Helping Each Other to Let Go of Our Attachments

(Minghui.org) “Did you say something that you shouldn't have?” I asked a fellow practitioner when she phoned me coughing. She said she had. I reminded her to be strict with herself.

I was feeling down because I had gotten into a conflict with my husband. I didn't feel like doing anything. I thought it might be a good idea to go to her home, and we could put up posters about Falun Gong and the persecution together.

I complained and told her why I was feeling depressed. I said, “Please help me understand what I have done wrong and how I can improve myself. My husband hasn't earned any income since the Chinese New Year, and he hasn't been looking very hard. He is egotistical and vain. He is very particular about the kind of work he will accept. I'm worried and want to find a headhunter to help him but he refuses. He doesn't pay any attention to me and I feel that he doesn't treat me with respect. I can't cover the household expenses with my earnings.”

I continued: “I looked within to see my shortcomings. His seeking job inactively may be due to the fact that I haven't been diligent in my cultivation. I haven't been telling people about Falun Gong and the persecution, and awakening them. I need to change this. Lets go out and hang up posters to help people to know the truth about the persecution! ”

She said, “To me, it is very simple. Don't worry too much. If he refuses to look for work, that is his issue. Are you going to starve? Just let go of your attachment, maybe he will find work then.”

I said, “OK, I will leave him alone. I feel much more relaxed after talking with you. Why are you coughing when you're speaking appropriately?”

She said, “My husband and I had an argument yesterday over moving the washing machine to the bathroom. It would be more convenient to use, but it would require renovations. He isn't willing to work with me on it. When I try to do it on my own, he finds all kinds of excuses to stop me. I've reached my limit. I can't stand it anymore!”

“To me, it is also easy,” I said. “If you lived in a hotel or rental property, would you debate whether the location of the washing machine was convenient, or consider making renovations to move it? Actually, you are still attached to making your home more comfortable and having a higher standard of living.”

She said, “I'm wrong. If you consider it according to the principles of ordinary living, we are both right, but we are practitioners, so we need to let go of attachments. Lets go and put up posters!”

We left in good spirits. I joked, “Shouldn't you be coughing?” She laughed. We went in separate directions and planned to meet at the next bus stop.

My husband called while I waited for her and told me that he had two job offers. My fellow practitioner arrived and overheard our conversation. She exclaimed, “See, you let go of your attachments, and things turned out for the better!” It was true.

I was very grateful for Master's arrangements. I was also grateful to my fellow practitioner for not mincing words but speaking frankly!