(Minghui.org) In Falun Dafa cultivation, some attachments are readily detected and removed, while some remain deeply embedded and resistant to elimination. I have gone through a long process of gradually recognizing my attachments of arrogance and complacency and gaining a clearer understanding of them. Recent articles by Master Li have further prompted me to reflect upon these attachments soberly. With this in mind, I share my personal experiences and the lessons I have learned.
My Painful Lessons
Growing up, I excelled in academics and was often praised. Unconsciously, I nurtured a sense of superiority and developed a personality of high self-esteem. Despite my limited knowledge, I considered myself smarter than others. Falun Dafa introduced me to profound principles brought clarity to the complexities of my existence, and unraveled the confusion in my life.
Although I realized my ignorance and insignificance after taking up Dafa, I allowed complacency to grow and foster an exaggerated sense of self-worth. This lack of humility hindered me from looking within when faced with tribulations and led to consecutive stumbles in the early stages of my cultivation.
Before my first arrest and detention, Master gave me a hint: a large piece of glass near the entrance to my office building was broken and had a big hole in it. When I saw it, I wondered who had such a big loophole, but I didn’t think it indicated me.
During my second tribulation, someone reported me to the police for speaking to people about Falun Dafa, which led to my dismissal from a job that paid quite well. It is now clear to me that the root cause of this tribulation was my arrogance.
In my initial cultivation phase, I immersed myself in the Fa, dedicating substantial time to Fa study. I had some fresh insights each time I read Zhuan Falun. However, as time passed, a sense of complacency took hold. I wondered whether there was anything left for me to glean. I realize now how arrogant and ridiculous I was.
My ego and entrenched human notions prevented me from wholeheartedly trusting in the power of Dafa when faced with persecution and pivotal trials.
Arrogance: The Impediment to Elevation and Saving People
Reflecting on my cultivation journey, I recognize that my persistent and numerous attachments and slow improvement on various fronts were also related to my arrogance and hubris.
Jealousy, a potent manifestation of this arrogance, was strongly reflected in me. I found discomfort in others’ successes and took a perverse satisfaction in their misfortunes. I looked down on others. I tried to remove this attachment but couldn’t completely remove it at the root. When a practitioner shared their accomplishments, I found myself questioning their worthiness. I couldn’t help always comparing myself to others.
Then, in an epiphany, I realized the interplay between my jealousy and arrogance. My inflated sense of self-led me to believe I deserved those successes, but others didn’t. My arrogance impeded my wisdom and blinded me to the intricate web of cause and effect. My ego made me feel that it was unfair for me to suffer more severe persecution than others.
Arrogance also led me to look down upon ordinary people, rendering me unable to empathize with their suffering. Every being descends to this world in search of salvation, and I, who was fortunate to become a Dafa practitioner, am in no position to look down on others.
I also often liked calculating how many people had learned the truth through me and were thus saved, a greedy thought due to my arrogance. Saving lives is so significant that a being like me doesn’t own the ability. Instead, Master paved the way and brought people to me. Master also bestows my ability and wisdom when I talk with people about the goodness of Dafa.
Without Master’s benevolent protection, I would be powerless to safeguard my life, let alone extend a hand to others. The opportunities to clarify the truth are orchestrated by Master and intertwined with the crucible of tribulations designed to elevate us. These gifts should be cherished and embraced.
Lessons from History: The Virtue of Humility
Recently, I revisited the article “Lessons Learned from Two High Officials in Tang Dynasty” on the Minghui website. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, renowned in Chinese history, paid tribute to 24 eminent officials at Lingyan Pavilion. Among them were General Li Jing and General Hou Junji.
General Li, an accomplished leader, held various high-ranking positions, including chancellor. Despite his remarkable achievements, he approached Emperor Taizong with unwavering humility and always spoke modestly. General Hou, although also a distinguished figure on the battlefield, met a tragic end due to his involvement in a rebellion. His fate serves as a cautionary tale.
As practitioners, it is imperative that we maintain humility in the face of any achievement. We must have gratitude and reverence for Master. Those who cling to arrogance, narcissism, and complacency risk perilous paths. We must, with a strong consciousness, shed these attachments. Casting blame and harboring grievances only leads to self-demonization and, eventually, self-destruction. We all need to pay attention to this.
Master has long woven humility into traditional culture. Among the sixty-four hexagrams in the I Ching, only the hexagram for “humility” consistently signifies auspiciousness. Practitioners with humble hearts are better equipped to discern their shortcomings, make timely corrections, and traverse their cultivation paths with greater stability.
The above is my understanding; please point out anything inappropriate.
Editor’s note: This article only represents the author’s current understanding meant for sharing among practitioners so that we can “Compare in studying, compare in cultivating” (“Solid Cultivation,” Hong Yin)
Views expressed in this article represent the author's own opinions or understandings. All content published on this website are copyrighted by Minghui.org. Minghui will produce compilations of its online content regularly and on special occasions.
Category: Improving Oneself
