(Minghui.org) I recently began participating in an activity to clarify the truth to local residents and Chinese tourists. I very quickly noticed that my words did not move people, and they would not listen to me. I looked inward to see what was wrong. I realized that my motive was not to save people. Instead, I had been focused on myself and my own mighty virtue.
As soon as I identified my problem, I knew that it was time to get rid of my attachment of being selfish.
Master said,
“Selfishness is a fundamental attribute of the cosmos of the past. Because of that attribute, formation-stasis-degeneration-destruction and birth-aging-sickness-death are inevitable.” (“Teaching the Fa at the 2004 Western U.S. Fa Conference”, Collected Fa Teachings, Vol. V )
Selfishness has been the basis of our lives; we were born with it. The most important thing that Master has taught us is to become completely altruistic, to be a life for others. This is the real source of happiness, and it is the best state. It is the basis and guarantee of the future universe's perfection.
Master said,
“In the future the Fa will be all-harmonizing, perfect, and selfless. The change in that fundamental attribute of the cosmos leads to fundamental changes in the cosmos's progression and beings' characteristics. The fundamental attribute of the cosmos has determined the fundamental state that the cosmos is in.” (“Teaching the Fa at the 2004 Western U.S. Fa Conference”, Collected Fa Teachings, Vol. V )
When I first started practicing, I didn't understand why Master taught us to consider others first. Because I didn't know how to do this, I didn't give it much thought. At that time, I couldn't see my own selfishness.
As time went on, my selfishness became obvious. I also realized that selfishness is the root of many attachments, such as being competitive, wanting to show off, becoming elated over personal gain, and jealousy. All these attachments come from being selfish. To protect my selfishness, I am not forgiving, I have a short temper, and I even have resentment. This selfishness causes all kinds of pain.
In order to eliminate selfishness, the first step is to change our notions.
I began paying attention to how my selfishness manifested, and work to get rid of it. I often remind myself to think of others first. When I'm truly able to put my own interests aside, I feel that I'm in a peaceful and pure realm. I know that Master is helping me eliminate my attachment. I can clarify the truth easily, and my words are powerful.
When we become altruistic and place others first, life is wonderful.
When I first began practicing, I merely accepted Master's teachings about being selfless, but now from the bottom of my heart, I understand.
Master said,
“Through cultivation his moral character will elevate, and once he has learned to discern what is truly good from evil, and virtue from vice, and he goes beyond the human plane, he will see and gain access to the realities of the universe as well as the lives of other planes and dimensions.” (On Dafa)
At my current level, I see the difference between, “what is truly good from evil”. Every night before I go to sleep, I remind myself to be selfless.
This is just the beginning. I know it will be a process to completely eliminate selfishness. I will pay attention to every little thing. I will place others first, and try my best to eliminate my attachment of selfishness.
This is my understanding at my current cultivation level. Please kindly correct me if I've said anything inappropriate.