On the Subject of Truthfulness

(Minghui.org) Teacher said:

“The most fundamental characteristic of this universe, Zhen-Shan-Ren, is the highest manifestation of the Buddha Fa. It is the most fundamental Buddha Fa.”

“From the perspective of the very highest level, it is very simple, for the Fa resembles a pyramid in form. At the highest point, it can be summarized in three words: Zhen, Shan, Ren. It is extremely complex when manifesting at different levels.” (Zhuan Falun)

Zhen-Shan-Ren (Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance) seem to be simple, however, I did not understand their deeper meaning, and I did not regard them as a compulsory standard over many years of practice.

I have only just come to realize that we must comply with Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Otherwise, we won't be qualified to enter into the new universe.

When I compromised I would lie, in order not to be malicious I would lie, and I lied to avoid trouble, which became my normal way of being.

1. Be Truthful in Validating the Fa

We must be truthful when we write articles or submit artwork to validate the Fa. This is a cultivation process.

For example, from time to time, I've found myself influenced by the Communist Party culture when I write articles, so I have to constantly check to see if any of the information is distorted, untrue, or exaggerated, and correct it. This is a process of getting rid of my inconsistencies.

When submitting artwork to Minghui, I think every part must be handmade. I do not use ready-made accessories such as a lotus flower, leaf, etc. If any of those parts are purchased, we should indicate it clearly. I tried hard to change my thoughts about not taking things seriously by striving to be truthful and making sure every part is truly handmade when I submit it.

2. Truthfulness in My Daily Life

I thought I was being truthful, but I was not.

I went to the market to buy groceries. It's normal to compare prices, but I used to say, “I'll buy some next time.” Then I actually went and purchased from another shop. Empty promises had become a habit.

Sometimes, I did not intend to buy, but would say, “I'll come another day.” I simply wanted the suppliers to tell me about the products, satisfy my curiosity, and keep me from feeling lonely.

Another example is when I went to a remote rural area where I had never been before and was worried about my safety when I met a dishonest looking driver. I lied, saying that my relative would be meeting me. Such lies were as natural as breathing.

Although I had my reasons and no malicious intentions, I did not realize my problem before I took a close look at myself. The shadow of lies and the lack of truthfulness permeated all aspects of my life. When I used to lie, I did not think it was serious.

3. Removing the Poison of the Communist Party Culture

I reflected on when I first learned to lie and discovered that it began in primary school, where we were inundated with lies and a lack of truthfulness.

For instance, we were taught narrative writing in primary school. The title was, “What's on My Mind.” We didn't know what to write about it, so the teacher taught us to make up things, to use our imagination.

Our primary school teacher taught us to fabricate in other ways. When someone came to inspect her class, she would repeat a previous lecture, asking us to pretend that we had not learned that lecture, and then asked questions we already knew the answers to.

I grew up in that culture, where fraud, lies, and empty talk penetrated into my every cell. It is very difficult to recognize the cultural poisons in me if I can't identify them clearly.

4. Behind a Lack of Truthfulness Is Protecting Oneself and Selfishness

Every lie was an attempt to avoid trouble or to protect myself and family or was induced by selfishness. All to avoid being harmed and to cunningly cover up the truth. How can a sly person be a Buddha? I began to understand why one should be truthful.

I realize that lies and a lack of truthfulness are wrong, so I have decided to change. Teacher taught us:

“I am a person who will not say what he does not want to say, but what I say must be true.” (Zhuan Falun)

I must strive to say only the truth. I must also comply with Compassion and Forbearance. I look within myself and see that resentment is the manifestation of a lack of compassion; anger and seeking comfort display no forbearance. These are what I should completely get rid of.