(Minghui.org) When I was growing up I liked to watch all types of TV programs. I would get so caught up in the stories that I would laugh or weep along with the characters. This later became a big impediment to my cultivation after I started practicing Falun Dafa.

I was recently attracted to a TV series and with each passing day I was drawn deeper into the drama. It was as though I lost control of myself.

I had been attached to TV dramas before, but it was never as bad as this time. I knew that I shouldn't watch it, but I couldn't break away from the desire to watch and follow the plot.

After I mentioned this to other practitioners, we discussed the issue together and they helped me identify some attachments. I began reciting the Fa every day, and sent forth righteous thoughts for a longer time. But I still couldn't stop watching that TV series or other dramas on my computer.

I was in a state of self-blame. However, I knew that blaming myself too much was not correct.

Master said,

You should also be clear that “natural” does not exist, and “the inevitable” has reasons behind it. In fact, “natural” is irresponsibly used by everyday people to make excuses for themselves when they are unable to explain the phenomena of the universe, life, and matter. They cannot imagine what “nature” itself is. Under the influence of this kind of notion you think that all these tribulations are inevitable and that this is just the way it is, thereby developing a passive and pessimistic attitude. So your human side must stay aware. More importantly, your side that has attained the Fa must be clear. (“Expounding on the Fa”, Essentials For Further Advancement)

I knew that I shouldn't be passive so I looked inward to find the root of the attachment. I saw that I was curious and wanted to know what happened next, how the characters handled their challenges, and the outcome.

From reading the teachings of Falun Dafa, I know that a person's life is arranged based on one's karma, and one can't change one's fate. I realized that my attachment to the outcome of an ordinary person's life was ridiculous.

In the days after I had this understanding, I felt my desire to watch TV decreasing. I was still compelled to watch a few episodes of this or that but I was confident that I was on the right path to overcome the desire and should not blame myself too much.

Then one day when I opened an Internet browser, I had no interest in watching any of the TV series that I had been so attached to. I closed the browser. When I put down my smart phone it felt so natural and easy.

I was not forced to give up my life-long attachment. Instead I truly felt that the substance that had controlled me was removed. I was moved to tears.

Since then, I can also calmly handle other matters happening around me and maintain a peaceful mind.

This experience gave me a better understanding of Master's words,

“One only needs to worry about putting in the effort of practice, and the rest is in the hands of one’s teacher.” (Zhuan Falun)

My new understanding is that Master has changed our lives and arranged a path for our cultivation. We only need to follow Master's teachings to study the Fa and look inward to find and eliminate our attachments.

We may not eliminate an attachment immediately, but as long as we persist in eliminating it and don't let self-blame drag us down, compassionate Master will help us through.

Master said,

“You will be one of us as long as you do the practice. My spiritual bodies are all-powerful and all-knowing, and know even your thoughts. But they will not look after you if you aren’t someone who practices. For those of you who do practice, however, help will be provided straight through to the finish.” (Zhuan Falun)

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Category: Improving Oneself