(Minghui.org) Lily (alias) came to my home to talk about practitioner Mei (alias). She again told me that Mei had still not let go of the indoctrination by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
We had touched on this issue when talking to Mei, but she did not listen. When practitioners had to cooperate with her, they feel uneasy. But Lily does well and cooperates with practitioner Mei unconditionally.
Creating Barriers
This reminded us that Master asked us to look within when we see others' problems, as we might have the same problem. We looked within and noticed that we did have some problems but not as serious as those of Mei. We decided to let go of our attachments and cultivate compassion. We cannot dislike another practitioner because of his or her attachment, nor should we create barriers.
Our Fa study group studies the Fa and sends forth righteous thoughts every night. However, some practitioners do not come on time, and Lily came late almost every night. When I discussed this with her she agreed to be more mindful of her shortcomings. However, she did not change and continued to be late.
I took her aside and said, “Shouldn't we be considerate? If you come late, won't it affect others? We all know it is great if we can send forth righteous thoughts together and we treasure this opportunity. If you feel we start too early, we can start later.” She continued to come late and I decided not to remind her anymore, as it would turn into an attachment. I thought I should be more compassionate, everyone has some attachments that are hard to let go of.
When I saw other practitioners who had problems, I realized that I might have other problems which are being forgiven by them. I looked within and did find many problems.
I am narrow-minded, self-centered, simple-minded, slow to respond and have a poor comprehension ability. If others don't speak in a way I can understand, I find it hard to accept and place the blame on them instead of myself. I always focus on other practitioners' problems and feel they don't look within nor do they cultivate. I feel I can look within and therefore I look down upon others. Feeling superior to them, I create barriers between me and my fellow practitioners.
Other practitioners are very careful when they are with me. When I point out fellow practitioners' problems, I do it directly, never thinking about others' feelings. I feel I am honest and frank, yet I disregard what Master had said.
Master said:
“You should always be benevolent and kind to others, and consider others when doing anything. Whenever you encounter a problem, you should first consider whether others can put up with this matter or if it will hurt anyone.” (Zhuan Falun).
I realized that practitioners are very compassionate and they have been tolerating me and forgiving me all these years.
Looking Outwards Instead of Inwards
It is the final stage of the Fa-rectification. Many practitioners have matured, and understand that they are cultivating themselves. Whenever they see fellow practitioners who have some problems, they don't point them out but cultivate themselves instead. Since I always look outwards, others improve in their cultivation while I remain at the same level.
I noticed my problem but didn't know how to cultivate. Master saw this and used other practitioners' mouths to tell me that I was too mean and not benevolent.
I looked within again and noticed that my understanding of “compassion” was too narrow. Compassion doesn't just mean clarifying the truth every day.We cultivate Buddhahood, and benevolence is the fundamental characteristic of a great enlightened being. Our cultivation is to be thoughtful and our cultivation will benefit others. Only when we truly let go of human notions, can we verify Dafa and others are able to witness the noble beauty of Falun Dafa.
I can't be benevolent because I have strong attachments, such as jealousy, and many negative thoughts.
I noticed my attachments and decide to get rid of them. I know only that whenever I study the Fa more, can I let go of the attachment. Master said,
“The Fa can break all attachments, the Fa can destroy all evil, the Fa can shatter all lies, and the Fa can strengthen righteous thoughts.” (“Drive out Interference” from Essentials for Further Advancement II)
Cultivating Oneself
As I study the Fa more, my way of thinking has changed. I am no longer moved when I see problems, nor do I suspect others of ulterior motives. Instead, I cultivate myself and understand people benevolently.
When we had an experience sharing, I asked a practitioner, “What did you think when you were faced with police officers? Were all of your thoughts based on compassion? Are they all about saving them?” The practitioner clarified the truth of Dafa to a police officer and was arrested. She did very well and she was released, while I did not do as well, so I wanted to learn from her.
However, she was hesitant for a while and did not say anything. If this happened before, I would think, “Shouldn't you help others if you see others' problems? Don't we say to 'help each other to improve'? Why not?” This time, I didn't look outwards.
I realize that what others say in front of you, might not be the reflection of their true self. It manifested in this way, because there is something to cultivate. So we can't think that another practitioner has this or that problem. This is a chance that Master has arranged for us to improve our xinxing.
Master said,
“This is because when a conflict occurs, it will take place unexpectedly. But that is not a coincidence—it is for improving your xinxing.” (Zhuan Falun)
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Category: Improving Oneself
