portable CD player on my way to work every day. In the beginning, I felt that the effect was good and I could feel my heart improving with the Dafa music. As time went on, however, this feeling gradually faded, until in the end, I no longer had the same sense of respect and peace in my heart. Later, I put an end to this habit. (I didn't think much about it at the time, but reflecting on it now, I feel that it might have been Master enlightening me to the understanding that I shouldn't do that anymore).
After the persecution began, my state of mind was very ill and bad for a period of time, and I always wanted to listen to Pudu and Jishi. However, what often happened was that I got very drowsy as I listened to it and fell asleep. Later, I realized that this was also wrong and abandoned that habit as well.
I gave up both of those habits because the effect wasn't good. When I first started, the feeling was indeed good, but as time went on, the problem became apparent. Moreover, these weren't Master's lectures; I was only listening to Dafa music.
I wonder if practitioners who listen to the Fa on MP3 players have thought about the following before? There is a saying, "A heart cannot be occupied with two tasks." It is very hard for someone to do two things at the same time with a peaceful mind. Being cultivators, we probably cannot attain the level of using the heart on many different matters. Master has enlightened me on several occasions that studying the Fa without a peaceful mind is useless. Just think about it, listening to the Fa while doing chores, can your heart really be calm?
I feel that if in a certain period of time, you are indeed too busy to dedicate enough time to studying the Fa, it's better to sleep a little less and study the Fa for half an hour calmly, than to listen to the Fa in a chaotic state of mind for 10 hours. Moreover, it's often the case that we are blinded by false images, but if our thoughts are indeed righteous, it might be an entirely different image that we see: "The shade of willows, the blooms of flowers, a place to rest my head."
I have had a number of experiences along those lines. On several occasions, I was responsible for performing many tasks, and I was very tired and weary. In the beginning, because my thoughts weren't righteous, the situation got worse. However, I recalled Master's Fa-treasure to the Dafa disciples - sending forth righteous thoughts. Through sending forth righteous thoughts, in a short time, my own thoughts were straightened out, and soon after, a fundamental change took place in the situation.
Now on my way to and from work every day, I recite the Fa or send forth righteous thoughts. Sometimes I sing songs written by Dafa disciples. I find that the effect is quite good. (I like singing, but the evil communist party's songs should not be sung. Singing songs written by Dafa disciples has a good effect, but they cannot be sung all the time either, as it would affect other Dafa tasks.) When I'm able to send forth righteous thoughts in a calm state of mind, the effect is even better.
These are a few of my thoughts. Please feel free to point out any shortcomings.
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