(Minghui.org) I am ashamed to say that this year is the first time I have ever submitted an article to the Minghui website for commemorating World Falun Dafa Day. I have practiced Falun Dafa for many years, but often felt that I did not cultivate well. Therefore, I thought that I had nothing to write about. I had found an excuse for myself. Now I realize that I was wrong.
My biggest mistake was due to my attachment to self. Master Li, the founder of Falun Dafa, told us, “If you want to free yourself of this undesirable thing, you will first have to change your ways.” (The Fourth Talk, Zhuan Falun) I realized that my understanding about cultivation was lacking and I needed to change my mindset.
An ancient Chinese poem says, “Looking at the mountains from different angles, one sees them in different shapes; from different distances, one sees them in different heights.”
Anything could appear different when seen from different angles. The same logic applies to our thinking – different ways of thinking result in different conclusions about the same thing. Changing the mindset needs to start with correct thinking.
When I saw notices from the Minghui website calling for submissions in the past, I asked myself what I could write about. I was really disappointed at myself after examining my cultivation state, thinking I was doing so poorly in my cultivation. When I read the published articles of other practitioners, I was moved to see how well they were doing, which further prevented me from writing my own paper.
Through my recent intensive Fa study and reading of other practitioners’ sharing articles, I gradually understood that my questions, “What should I write?” and “What should I do?” originated from thinking of myself. I attached too much importance to my own feelings and ideas. It was based on selfishness, leading me to the wrong conclusion.
What is the right way of thinking? Our first thought in every decision should be, “What does Master want me to do?” It’s the same when we encounter interference or have conflicts with fellow practitioners.
With this understanding, I immediately had a clear answer about writing articles: Master wants me to write, and he wants my sharing to be a reference for fellow practitioners, to inspire people and serve as a stepping stone for them to understand Falun Dafa and be saved. This is the path that Dafa disciples should take, and it is good for our cultivation improvement.
Next, what should I write about that will serve as a reference for other practitioners and move people? The reason why I couldn’t think of anything to write about was because I was looking for something significant, and I was concerned about my reputation. But now I realized that I should think from the perspective of other practitioners and sentient beings. I should ask myself this question: If I’m the reader, what article would I expect to see and what impact will it have on me?
The answer has never been more clear: I don’t have to do very well and be extraordinary; my sharing should be genuine and accurate, not too general though; I should describe the details clearly, even about a small matter.
For example, I couldn’t get rid of my attachment to comfort and was unable to keep up the exercises every day. I don’t look as young and good-looking as many other practitioners. But I still benefit from practicing Dafa. For example, I am easily able to exchange the large water bottles from the water dispenser by myself at work, which amazed my colleagues. None of my female colleagues, regardless of their age, could do it. They all have to roll the water bottle from one office to another and ask male colleagues to help change it. When the water ran out and no male colleagues were in the office, they had to go to a different office to get drinking water.
Now I have become the “VIP laborer,” and coworkers always seek help from me to exchange the water dispenser bottles. Readers might become curious as to how a middle-aged woman who never exercises or performs heavy labor, is stronger than others. The reason is because she does the Falun Gong exercises!
When I change the way I look at things, I realize that I have a lot to share. Even when I have improved on things that may appear trivial in life, this may inspire others in unknown ways. Cultivation has become simpler in my eyes, since any matter can be categorized as “should do” or “should not do.” What should not be done, do not do it; what should be done, try to do it well. We just need to have the desire to cultivate well and try our best to do it, then Master will help us. Master tells us, “You put in the effort and your teacher will handle the rest.” (The First Talk, Zhuan Falun)
A sharing article is effective when it is in line with Dafa, as it can then carry the power of the Fa. We should not attach our own thoughts to it, which only leads to obstacles. I hope that practitioners who have not written articles will learn from my lesson and start to write sharing articles if you have the time.
Furthermore, there are also practitioners who cultivate well and have a lot of things to share, but don’t have much education and don’t know where to start. In fact, it is not difficult. Whenever we encounter something that moves us, we all like to talk to others practitioners. Everyone can talk. You can choose just one matter and talk to the recorder just like talking to a practitioner, then transcribe it and bring it to other practitioners to polish and refine. You can repeat the process if you find more things to share and have time. The article can be long or short and you don’t need to be afraid of the process.
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)
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: Cultivation Insights
