Discovering My Attachment to Electronic Devices

(Minghui.org) When I read an article on the Minghui website discussing online shopping, I realized that Master was hinting that I let go of my obsession with electronic devices.

As soon as I wake up I turn on my cell phone and collect points from different apps. It's very convenient to purchase things online. I try every possible way to maximize my points so that I can exchange them for online prizes. This way, I save a lot of money and I can collect as many points as possible. I didn't realize that my attachment to gain and profit was so strong!

The more points I accumulate, the more bonuses and prizes I receive. I feel disappointed if I miss any opportunities to collect points. This really isn't a good state of mind, and I want to get rid of my desires and greed.

The convenience of modern technology tempts us in so many ways, and it's hard to turn down the feeling of satisfaction it brings.

Master said,

“While people often claim that their scientific pursuits are to “improve quality of life,” it is technological competition that drives them. And in most cases they have come about only after people have pushed out the divine and abandoned moral codes meant to ensure self-restraint. It was for these reasons that civilizations of the past many times met with destruction.” (Lunyu, Essentials For Further Advancement)

The online apps stimulate our desire for material things, as they have created countless desirable products. These days, people constantly pursue a materialistic lifestyle, but as practitioners, we should be content as long as our basic living needs are met.

When we let go of the attachment of pursuing material things, including cell phones, our hearts and minds will naturally become calmer and compassionate.

Master said,

“The reason that you cannot achieve tranquility is that your mind is not empty and you have not reached that high a level, which can only be achieved step by step. It goes hand in hand with the level of your improvement.” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun)

Practitioners should know from Master’s lectures, that Fa-rectification is coming to an end. Master talked about modern human concepts and notions many times in Hong Yin V. My understanding is that the Internet plays a part in interfering with us. Because of its openness and broad reach, it carries and spreads many warped elements.

I felt ashamed after reading an article published on the Minghui website about cell phone and Internet safety. How many of us have uninstalled or stopped using certain online apps after the Minghui Editorial Board's notice?

Many practitioners have not realized the seriousness of this issue. Our personal information can easily be accessed by those with bad intentions. I think practitioners, especially young practitioners, who own smart phones should pay attention to this safety issue.

The world is filled with temptations. No matter how many excuses we use to hide our attachments, Master and the gods can clearly see our attachments and desires. We should let go of the mentality of protecting ourselves and the unwillingness to change ourselves.

I suggest that we stop carrying cell phones day and night, unless we really need them for communication. Do not use the excuse of “convenience” to ignore this safety issue. These electronic devices are like invisible nets that wrap themselves around us. When we stop using them excessively, our attachments to them will disappear.