(Minghui.org) I recently improved my understanding of the Fa. Master showed me a new layer of Fa in “Buddha Nature.” Thus, I am now able to differentiate the fake self from the true self, improve my character, and let go of my attachments.
Why Do We Need to Identify the Fake Self?
When I previously read “Buddha Nature,” I could only identify the notions that I acquired postnatally. This time, I became aware of the fake self. I enlightened that if a cultivator doesn’t truly let go of the fake self that was developed postnatally, even if he lets go of some attachments, he still won't be able to see the Fa clearly because he will be blocked by the fake self. Even though he studies the Fa, he can’t improve his cultivation, as the Fa won’t be revealed to the fake self. Master said:
“… they can’t make spiritual progress if they don’t have the higher guidance of the Way ...” (The First Talk, Zhuan Falun).
Moreover, since the fake self blocks our view of our attachments, it is critical to identify the fake self.
The Fake Self Is a Being
My understanding is that the fake self is a mixture of human mentalities that allow us to adapt to this society. Since we were born, in order to protect ourselves, we developed these notions. Master has said:
“In fact, other than a person’s innate purity and innocence, all notions are acquired postnatally and are not a person’s actual self.” (“For Whom Do You Exist,” Essentials for Further Advancement)
I enlightened that the true self is gradually buried by the fake self because it is covered up by human notions and karma. However, in life, we usually do things based on human notions, thereby replenishing the fake self with more energy. Therefore, it grows as a being.
The Fake Self Blocks One's Cultivation
Master has said:
“Human beings have many attachments, all kinds of notions, and a range of emotions and desires. All these thoughts are in your head, yet none of them are you.” (Teachings at the Conference in Switzerland)
My understanding is: if we don’t let go of the fake self, it will form a large obstacle that prevents us from studying the Fa, as the beauty of Dafa will not be shown to a fake self. Therefore, each time I study the Fa, I always tell myself that my true self is studying the Fa.
The fake self was formed postnatally and uses its own standards to deal with the problems we encounter. Sometimes it can be hidden, as some of its behavior might be considered correct, but it might be wrong based on the Fa. For example, it can be considered correct to hate evil as one does one’s enemy; however, based on the Fa, we need to let go of resentment and jealousy. If we cannot differentiate them, we will do things according to the fake self, not based on the Fa.
When we encounter problems, if we don’t let go of the fake self, it might deceive us. The fake self fears being eliminated, and it tries to control our mind so that we do things based on it rather than on the Fa. The fake self even makes excuses for us, preventing us from doing things based on the Fa.
Many practitioners might ask, “So you’re saying we can’t differentiate right from wrong?” I believe when we are not clear about interference from the fake self, it is hard for us to be clear that this mindset is not ours. However, after eliminating the fake self, we use Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance to measure everything we do. If we can’t truly let go of the fake self, we will be controlled by the fake self and can’t improve in our cultivation.
The Importance of Eliminating the Fake Self
Master has said:
“Because everything stems from self. If you think about it, you will find that it’s true for everything in this world—your family, your job, the money you earn, the things you do, and so on. Selfishness is the force that propels the developments in this world—I want to invent something, I want to do something, I want to this or that… That seems to be the case, doesn’t it? For example, the president of a country might think, “I want to change society for the better” in some way or other. Even good things stem from self. And that’s just fine for non-practitioners. But as a practitioner you want to develop a kind of altruism that extends to others and the greater good, and change your very being such that you are one with the true Fa and have attained true and virtuous enlightenment. That’s what a practitioner should do.” (2018 Fa Teaching Given in Washington, D.C.)
I understand that the fake self can generate all kinds of attachments and human notions. If we want to let go of attachments and human notions, we must first eliminate the fake self. If we can’t find the root cause of the problem, more problems will appear.
Let Us Be Controlled by the True Self
I understand that the true self has never changed; instead, it was buried under human notions and karma. We should let our true self dominate. Whenever there is a conflict between human notions and principles of the Fa, we should use the Fa to measure everything. When we cleanse ourselves, it is so our true selves can appear and we can finally return to our true selves.
The above is what I understand based on my own cultivation level. If it is not based on the Fa, please point it out.
[Editor’s Note: This article only represents the author’s understanding in their current cultivation state 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
