Rectifying Myself After a Cultivation Setback

(Minghui.org) I faced a life-threatening ordeal last winter, but I made it though with Master’s compassionate protection and help. After I survived this ordeal I deeply reflected on my cultivation state. How many of my actions were not in line with the Fa and allowed the old forces to find loopholes to persecute me?

Before I went through this ordeal compassionate Master repeatedly tried to enlighten me. However, I was stubborn and bent on having my own way. I kept making small mistakes and eventually suffered a big setback.

After I looked inward I had difficulty calming down—I had too many attachments that I should have eliminated. After years of cultivating I did eliminate some, but I still had jealousy, resentment, a competitive mentality, and an attachment to reputation. I made up my mind to eliminate all of these.

I’m naturally warm and kind, easy-going, lively, and cheerful. However, I grew up in a toxic environment and witnessed how people mistreated each other. My character gradually changed. I was once humble and amicable but I became irritable, unforgiving, and resentful. I knew I had to eliminate this big loophole.

My coworker made a mistake but my supervisor blamed me and scolded me harshly. I was aggravated and annoyed and defended myself. Overwhelmed because I felt I was treated badly tears welled up in my eyes. Another manager came into the room to talk to me but I ignored him.

Despite my distress I felt Master enlightening me. I thought: “Isn’t this an opportunity to expose and eliminate your attachment to reputation?” After I realized this I no longer felt sad or resentful. I was determined to eliminate my attachment to saving face.

But how? I thought, “I must first put aside my pride and take the initiative to apologize and stop making excuses for myself.” I found the manager and apologized for my rudeness for ignoring him. He happily accepted my apology.

I met with my supervisor that afternoon. I apologized and said I needed to correct my tendency to argue and I would be more attentive to my work in the future.

When she criticized me harshly I said, “Please don’t be upset. I’ll change.” I didn’t defend myself. I finally let go of my pride and I wanted to accommodate everyone. I felt I took a step forward in my cultivation.

I paid attention to improving my character and correcting my words and deeds. I no longer complain when I’m faced with problems. Instead, I deal with them calmly and do my best to resolve them. I finally eliminated my attachment to reputation and saving face, along with my competitive mentality. I feel relaxed and happy.

I moved into my new home. After the summer heat set in I became lax in studying the Fa and doing the exercises. I once again developed laziness and a desire for comfort. I wanted to study the Fa and do the exercises every day, but I didn’t.

A Falun Dafa practitioner I often talk to came to visit with me. Master used her words to enlighten me: “You should study the Fa and do the exercises every day and don’t slack off! Don’t forget how you overcame challenges last year!” I felt ashamed and resolved to continue studying the Fa, copying it by hand, memorizing it, and practicing the exercises diligently to improve myself. However, I always felt the urge to browse on my phone whenever I had spare time.

After the “Call for Submissions to Commemorate World Falun Dafa Day” was published on Minghui, I decided to study the Fa and practice the exercises well. I also wrote down my cultivation experiences. My urge to browse my phone disappeared. Master saw my distress and determination and helped me. My gratitude is beyond words.

Other benefits from my recent improved cultivation state include being able to meditate and send forth righteous thoughts with a straight back without needing to lean on something. I also pay attention to the issue of respecting the Fa and Master. I no longer put Dafa books everywhere; I have a designated place for them.

“Disciples’ righteous thoughts are strongMaster has the power to turn the tide” (Master-Disciple Grace, Hong Yin II)

Master’s Fa lingers in my ears, constantly inspiring and encouraging me and boosting my righteous thoughts.