(Minghui.org) My cultivation has always been tough and tiring, and I have experienced many hardships. Although I looked for my attachments, I could not overcome that state. Then, I came to realize that I had not been truly cultivating my character. I had focused too much on the changes in the external environment. I thought that if the environment improved, things would become better, and that if others treated me well I would pass the tests.
Actually, that was a misunderstanding. I was carrying the attachment of pursuit. It’s the same as the pursuit that ordinary people have. Only when I improve my xinxing will I pass a test. However, the environment may still be the same, and people may still treat me the same, the situation may not change, but my level was elevated. No matter what the environment is, I must always maintain a compassionate and calm mind, and treat everyone and everything with compassion and kindness. I must abandon the misconception that my environment will improve because I passed a test.
I think the same principle applies when overcoming physical tribulations. Perhaps one is too attached to getting well, and assumes getting well indicates that the test has been passed. Those who help practitioners experiencing physical suffering may also have such misconceptions.
To pass a test, we should not think too much about our physical condition. We should firmly believe in Master and the Fa. We should be faithful, and do our best in what we ought to do. Whether our body is getting well or not should not be our concern. Even if we are faced with death, we should recite “Falun Dafa is good” and have strong faith in Master.
We can help other practitioners open their minds, but cannot get involved into the specific matter or ailment. They will pass their tests when their xinxing improves. We should not pursue anything.
A happy family, successful career, good health, smart and filial children, and achievements in ordinary society are what ordinary people pursue. We do not pursue these things. And these are not the standard we use to evaluate our cultivation.
Master said,
“Only by being among the most complex group of people and in the most complex environment can one cultivate the high-level gong...” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun)
Our purpose is not to change others, but to cultivate and elevate ourselves.
Although human society seems very complex and chaotic, it is all about retribution and everyone has to pay his or her debts. Rich or poor, everyone has hardships to endure. Through cultivating in this environment, we will be cleaned and will ascend from here. No matter how complex the environment is, we must not be moved by it. We must purify our minds continuously and transcend this realm.
Master said:
“…An enlightened person has no attachments at all.He quietly observes the people of the world deluded by illusions.” (“Realms” Essentials for Further Advancement)
“Fame, gain, emotion—cultivate each away,And ascend to the Firmament at Consummation,See the human world with eyes of compassion,Then are you freed from the spell of delusion.”(“Success at Consummation” Hong Yin)
When our mind has transcended the everyday people’s realm, nothing of that realm can interfere with or move us. We can understand the pains and difficulties of all people and feel their suffering. From the bottom of the heart, we will act for the good of other people. Telling them about Falun Dafa and the persecution is no longer for our own success in cultivation, but for each sentient being’s salvation and future.
[Editor’s note: This article only represents the author’s current understanding meant for sharing among practitioners so that we can “Compare with one another in study, in cultivation.” (“Solid Cultivation,” Hong Yin)]
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Category: Improving Oneself
