(Clearwisdom.net) Why does a practitioner need to learn to be tolerant? It is because tolerance is a prerequisite to developing benevolence. Without tolerance and forgiveness, a practitioner cannot exhibit the realm of benevolence.
Every human being has numerous character flaws. As a result, one is bound to make mistakes which inevitably impinge on others' interests, thus causing conflicts. Being tolerant can help us effectively deal with conflicts.
As the old Chinese saying goes, "The sea is able to take in all rivers because it has such a capacity." While we're in the process of becoming great enlightened beings with mighty virtue, how can we not be tolerant?
I often see practitioners criticizing each other: "Why did you do it this way?" or "You're always doing things unbecoming of a Dafa practitioner!" or "My goodness! You are so slow when it comes to learning new things."
When some practitioners talk to their children, they say, "Son, I talked to you about this many times before? Why do you keep making the same mistake?!" They tell their spouse: "Look at our untidy house! Why can't you clean it up a bit?" These rude, emotional outbursts demonstrate that we do not always follow the Fa in our actions.
Why can't we be tolerant of others? I think it's because we are too self-centered. We become upset as soon as others' behavior fails to meet our expectations, or when our own self-interests are being compromised.
Another possibility is that we are knowingly or unknowingly being affected by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) culture. While traditional Chinese culture teaches us to be tolerant and forgiving, the CCP has always encouraged us to fight and struggle, making it hard for us to be tolerant.
I used to make a lot of demands on my friends and family and got upset whenever they were unable to meet my expectations. Sometimes I did not outwardly express my discontent, but inside I felt unsettled.
Not being able to be tolerant and benevolent towards others is a big omission in one's cultivation. It demonstrates that one is still attached to being self-righteous, picky, demanding, blaming, and opinionated.
Failing to look inward and not paying attention to cultivating one's mind or character, are two of the biggest obstacles along the path of cultivation.
Teacher taught us to look inward whenever we encounter problems. But when we see others' attachments, we often fail to notice if those same attachments exist within us. Not tolerating others and always focusing on others' deficiencies, is not following Teacher's requirement of looking inward.
If we fail to clear away the filthy substances and attachments in our own dimensional fields, how can we expect to have the heart of great compassion or tolerance? It's just like the example that Teacher gave us about a bottle that is filled with filth. If it is thrown in the water it will sink to the bottom. But if you pour out that filth, the more you pour out, the higher it will float up.
Likewise, if we don't pour out the bad things in our mind and body, how can we elevate our realm? How can we improve?
If we don't elevate our realm, it will be like Teacher said: "A wicked person is born of jealousy. Out of selfishness and anger he complains about unfairness towards himself." ("Realm" in Essentials for Further Advancement).
If we don't study the Fa well and are unwilling to endure hardships, or we don't use righteous Fa principles to get rid of our attachments, how can we possibly reach the state described by Teacher: "A benevolent person always has a heart of compassion. With no discontentment or hatred, he takes hardship as joy." ("Realm")
A local male practitioner once got into a fistfight with his neighbor and both were injured. All of his neighbors knew that he was a Falun Gong practitioner, so his actions caused quite an uproar.
Most of the practitioners in the area immediately rejected him, thinking that he had damaged Dafa's name. But our local coordinator did not look down upon him in the least. Instead, he went to this practitioner's home to talk with him and invite him to the group Fa study.
This practitioner was very sorry for what he had done and felt ashamed. Since that incident, he has managed to control his temper and become a true cultivator, actively participating in various truth clarification activities.
Being tolerant towards a fellow practitioner demonstrates good character and often equates to saving him, as well as many sentient beings. Tolerance displays a cultivator' selflessness, his ability to look inward, and his ability to cooperate with others. Isn't this what Teacher wants?
In the state of tolerance, jealousy and the feeling of injustice naturally disappear. What's left is a calm mind and amiable demeanor.
No matter what mistake a practitioner makes, as long as he still has the Fa in his heart, we should not give up on him.
My view may be very limited, so please kindly point out anything improper.
