(Minghui.org) I began practicing Falun Dafa in 2017, and I’d like to share my cultivation experiences and insights with you so we can all improve.

I understand that all my abilities came from Master, so when I others praise me I don’t feel happy or complacent; I just politely thank them.

During recent challenges at work, I found I’m easily moved. When someone misjudges or criticizes me, my emotions rise, and I can’t calm down. I thought: “I don’t care if people praise me, but I don’t want anyone to misunderstand me or criticize me.”

I looked inward so I could understand why this bothered me. I discovered that many of my attachments are constantly shifting in complex ways; some times I have a desire for fame and fortune, other times I become complacent or jealous.

The project manager recently asked me, “Why did the system malfunction?” The malfunction was caused by a plan he implemented earlier, but he probably forgot because he was busy. So I explained the cause in detail and proposed a solution. After he overheard our conversation, my supervisor sent me a private message: “Keep your explanations concise, and pay attention to the overall context.”

I was immediately bothered. Being told by my supervisor that “the explanation was too long” hurt my pride. I felt I thoughtfully considered the other person’s needs and explained the issue clearly. I couldn’t accept his critique. I believed I did well, but instead of being praised he criticized me. My resentment surfaced. I considered arguing, but then I remembered what Master said:

“They just do not let you move up. Why don’t they let you move up? It is because your xinxing has not improved. There are different standards for every level. If you want to reach a higher level, you must abandon your bad thoughts and clean out your filthy things in order to assimilate to the requirements of the standard at that level. Only by doing so can you ascend.”(Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)

I realized that it was time to elevate my xinxing. I must not get caught up in arguing about right and wrong and remain stuck at this level. The desire for fame and the craving for others’ approval are not the true me, nor do they belong to me. As soon as I realized this I instantly felt lighter. I reflected on our conversation and realized that my explanation could have been shorter. Other practitioners pointed out my tendency to explain things in excessive detail. My supervisor’s words exposed my shortcomings and offered me an opportunity to improve.

The project manager adopted my proposal, and said, “Let’s proceed according to this plan.” At that moment, a flash of smug satisfaction, even a hint of self-congratulation, crossed my mind: “See? I was right after all!” It was a perfectly ordinary feeling of fulfillment. However, I quickly realized this thought was inappropriate for a cultivator and I immediately rejected it. Looking back, I know I should truly be grateful to my supervisor. This seemingly minor incident revealed that my heart still harbored many unwholesome thoughts.

I discovered that my unwillingness to hear criticism and accept suggestions was driven by a need for self-protection. When I reflected on myself, this was abundantly clear. Whenever practitioners in the group offered corrections or advice, I started by saying, “I’m not wrong,” or “I’ve already done well,” before I looked inward. I believe this human trait hinders practitioners’ progress in cultivation.

As a practitioner, I need to take this seriously. Regardless of whether the other person is right or wrong, I should humbly listen to them.

Looking back on my cultivation journey over the years, I see I still have many shortcomings—I’m like a child learning to walk who stumbles and falls along the way. Master has always waited for me with compassion, and granted me one opportunity after another to get back up. Moving forward, I will continue to work diligently and not let Master down.