What's Stopping Us from Being Diligent

(Minghui.org) I have observed some common problems surfacing among practitioners that I'd like to point out here.

The first problem: facing criticism, either about cultivation or on everyday issues, we tend to side-step by immediately changing the topic. Even worse, when somebody criticizes us, we immediately turn the criticism back to the person. On the surface it is an escape, but actually it is the indication of trying to get out of it, of a degree of cunningness. Master said,

"I have spoken with you before about what a bad person is: he is someone who is cunning." ("Fa Teaching Given at the 2010 New York Fa Conference")

I've done this myself. During Fa study, when I read parts which point out my shortcomings, I wanted to read faster so as to pass through the section quickly. When I read what Master asks us to do, but which I find hard to achieve, I often hold a negative mindset. For example, Master said,

"I’ve often said this: if you sincerely do it for the other person’s sake, and there is nothing self-serving on your part, your words will be able to move the other party to tears. Want to give it a try?" ("Fa Teaching on World Falun Dafa Day")

When I read this, I even had this thought: "Impossible for me!" I talked about this with a fellow practitioner. He said seriously, "When we study the Fa, we need to try our best to change our notions, which can significantly benefit our cultivation." This touched me. When I studied this part again, I sent forth a strong righteous thoughts from the bottom of my heart: "Master, I can do it!"

The second problem: we often talk about "I myself", but hardly ever look inward. Sometimes, even when we do, we only look superficially and refuse to dig out the root.

The third problem: practitioners tend to plunge into conflict when discussing an issue. Each party insists that their solution is the best, and sometimes their faces flame with anger. They can't reach agreement. I personally believe that no matter how good anyone's solution is, endlessly emphasizing it is wrong. The most correct thing, if taken to an extreme will turn into a wrong.

We should not argue. Instead, we should augment and assist each other. Only this way will the solution finally work out and be the best.

One more problem: the attachment to sentimentality.

Many older practitioners are attached to their grandchildren. When I visit my parents, I always talk to my mother about her attachment to her granddaughter. Since my brother and his wife both work during the day, my mother takes care of their daughter at home. There's nothing wrong with this, but my mother is so attached to her granddaughter that even when my brother and his wife come back in the evening, she can't hold herself from going to their room to tease her granddaughter.

When my mother talks to others, she usually talks about her granddaughter. I have pointed out to my mother that this is also a loophole which can be used by the evil, and it can lead to slacking off in cultivation over time. But my mother doesn't seem to be willing to accept my reminder, and insists that she has no attachment on this. I won't give up, I'll continue reminding her every time I visit her.

Some practitioners are attached to their sons and daughters. They even find an excuse for their behavior: I care for them in order to help them be diligent in cultivation. Yes, it's correct to support their cultivation, but their parents' excessive caring has become an attachment. With so much attention to their offspring, they can't focus on their own cultivation and they can't calm down because of this attachment. Many times they feel unbalanced for they think their love isn't being returned. But they never think: “What's the real cause of this unbalance?”

I'm writing this article not to blame anyone, but to remind each other. Let's be diligent together!