(Minghui.org)
Cultivating My Character
I have practiced Falun Dafa with my mother since I was young. I was born in the nineties and was spoiled as a child. I also developed a bad temper. Even after many years of cultivation, my temper did not improve.
Master Li Hongzhi (the founder of Falun Dafa) said:
“I can tell you that when a person becomes angry that is definitely caused by his demon nature. Why? Someone might think: “I had good intentions. I lost my temper in order to teach him to behave himself.” Or, “I lost my temper in order to make him do his job well.” That’s caused by demon nature, and it’s called “using the bad to fight the bad,” as you were using demon nature to make others do good things. If you treat him with kindness and tell him kindly that he should do a good job, I think he will be moved and will actually do a good job out of his own will instead of being forced by you. Then he will do even better. So in cultivation you need to gradually eliminate the shortcoming of losing your temper. You have always felt that it’s rather difficult to control your temper; actually it’s not difficult.” (“Teaching the Fa at the Conference in New Zealand”)
When I now encounter something that angers me, I remember Master's last sentence above.
To control my temper, I remind myself not to get tangled up in everyday people's affairs. If I am blamed for anything, I apologize without fighting back. I always remind myself that I am a Dafa practitioner and can handle any situation calmly.
I noticed that I can sometimes be more patient with others but still lose my temper with those in my family. I was not always patient with my parents when they ask me for help.
I have also noticed that my temper gets worse when I spend a lot of time on my computer or cell phone. I have decided to use my time more wisely and recite Master's Hong Yin instead of browsing the internet. The attachment to my computer and cell phone is based on ordinary people's interests, and it is a reflection of human sentimentality.
When I looked within, I saw that I was selfish. I need to respect my elders and be more patient with them. My mother uses her cell phone for Dafa projects, so it is my duty to patiently help her to use it.
There was a period of time when I did not have any interest in everyday people's conversations. While studying the Fa, I realized that I should treasure my cultivation environment, remembering that everything that happens around me is for my improvement.
Master said:
“You need to cherish your cultivation in this human world and make constant and diligent progress in understanding the Fa’s principles. The fact that nothing in ordinary society is attractive to cultivators is because a cultivator’s realm is higher than that of an ordinary person. You might feel that you don’t want to stay here in this human place and think that it’s meaningless—that might happen. If you realize that this time is such a precious opportunity for cultivation and for going back up, and give more weight to Dafa cultivation, then you won’t have that feeling.” (“Teaching the Fa at the Conference in New Zealand”)
Letting People Know About Dafa
I work in my aunt's shop. My aunt and her daughter didn't like me talking to the customers about Falun Dafa.
I once spoke to a customer who had a negative impression of Dafa. He said that a person from his hometown who practiced Dafa was lazy. I told the customer about my own experience of improving my physical and mental health from the practice. I explained what Dafa teaches and told him that a true practitioner follows Dafa's teachings. He listened to me for more than an hour and later changed his opinion about Dafa.
My cousin's friend once came to visit. During the 20 minutes when my cousin was not around, I talked to her friend about Dafa, and she agreed to quit the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Another customer told me how he had survived a serious traffic accident a year earlier. He chatted with me for most of the afternoon. When I asked him if he had quit the CCP, he said he did when someone asked him to quit before. I knew that was the reason that he survived the accident. I talked with him more about Dafa and told him to remember 'Falun Dafa is good'.
Although my aunt and her family did not truly understand Dafa, they do have some positive thoughts about it now.
One day, I accidentally drank something spoiled. My cousin realized my mistake and was worried that I might get ill. She asked if my stomach hurt, but I told her that I was fine. My aunt said, “Falun Dafa practitioners are different!”
I used this opportunity to tell my cousin more about how practicing Dafa improved my own health.
A Cultivation Test
I noticed that my business bank account had an extra 300 yuan. I didn't know where it came from. I was planning to purchase some books and a new audio player. This newfound money would cover the costs exactly. I knew that this was not my money, so I could not use it.
I checked the shop's accounts for the previous few months and saw one record matching the amount in my account. I immediately transferred the money to my aunt. She did not ask for details but just said to me, "We completely trust you with the business finances.”
I knew that if I did not practice Dafa, I might not have been so honest. My aunt and cousin do not verify each accounting transaction, and they probably would never have noticed the missing money.
I have practiced Dafa for many years, but only now am I beginning to truly understand what cultivation means. As such, I feel that I understand better what Master said about “... cultivating as if you were just starting ...” (“Fa Teaching at the 2009 Greater New York International Fa Conference”)
I sincerely thank Master for saving me!
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