(Minghui.org) As the Fa-rectification period draws closer to an end, I have noticed that several of my fellow practitioners are feeling passive and hopeless. Some of them have even begun to pursue fame and gain. Master has said,
“When I teach the Fa infrequently though, what worries me most is not the hardships or ordeals you face, which you know to be plenty hard. They are not the hardest thing; after all, however trying hardship may be, it's over after you get through it, and at that point things are clear to you. Rather, to quietly cultivate in bleak loneliness, unable to see hope, is the hardest of all. Doing any form of cultivation entails undergoing a trial such as this and a path with such features. Only if one can persevere and continually forge ahead does it amount to true diligence. It's easy to talk about, but putting it into action is tremendously difficult. That is why it's said that always cultivating as if you were just starting will surely result in achieving your ultimate rank.” (“Fa Teaching at the 2009 Greater New York International Fa Conference” from Teaching the Fa at the Conference IX)
I recently saw an article on Minghui.org that said, “A fellow practitioner entered a large and evil space. There was no light, no sound, and no sign of life. The practitioner felt his life was in danger, and he was incapable of making changes. Despite the despair and deathly atmosphere surrounding him, he thought only about saving the sentient beings there. In the end, the place was rectified and radiated with a beautiful aura.”
Master has said,
“The most precious thing is to manage to continually progress while in this grueling setting, under pressure, and unable to see hope. That is the most precious, and greatest, thing.” (“Fa Teaching at the 2009 Greater New York International Fa Conference” from Teaching the Fa at the Conference IX)
This reminds me of a story where Jesus sails to sea with his disciples. As Jesus falls asleep on the deck, a strong wind comes and violently sways the ship. His disciples become scared and hope that Jesus will awaken, but he continues to sleep soundly. They finally decide to wake him. Jesus immediately shouts to the sea and the wind, and they quickly dissipate. In the end, Jesus looks at his disciples and asks them, “Where is your faith?”
To apply this to our cultivation path, while despair can be frightening, it brings out the greatness in Dafa disciples. It gives us a chance to prove our devotion to what is right.
Author’s Note: How I interpret my experiences is based on my limited level. Please point out any deficiencies you may find.
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Category: Improving Oneself
