Looking Outward Versus Looking Within

(Minghui.org) I recently read an article in Minghui Weekly that discussed how several local coordinators had the attachment to self and always wanted to “prove” themselves. The practitioner who wrote the article hoped that the coordinators would be able to let go of themselves and fulfill what Teacher requires of practitioners.

After reading the article, I thought, “Maybe some practitioners still have the same notion that I used to have:” that is, when a problem arises, I put all of my hope in the coordinator, thinking that if the coordinator did well in resolving the issue, the situation in our area would improve. Now, I no longer think this way.

It is difficult to detect this type of notion in everyday society since the success or health of a company depends a lot on the leadership. However, we are practitioners who should surpass the level of everyday people. This kind of reasoning doesn’t work for us. The situation of an area is related to every practitioner in that area and not just the coordinator. Thus, every practitioner, including the coordinator, should look inward.

When facing tribulations, it is crucial how each of us views and understands the issue. It is even more important that each of us look inward. Teacher said,

“If everyone cultivates the inner self, it will be totally different. There will be no need for you to ensure justice. ” (Lecture Nine of Zhuan Falun)

If we always depend on the coordinator to resolve an issue, it will only cause the coordinator to be more attached to this notion. As a result, it will be difficult for the coordinator to change. Coordinators are also practitioners, so they will make mistakes sometimes. We shouldn't have very high expectations of them. Teacher hopes that every practitioner can do well in cultivation. In addition, many problems that arise are only false appearances. We shouldn't be overwhelmed and make a big issue of it. The more overwhelmed we become, the more difficult it can be to resolve the matter. Teacher said,

“'The appearance stems from the mind.'” (“Fa Teaching Given at the Epoch Times Meeting”)

We shouldn't be confused by the false appearance. Instead, we should firmly believe in Teacher and Dafa. When each of us cultivates well, other practitioners will do well and be rectified in the Fa. If everyone can look inward, the coordinators will do well too. Our heart shouldn't be moved by what we see or hear. We should focus on our own cultivation and do the three things well, so the outcome will be different.

On another note, I think that several practitioners are too focused on getting things done and have become less diligent in cultivation. When we are not whole-heartedly studying the Fa, we tend to look outward instead of inward. Under all circumstances, we need to look inward since everyone’s path is different and there is no set example. I would like to suggest that we review Teacher’s “Fa Teaching to Australian Practitioners”. Teacher emphasized the importance of looking inward as this is the key to resolve a problem.

If we really think that a practitioner or a coordinator has some problem, we shouldn't talk about it behind their back. It’s best if we can directly point it out to them. We should also send righteous thoughts for them instead of throwing negative substance into their dimension. Furthermore, we shouldn't look down on others as this is a human notion. Gods don’t have any human notions. Lastly, we shouldn't envy fellow practitioners.

The above is my understanding. Please point out anything that is inappropriate.