(Minghui.org) I had a new understanding of Teacher's poem "Through the Gut" (HongYin III-A) when I studied it again a few days ago. Please kindly point out anything inappropriate in my humble understanding.
When I read this poem, I always thought it talked about non-cultivators' addiction to alcohol. I suddenly realized that Teacher wrote poems for Falun Gong practitioners. I think Teacher might be using the addiction to alcohol as a metaphor to all mind-numbing attachments in the world, which we cultivators are required to forgo. We often indulge ourselves in our attachments to "ease the worries." In other words, addictions or attachments might be a way for us to ease our worries temporarily. Before we know it, we are lost in our attachments, and we could potentially develop a severe attachment without realizing it.
I think Teacher is asking us to search inward unconditionally at all times, even when we are troubled by our worries, so that the old forces will not have any opportunity to exploit us. I have also come to realize that we mustn't compromise our standards during our cultivation. It is only natural for a cultivator to make a mistake, but we mustn't repeat our mistakes knowingly. We mustn't be attached to anything in the secular world.
I enjoyed playing card games and other games on my computer. Lately I had been playing them on my mobile phone so that I could indulge anytime I wanted. Sometimes when I was really into it, I would lie down on the sofa and play whenever I had time, and I wasted a lot of time. I knew it was wrong, but I just couldn't quit playing. I would always start playing again after a while. I would even find an excuse to justify my addiction. "It has been a long day. There is nothing wrong with finding a way to relax." I became all the more addicted. I could easily spend an hour at a time playing games, with several bouts a day.
I have been awakened by Teacher's poem. I suddenly realized that those demons from other dimensions are grinning when I start a game! I was shattered. I felt as though Teacher had removed the element that is addictive to the video games. I suddenly felt very relaxed and free. I know exactly what to do. I immediately deleted all the games on my mobile phone. My daughter, who also practices Falun Gong, has never played video games before. Today she suddenly started a card game on the computer and asked me how to play. I found the game to be very boring. I am not at all interested in playing games anymore.
I have many other attachments to be eliminated in my cultivation. As a cultivator, I must consciously suppress bad behavior in order to not be interfered with by various desires and sentiments.