(Minghui.org) I felt embarrassed and ashamed when it came to Fa study. As a veteran practitioner who began cultivation before the persecution started in 1999, I studied Zhuan Falun every day, frequently listened to recordings of Master’s lectures, and read Master’s other teachings. On the surface, I studied the Fa diligently, but in truth, my heart was impure. I struggled to quiet my mind and frequently read the Fa with various attachments and desires.

For over two decades, I have endured many tribulations. In the early days of the persecution, I was forced to leave home, becoming displaced for three years. Later, I was subjected to two years of forced labor. After returning home, I set up a Dafa materials production site at home—a small flower bloomed. However, it was forced to close down once, and twice was on the verge of shutdown. I was unable to cultivate diligently and was frequently plagued with sickness karma, which burdened Master and caused difficulties for fellow practitioners.

I initially began Dafa cultivation to cure my illnesses. For a long time, while studying the Fa, I held the thought that if I studied the Fa, Master would purify my body, and my illness would quickly disappear. As a result, studying the Fa became my main daily task. However, when household chores or work demanded my attention, I would hastily finish reading a lecture or just listen to Master’s lecture while working, often finding my mind wandering and losing focus. Though sometimes, even after listening to several lectures, I remembered nothing, as if I hadn’t studied at all. Yet I still felt quite diligent, convinced that I didn’t neglect Fa study.

I regarded the Fa as a protective umbrella. In fact, I wasn’t studying the Fa, but rather using it for my own personal gain. Before making Dafa materials, I thought: I must study the Fa well, or evil will exploit my weaknesses, and the machines that I used to make Falun Dafa informational materials will malfunction. Yet the machines frequently broke down, leaving me exhausted. Before going out to talk to people about the facts of Dafa, I also thought: I must study the Fa, which will purify my dimensional field and expel evil; moreover, it will make me feel secure and safe, and avoid being reported. Yet, things didn’t go smoothly at times, and I encountered danger multiple times.

Reflecting on the Fa, I finally realized why I hadn’t truly grasped it in my past Fa studies. I studied the Fa with a mind full of pursuits: curing illnesses, avoiding persecution, doing things smoothly, striving for better security, and easing worries about my children, crops, and animals on the farm. My hectic schedule left little time for Fa study, and fatigue often made me drowsy, causing me to fall asleep while reading. It’s no wonder I stumbled along my cultivation path. I am deeply grateful for Master’s compassionate protection, which has carried me this far.

Master said:

“So, no matter how busy you get, when you study the Fa you have to set aside all other thoughts—don’t think about other things at all, just study the Fa. Maybe as you study the Fa the issues you’ve been thinking about will be resolved, since behind every word are Buddhas, Daos, and Gods. How could they not know exactly what you want to resolve and what you’re anxious to get done at that time? Then how could they not tell you? But there’s one thing: you must achieve the state of studying the Fa without any pursuit. You understood this a long time ago—you can’t read the Fa with an attachment to solving your problems. Just read calmly, and the effect is sure to be excellent.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the Conference in Florida, U.S.A.,” Collected Teachings Given Around the World Volume II)

Master’s earnest teachings struck me deeply and dispelled the gloom within me. I finally learned how to truly study the Fa. Regardless of how much time I have, I focus my mind during Fa study and read steadily without pursuing quantity. Even if I read only one page or a few pages, I make sure to clearly understand what I am reading. When I am too exhausted, I take a short rest or a nap to recover. Studying with full energy helps to achieve a clear and calm mind, and I can grasp the essence of the Fa. After absorbing one level of the Fa, I comprehend that level. With a solid understanding, I can recall Master’s words and follow the Fa’s guidance when encountering problems. As a result, I handle things smoothly and with much improved efficiency.

In fact, studying the Fa with a calm mind is the key to obtaining the Fa and purifying oneself. The Fa will manifest miracles, and Master will reward us with unexpected gain.

This year, my mind has remained steady, allowing me to study the Fa with true calmness. I usually do Fa study in the latter half of the night after resting earlier. My mind feels exceptionally tranquil and free from distractions, which helps me stay focused during Fa study. Each word of the Fa imprints on my mind, constantly enlightening me to the Fa principles layer by layer.

I have enlightened that the discomfort in my body was meant to help me get rid of my attachment to healing illnesses; The malfunction of my machines was to help me eliminate my tendency to approach Dafa work with ordinary human notions. The troubles I encountered while clarifying Dafa facts were to remove my desire for Master’s protection. My worries about my children’s futures were to dissolve my sentiments toward family members. My fixation on harvests and farm business was to help me shed my pursuit of personal gain. Through these experiences, I have truly comprehended the profound meaning of the Fa’s principles.

I find great joy in the wonder of absorbing the Fa and experiencing the clarity and tranquility that come from elevating my level. Nothing in this world is truly worth clinging to, and every event encountered in cultivation—whether favorable or not—is arranged by Master to help us return to our origin. A pure heart is the foundation to achieve tranquility and the state of no pursuit. Dafa cultivation targets one’s mind and attachments.

Unlike other lesser cultivation ways, Dafa cultivates one’s main consciousness, enabling one to truly obtain gong. The Master’s boundless compassion and majestic virtue nourish me and make me feel vibrant. As my health steadily improves, my path to saving people has widened.

I hope my sharing experience about the beauty of studying Fa with a clear mind offers a modest contribution to further discussion. Kindly point out anything not in line with the Fa.

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Category: Improving Oneself