(Minghui.org) I was born into a family of Falun Dafa practitioners in 2010. When I was four years old, Mom read Zhuan Falun, the main text of Falun Dafa with me one character at a time. I was soon able to read the entire book by myself during group study. Encouraged by my parents, I went from following the adults to understanding Master’s teachings on my own. I understood the purpose of cultivation is to return to our true selves, and assimilate to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
As I grew up, I noticed many people only believe in modern science, atheism, and the theory of evolution—they are clueless about the true meaning of life. Cultivators are fortunate, because Master has told us the reason human beings exist. This is not taught in any school. Searching within ourselves is what we need to do to improve our xinxing. I’d like to tell you about some of my recent experiences.
Eliminating My Attachment to Food
I love candy and snacks, especially sweets. Mom keeps an eye on me so that I don’t indulge myself. I knew I must exercise self control, however, I could not resist candy. My greediness for food is comparable to the piglet in the novel Journey to the West, who always seems to be hungry.
Master taught us,
“In order to remove this attachment, what should be done? Upon eating meat, the person’s stomach will hurt. If he doesn’t eat it, he will not have pain. This situation will happen, and it means that one should not eat it.” (Lecture Seven, Zhuan Falun)
I noticed whenever I ate a piece of candy, large acne would erupt on my face. The inflammation usually lasted for more than two weeks. I did not look for the root of the problem and continued to eat candy. Soon, my face was covered with acne. I finally decided to eliminate my attachment to candy and stopped eating it.
I discovered that once I set my mind to eliminate an attachment, Master helped me. Sometimes teachers and classmates offered me candy, and I was able to refuse. My face cleared up.
Master’s intention was not to stop me from eating candy, but to help eliminate my greed.
Eliminating the Mentality of Showing Off
I had a strong desire to show off the nice things I had. For instance, I brought my novelty stationary to school, and made sure to place it where others could see it. I wasn’t satisfied until my classmates admired it. The same went for the awards I received—unless I was praised, I was unhappy.
Through Fa study, I realized I had a strong desire to show off. This kind of thought does not belong to my true self. Master pointed out the mentality of showing off in Lecture Six in Zhuan Falun. I am a cultivator, so I should maintain a high standard. Fame and competitiveness are some of the desires hidden behind my constantly wanting others’ attention and praise. The truth is, if I achieve anything, no one else needs to know. I decided to eliminate the mentality of showing off.
Eliminate Attachment to Computer
After I got my own computer, I constantly wanted to use it. I checked my email every few minutes. If there were no emails, I would check out some websites. I spent time changing the wall paper on the screen. My parents pointed out that I spent too much time on the computer. However, I did not want to correct myself as I felt I was not looking at anything inappropriate.
Eventually, my parents set passwords on the computer so I would not waste too much time on it. I still did not want to change. I even made up various excuses to increase my time online. My desire to sit in front of the computer got stronger and stronger. My eyesight was affected.
Master said,
“Where there’s a will there’s a way. Did you know? Many of the young disciples on the Mountain just have a simple phone without Internet, so that they won’t be interfered with.” (“2018 Fa Teaching Given in Washington, D.C.,” Collected Fa Teachings, Vol. XV)
I realized my behavior was inviting interference, and this is where I should improve. Computers are tools, not toys. We need to focus on doing the three things well. I eliminated my urge to constantly looking at my computer.
Eliminate Hatred
Our down stairs neighbors are extremely sensitive to noise, and complain if we make a tiny bit of sound. Because they go to bed early I cannot practice the piano after 8 p.m. We have to tiptoe when we walk around at night. Even though we were quiet, they complained. I felt they were selfish, and liked to order others around. I began to hate them, and thought: Who do they think they are?
One day, I was stretching when dad received a text message from the downstairs neighbor complaining about noise. I sat on the bed fuming. Mom said the expression on my face looked unkind. We both looked within. Mom said it did not matter whether the situation seemed fair or not, a cultivator should reflect on themselves. I noticed my feeling of hatred surfaces when I don’t have enough compassion or tolerance. Celestial beings do not have hatred or get angry.
Master taught us,
“As you know, when a person reaches the Arhat level, in his heart he is not concerned about anything. He does not care at all in his heart for any ordinary human matter, and he will always be smiling and in good spirits. No matter how much loss he suffers, he will still be smiling and in good spirits without any concern. If you can really do this, you have already reached the entry-level Fruition Status of Arhatship” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun)
Once I came to this understanding, I let go of my anger. I should be thankful for our downstairs neighbor for giving me opportunities to improve my xinxing.
These are some of my cultivation sharing. I feel very fortune to be Master’s young disciple. I am thankful for Master’s compassionate salvation!
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