(Minghui.org) My little practitioner daughter and I both like the cartoon series, “The Wonderful World of Chinese Characters,” broadcast by NTD television.
One episode was about the character Wo (“I” or “me” in Chinese). I was moved to tears when, in the story, the king of the deers decided to sacrifice himself for the herd. The king of humans was also moved by his selflessness and vowed to stop hunting deer.
Letting Go of Selfishness
During our cultivation, we sometimes see that practitioners and their families can’t get along with each other and sometimes can’t study the Fa together. What can make these conflicts so severe that couples, siblings, and close family can’t study the Fa and do the exercises together?
I believe it is because of the notion “me.” If we consider the other person’s needs and want to give, the other person will feel our kindness. If we put ourselves first and speak with an ulterior motive to protect or benefit ourselves, the other person will sense it and reject us. The key is whether we considered the other person’s need and actually put aside what we want.
For example, while clarifying the truth to strangers, do we do so based on the fear that we can’t consummate if we didn’t do so, or do we truly care about them because their lives are in danger? Are we willing to make sacrifices so we can awaken their conscience?
If we put ourselves first, we are selfish. The selfishness manifests in a lot of emotions, desires, and attachments to fame and gain. If we don’t get what we want, we feel upset and uncomfortable.
Selfishness is a characteristic of the old universe, and it can’t be carried into the new universe. We should recognize it so as to eliminate divisions between practitioners.
Master said,
“I said that just by remaining unmoved you could handle all situations.” (“Teaching the Fa at the 2005 Canada Fa Conference,” Collected Fa Teachings, Vol. V)
Fellow practitioners, we should cultivate pure kindness and compassion, and not be fooled by chaotic appearances.
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Category: Improving Oneself
