(Clearwisdom.net) Master said that our cultivation form is a great way without form. We should therefore pay attention to our every thought in everything we encounter, including while we're at work, in our daily lives, and when we are directly in contact with the Fa. This is very important. At the same time, when we meet with conflicts, we should first look within ourselves, instead of taking it as a lesson in being more tactful. To be able to do this, I feel that studying the Fa well is crucial.
Many practitioners placed great emphasis on reciting the Fa before the persecution. However after the persecution started, they stopped doing that. I find that very regretful because the requirements during Fa-rectification period are even more stringent, and our responsibilities are even greater. Furthermore, the old forces are eyeing us covetously. If we don't study the Fa thoroughly, we won't know how to cultivate when we encounter tribulations. Then how can we pass the tests arranged by the old forces? How can we accomplish the great mission expected of Fa-rectification period Dafa disciples?
From my own personal cultivation experience, I realized that having a clear understanding of the Fa principles is very important. When studying the Fa, we must incorporate the cultivation of our minds. We should also spend lots of time studying the articles published after the persecution started. I didn't previously understand how to deny the old forces' arrangements, who the old forces were, or how they manifest. I later resolved to memorize all of Master's articles, especially the ones published after July 20, 1999. Regardless of how reluctant I was, I forced myself to learn by heart all these articles. In the process, I gained an understanding of the Fa principles at different levels. I finally realized how to cultivate myself. Furthermore, when I went back to reading Zhuan Falun again, I truly felt that I understood more principles than I did before. I really felt that the Fa was in perfect harmony. I previously viewed things from the perspective of a human being. When my thoughts elevated, I discovered that the principles taught by Master are indeed profound.
I observed that certain practitioners only memorized Zhuan Falun and neglected to memorize other articles written before and after the persecution. My viewpoint is, the Fa principles taught in Zhuan Falun are definitely boundless. However, if we don't attain a certain level, we won't know the principles manifested at that level. However, Master has written very clearly on many Fa principles in the articles. We are not required to enlighten to them and only need to act accordingly. If we study the articles thoroughly, understand the responsibilities of Fa rectification period Dafa disciples, know how to deny the old forces arrangements, and act according to what Master asks of us, then we will not go astray. When I memorized Zhuan Falun after studying the articles thoroughly, I truly felt as if I was a changed person.
There is currently a lot of discussion on looking within oneself. If we don't understand the Fa principles at a higher level, how will we be able to look within ourselves? Master has taught us the Fa. We only need to put in a little effort to memorize the teachings. If we are using the Fa to guide our actions, how can we deviate from the principles? Of course that's impossible.
Certainly, while memorizing the Fa, we will encounter all kinds of tests. As long as we look within ourselves and want to improve, then surely we will be able to overcome all these obstacles. Some practitioners have given up after some time of trying. Many practitioners have found all kinds of excuses, such as it is too bothersome, too difficult to calm down the mind, or it takes too much time to memorize the Fa. These are elements stopping us from memorizing the Fa. Actually there is a reason for this interference. During the process of reciting the Fa, we need to improve our xinxing. This could happen while we are at work, in our daily lives, in our social interactions, or while memorizing the Fa. It manifests as interference from thought karma. If we can let go of ourselves in the face of conflicts and act in accordance with the Fa principles, then we will be able to persist in memorizing the Fa.
For example, as I was reciting the Fa one day, I felt that I could no longer continue. I just didn't want to recite the Fa. On the surface, I felt that my mind could not calm down. In reality, it was because I was not cultivating my speech at work. I said things unrelated to work, and consequently my mind would not calm down. When I let go of this attachment, I made progress in memorizing the Fa.
There was another similar situation. I felt as if I could not enlighten to any principles while reciting the Fa. Two days later, a practitioner came to me and pointed out a lot of my attachments, including my attachment to personal gain. I reflected upon what she said and discovered that indeed I had these shortcomings. I am truly grateful to this practitioner in my heart for helping me. I then paid attention to these dirty notions and thoughts in my mind and eliminated them. Subsequently, when I memorized the Fa, I enlightened to the principles at different levels again. It was truly like the saying, "After passing the shady willow trees, there will be bright flowers and another village ahead." ("Lecture Nine" from Zhuan Falun)
I encountered many similar situations that I won't recount here. Actually, when we feel that we are not progressing in cultivation, we should truly reflect upon ourselves seriously. Do I have an attachment? We should look within ourselves, and at the same time we should really thank those practitioners or family members (who are not practitioners) who gave us suggestions. Perhaps what they said was right; perhaps it was wrong. Their attitudes may have been kind or impolite, but we are cultivating pure compassion. Regardless of what others say, we should view it as something good and use this opportunity to improve ourselves. We should treasure this precious time as Dafa disciples that comes only once in thousands of years.
Master said,
"This period of time will not last long, but it can forge the mighty virtue of magnificent Enlightened Beings, Buddhas, Daos, and Gods of different levels, and even Lords of different levels. It can also destroy overnight a cultivator who has reached a really high level but who has become less strict with himself." ("Fa-Rectification Period Dafa Disciples" from Essentials for Further Advancement II)
Of course, reading, memorizing, or writing the Fa are ways to calm our minds, so as to study the Fa well. Fellow practitioners need not follow this absolutely, but it is certain that when we study the Fa well and cultivate ourselves diligently, we will have less interference in doing the three things. We will then have a better chance of attaining the speed Master requires of us in saving sentient beings and feel the sacredness of assisting Master in Fa-rectification. I hope to move forward in cultivation diligently with fellow practitioners.
These are my personal understandings. Please kindly point out if there is anything inappropriate.
Views expressed in this article represent the author's own opinions or understandings. All content published on this website are copyrighted by Minghui.org. Minghui will produce compilations of its online content regularly and on special occasions.
