(Minghui.org) Our cultivation path is often filled with trials and tribulations. In the face of these challenges, some stride forward, others stumble, but some give up.
One of the main reasons for the different ways practitioners handle challenges is that some of us only learn the principles but we do not actually practice them.
Master Li, the founder of Falun Dafa, told us,
“Let each and every thing be measured against the Fa,Only then, with that, is it actually cultivation.” (Solid Cultivation, Hong Yin)
“However much you sacrifice is the amount you will gain—this is the principle.” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun)
After cultivating for many years, it seems some practitioners don’t really understand what this means—how much we sacrifice is how much we’ll gain.
We should view tribulations as tests to see how well we’ve cultivated ourselves. The persecution has gone on for twenty four years. How well did we use that time to do the three things every day? How much have we accomplished? How well have we studied the Fa, done the exercises, sent righteous thoughts, clarified the truth, and saved people?
The interaction of mind and body has been recognized by modern science. One example is an article published on the Minghui website called “Resonance: The Mystery and Science of Boosting the Human Body’s Immunity.”
The article stated that the pronunciation of the word “Buddha” is connected to the energy of another dimension and resonates with the higher energy of the universe.
“We may thus infer that when ancient cultivators read or recited scriptures or prayed, their minds, voices, and words could resonate with the higher energy in the cosmos.
“...emotions can affect health. Human DNA and cells can also resonate with cosmic energy. When aligned with good energy, the human body will become healthier. The scientific findings discussed earlier have attested to this.
“When sincerely reciting the two phrases mentioned above, one will be aligned with the cosmic energy of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Supported by peace and positive energy in the universe, one’s immunity will be strong and repel infectious disease, stress, and anxiety.”
The two phrases mentioned in the article are “Falun Dafa is good” and “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.”
Master also told us,
“Shakyamuni said that one should chant the scripture with a righteous mind and undivided attention in order to produce reverberations in the paradise of his cultivation practice. Only then can a great enlightened being be invited.”(Lecture Five, Zhuan Falun)
When we study and memorize the Fa, aren’t we assimilating to the Fa?
Continuously studying and memorizing the Fa, actively assimilating ourselves to Dafa, and the willingness to rectify ourselves by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are important. When we are able to do all three, the boundless power of Dafa will constantly purify our thoughts, bodies, and everything in our lives, from the micro to the macroscopic level.
We may encounter various issues in the process of cultivation, such as being unable to identify our attachments, not knowing where our problems lie, or getting stuck in a long-term tribulation. When that happens, we should not get discouraged or rush to do things merely for the sake of solving the problem. Dafa will grant us wisdom, guide us on how to look within, and enlighten us to where our problem is and how to rectify it. Everything is within the Fa. Enduring, suffering, and putting in the effort are all part of true cultivation.
We can sometimes identify our attachments during a tribulation, but our condition does not improve. We may think we have not yet found the right attachment. We keep searching, but the problem is still there. My understanding is that we may have found the attachment, but we haven’t put in enough effort to address the issue. Without solid cultivation and real effort, the attachment remains and the problem continues.
Master told us,
“I hope that every practitioner is ready to endure great hardship, and will have the determination and willpower to embrace the hardship. You won’t acquire real gong without expending effort. No principle exists that will let you gain gong comfortably without any hardship or effort.” (Chapter Three Cultivation of Character, Falun Gong)
We may have experienced a phenomenon: When we study the Fa, we understand the principles and know what to do. But when we encounter problems, we fail to remember the teachings and forget that we are cultivators.
We need to overcome this. From the Fa teachings, we all know that conflicts are arranged to help us elevate, improve our xinxing, and transform our karma. But in the heat of the moment it’s often hard to remember this. We forget to thank the other person who is involved in the conflict.
When someone gave me a hard time, I suddenly realized Master arranged for him to help me improve by causing the disagreement. As soon as I realized this, I thanked him.
It’s not that difficult to truly cultivate ourselves. If we truly want to improve and elevate, we will work hard.
Putting in the effort means: Paying attention to our every thought and searching for the true motive and human attachment behind the thought. When we encounter a problem, we shouldn’t try to rush for a solution. Instead we should think about the solution from various angles—especially from the other person’s perspective. Over time, we’ll learn to recognize our selfish thoughts and reject them in favor of altruistic ones. This is something that requires consistent practice, but diligence is the foundation of true cultivation.
Master told us,
“Nonetheless, however much a cultivator puts forth in cultivation, that much he will gain upon Consummation.” (“Eliminate Your Last Attachment(s)”, The Essentials of Diligent Progress II)
If we continue to put in the effort and never give up, we will reach the finish line for sure.
This is my understanding at my level; please kindly point out anything inappropriate.
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 in studying, compare in cultivating.” (“Solid Cultivation,” Hong Yin)