From Arrogant and Cold to Cheerful and Warm

(Minghui.org) In the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast,” a handsome but arrogant prince was turned into an ugly beast by a sorceress. All the spells disappeared after prince changed back to his true self and truly cared for others from the bottom of his heart and was loved by them.

I was as arrogant as that prince. Everyone doted on me when I was a child and I developed a self-centered personality. Once I set a goal, I went all out for it and disregarded others. I would get angry and quit projects if other people did not meet my standards. Because of my ego I became emotional when someone offered suggestions, questioned me or didn’t agree with me.

Change in Attitude

I started reading Zhuan Falun in April 1999. After I began to cultivate, I frequently looked inward for my shortcomings. Many times, I failed to remain humble and empathetic when I faced unreasonable situations. I was narrow-minded and lost my temper.

I traveled abroad last month and stayed at a friend’s home. Her house is beautiful, elegant, and spacious. I was the first guest she and her husband hosted. I was careful to not mess up such a beautiful house. However, after working late one night, I accidentally broke one of the couple’s favorite bowls.

I felt terrible and apologized. I offered a good compensation, but over the next two days her husband asked me several times why I broke the bowl. Although he meant to point out my shortcomings, I felt this aggressive attitude was unacceptable. In the end, I parted unhappily with them.

I looked inward after I returned home. I realized that his attitude mirrored mine. There are millions of people in this world, and every one is unique. Only in this way can a prosperous world be achieved. Was I too opinionated and demanded that other people meet my standards? Is my attitude self-centered? What if those people who did a better job than I asked me to meet their standards? If everyone sets their standards and asks others to follow, wouldn’t there be many dissatisfied and resentful people in the world? Did my attitude meet Falun Dafa’s principles: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance?

I could not answer these questions. I realized that my pride caused this conflict with my friend’s husband. They sincerely invited me to their home. I felt ashamed. I confessed my shortcomings and thanked them for their help. Since this incident I corrected and improved myself so that I strive to do better next time.

Focus on Relatives’ Good Sides and Conflicts Disappear

I did not cultivate Forbearance very well. I always looked down on one older family member since I was a child. In my opinion she did not have the demeanor of an elder. She managed the household poorly. She was selfish and had a bad temper. She also caused many family conflicts. I never listened to her opinion and I resented her. It was as though there was a thick layer of ice between us.

After I began practicing Falun Dafa, I thought about her strengths. She worked hard. She supported and cared for her family. She has a strong will and is independent. Her good points earned my respect. In our culture only by respecting the elderly and caring for the young can an orderly and harmonious society exist. If I look down on the elderly, I’m a good person or a cultivator.

My xinxing improved considerably after I diligently studied the Fa and practiced the exercises every day. I started to think about her strengths and I appreciated her help in the past. Gradually, the iceberg between us melted. Of course, I still have a lot of room for improvement.

One of young relatives was fine in middle school, but started having psychological problems as he grew older. He stayed home for years after he graduated from college and failed to find a job. I felt he didn’t try hard to look for work. I scolded him whenever I saw him.

Through Fa study, I gradually understood that the Creator gives everyone a talent for a purpose. What seems easy for one person may be very difficult or even impossible for another. I found that he actually has many good qualities. He is very empathetic and caring. He devoted a lot of his time to his family and friends and took fame and wealth lightly. I adjusted my attitude towards him, and we were finally able to communicate.

Epilogue

Through years of cultivation, I gradually opened up my heart just like the prince in Beauty and the Beast. I became cheerful and warm, and I’m praised by my relatives and friends.

All of my changes are attributable to Master Li and Falun Dafa. There is a saying. It is easy to change a country but not one's nature. But Falun Dafa can change practitioners to become better people. I hope everyone reads Zhuan Falun and they will be the luckiest people in the world.