(Minghui.org) Everyday people don’t want to endure hardship because they live in delusion, so they avoid it. The principles of cultivation are opposite to that of human beings. Not only must practitioners be able to endure hardships, but also endure the toughest hardships of all. We need to achieve the cultivation state of “taking hardship as joy.” (“Realms,” Essentials for Further Advancement)
Each of the Fa principles that Master talks about in Zhuan Falun is a law that all beings at all realms and levels in the future new universe must follow. These are the fundamental principles that create the new universe and the environment for all beings. In our cultivation, especially in Fa-rectification period cultivation, we must uncompromisingly validate Dafa in practice, in order to achieve the goal of assimilating to Dafa. Otherwise, assimilating to Dafa is only the practitioner’s fond wish.
For example, only by reaching the realm of “taking hardship as joy” can one realize what it truly is, and naturally maintain a happy state of cultivation in the midst of complicated difficulties and tribulations. The human heart only feels pain when it is bound by emotions. After giving up all human attachments, it is replaced by compassion, which is a manifestation of the great energy of the righteous gods.
Master said,
“Cultivating gong has a path mind is the wayOn the boundless sea of Dafa hardship is your ferry”(“Falun Dafa,” Hong Yin)
From the poem’s title, “Falun Dafa,” I understand that “cultivating the mind” and “enduring hardship” are the two main elements of Dafa cultivation. Enduring hardship accompanies every step in cultivation until the day of Consummation.
On the surface, enduring hardship can eliminate karma and pay off karmic debts. At a deeper level, by looking inward in the midst of hardships, tribulations, and conflicts, it is easier to clearly see one’s attachments, thereby improving xinxing.
Master said,
“Some gods have suffered all of the hardships in their universe, from start to finish, in hopes that they will thus possess that much mighty virtue and be saved.” (“Teaching the Fa at the International Experience-Sharing Conference in Beijing,” Collected Fa Teachings, Vol. I)
I understand that enduring hardship can build mighty virtue, and having great mighty virtue is the guarantee that we can save more people.
Although the path of Dafa cultivation is very narrow, by holding on to “taking hardship as joy,” we can walk our paths solidly.
The above is my limited understanding. Please kindly point out anything inappropriate.
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Category: Improving Oneself
