(Minghui.org) Master told us, “When it’s difficult to endure, you can endure it. When it’s impossible to do, you can do it.” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun)
My understanding of this teaching is that we should always remember that we are practitioners—no matter what we encounter—and steadfastly follow the Fa. Then we can tackle any challenge and eventually find our way through seemingly impossible situations.
While I was studying the Fa teachings one evening, I suddenly felt panic for no reason. Then, my vision became blurry and I had difficulty reading.
I usually didn’t study the Fa in the evenings because my eyesight tended to be poor later in the day, and I would end up with a headache or have tightness in my chest. It had been like this for many years. But that particular night, I realized that my perception had kept me from studying the Fa at night.
I recalled that Master said:
“The idea that you could just sit there comfortably, drinking tea and watching television, and ascend through spiritual practice, rising as high as you want to, is absolute nonsense.” (Lecture Given at the Conference in Sydney)
I had always had the attachment of fearing discomfort. Once I became uncomfortable, I would panic. Then, instead of looking to the Fa, I would turn to fellow practitioners for help. I hadn’t been able to overcome this fear of discomfort for years. Even though I recognized it that night, I didn’t believe that I could overcome it on my own. Nevertheless, although I felt helpless I was unwilling to accept defeat. I decided to try to overcome this hurdle.
I reminded myself that discomfort was a good thing—it was a test Master arranged for me. I made up my mind not to put it aside. No matter how uncomfortable I felt or difficult it was to endure, I wouldn’t back down. I kept studying the Fa despite my blurred vision. However, my panic and discomfort didn’t go away, and I started to doubt if I could handle the situation. Meanwhile, my desire for relief also surfaced. Still, I told myself that I must calm down first—no matter what.
Then Master’s words came to my mind again, so I continued to endure. My mind gradually calmed down. I continued studying the Fa, enduring and persevering. After a while, I slowly came to understand that what I was doing was true cultivation. My main consciousness was in control, and my willpower was growing stronger. I continued for about two hours, until I’d finished studying two lectures of the Fa.
This was the first time I didn’t give up, the first time I was able to persevere by relying on my firm belief in Master and the Fa. I realized that cultivating like this can apply to any tribulation.
The following day, I again struggled to study the Fa. My steadfast state from the previous day had vanished completely. It was as if that had happened eons ago. I felt despondent and helpless. Though I was aware that I should be as resolute as the previous day, the moment I picked up the book panic engulfed me, plunging me back into the same unsettled state as before.
Again, I reminded myself of Master’s words: “When it’s difficult to endure, you can endure it. When it’s impossible to do, you can do it.” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun)
Yet, unlike the previous day, I felt unable to do it. At that moment, I realized my shortcoming of easily falling into a helpless and despondent state and recalled Master’s teaching:
“The truth is, anything that is not consistent with Dafa or the righteous thoughts of Dafa disciples results from the old forces’ involvement, and that includes all of the unrighteous elements that you have.” (On the Responses to the Piece About Assistant Souls)
I began to reject those depressing thoughts—they were not from me. As I continued to study the teachings for some time, those thoughts gradually weakened and eventually disappeared. This was also a process of strengthening my willpower and eliminating my human attachments.
On the morning of the third day, I resolved to continue studying the Fa. I felt a bit panicky at the beginning, and my vision became slightly blurred, but I remained steadfast, determined to endure. This was the very process of cultivation. Even if I had to begin again, as I did two days before, I could still get through it! My panic vanished, and I just simply endured and persevered. As my will grew increasingly firm, I understood more and more clearly that I had made it through. At last, I sensed that I had persevered and found light at the end of the tunnel!
I then began to consistently apply what Master said: “When it’s difficult to endure, you can endure it. When it’s impossible to do, you can do it.” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun)
I gradually enlightened to the certainty that, whatever trials or difficulties arise, one must not be afraid but remain steadfast in the Fa. All obstacles can be overcome and victory will follow every time. The process of building firm conviction is truly precious. Every test passed strengthens one’s faith and marks a step forward on the path of cultivation.
The above is a brief account of my personal practice of applying Master’s words: “When it’s difficult to endure, you can endure it. When it’s impossible to do, you can do it.” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun)
Please point out anything not aligned with the Fa.
Category: Improving Oneself
