(Minghui.org) I have been practicing Falun Dafa for over 10 years, and my every step forward was only accomplished with the help of Master. My gratitude to Master is beyond words. I would like to share my experience of being able to let go of “self.”
Several years ago, a practitioner asked me to compile some truth clarification materials and burn them on DVDs. Based on his request, I modified the template he gave me and put materials about Dafa and the persecution on the DVD. It was not difficult, and I soon finished it.
I believed that the quality of the finished product could have been much better, but it would have taken a lot of time and effort to improve it. I would have needed to redesign the cover and re-arrange the content. What I had in mind seemed too difficult and time consuming.
When I passed the DVD to the practitioner, I wasn't asked to make any alterations. I wondered: Should I do it anyway? And hesitated a while.
I noticed a selfish notion behind my hesitation. I was afraid of how troublesome and difficult it would be for me. I thought: "I am a Dafa practitioner, how can I flinch in the face of difficulty when saving sentient beings. I should take the initiative to make the improvements." My mind suddenly become much clearer when I thought about this.
To improve the DVD so people would cherish it, I redesigned a few things, along with the content. It took me several months to finish it. When it was completed, I felt really good about it.
I thought the practitioner would be pleased when I handed him the DVD, but I didn't even get a response. I knew my attachment of zealotry and enjoying being praised prevented him from recognizing the quality and value of the new, improved DVD.
Three years later, a coordinator came across the DVD and thought it was good. He wanted to use it, but asked me to make a few adjustments first.
This time I told myself that I would do it with a pure heart. My skills are granted by Master, so there is nothing to be proud of. However, it would be my fault if I didn't do it well.
While working on the DVD's design, some human emotions went through my mind. I noticed them right away and eliminated them. The quality of the content and cover design improved a lot, and the overall effect was much better than before.
The coordinator was very happy with the improvements and repeatedly thanked me for doing it. The DVDs have been distributed widely at universities and government offices.
This cultivation test didn't stop there. I saw an article on the Minghui website regarding the content of truth clarification DVDs, but I had a different opinion. Should I still use my content on the DVDs or the content suggested in the article? I became frustrated with what to do.
I didn't think there was anything wrong with my DVD, but I still felt really awkward. This told me that something was wrong with my thinking or that I had an attachment.
I calmed down and studied the Fa wholeheartedly. One day Master gave me a hint, and I realized I was still buried in selfishness. I then realized why I didn't want to stop using my DVD. It wasn't actually about the content of the DVD, it was because I had spent so much time and effort producing it. I didn't want to give it up because I didn't want to let go of “self.”
This made me realize why the old forces are so stubborn about holding onto what they want - using any excuse to protect their own interest. They interfere with Fa rectification even at the expense of losing the lives of countless sentient beings.
After I understood this, I eliminated all selfish notions in my mind. I then realized that the viewpoint suggested in the Minghui article was actually better than mine.
We cultivate in this human world and need to let go of our human hearts. Only when we get out of the human mindset can we improve and understand the profoundness of the Fa-principles.
This is to share my understanding. Please correct me if anything is incorrect.
Thank you, Master!
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Category: Improving Oneself
