Remembering Cultivation Fundamentals During the Fa-Rectification Period

(Clearwisdom.net) Since reading Master's most recent article, "In Fa-Rectification Your Thoughts Have to be Righteous, Not Human," I believe we must have a clear and rational understanding of some fundamental issues in our cultivation. Otherwise, wouldn't it be like sailing a boat without a rudder? "With Teacher guiding the voyage, the Fa saves all beings." ("The Knowing Heart" from Essentials for Further Advancement II). Master tells us that we will gain a clear and rational understanding of many questions if we study the Fa (1) more and study diligently.

1. What is the purpose of life for a Falun Dafa disciple?

"One should return to one's original, true self; this is the real purpose of being human" (Zhuan Falun). To an everyday person who does not have this understanding, it means that his or her original memory has been sealed for too long, and the person has forgotten his or her origin. When a practitioner fails to remember this, or does not fully understand it, it could be that he or she may have taken up cultivation out of some other interest. It is possible that the person won't stay diligent, and may even encounter serious interference in their cultivation.

So what is the purpose of life for a Fa-rectification period Falun Dafa disciple? Teacher has said there are three types of practitioners today. My understanding is that the first two kinds have come to this place so that they can directly save all sentient beings today; they have come to fulfill their vows and aspirations. The third type of practitioners has also developed righteous thoughts through their cultivation. Master treats them as disciples just the same. They too have the same responsibility as other disciples, and they too will have the same mighty virtue if they do well. Thus, all disciples are here to save sentient beings and to validate the Fa. That is the purpose of our lives.

If we do not realize this, then we are forgetting our true selves. We will be lost among everyday people and become encumbered by everyday issues. We may even greatly enjoy being everyday people. We will develop the attachment to comfort, and the consequence will then be terrible.

2. What is cultivation? What is the purpose of cultivation?

Master taught us, "To tell you the truth, the entire cultivation process for a practitioner is one of constantly giving up human attachments." (Zhuan Falun). In the article "What is Cultivation Practice?" Master again said, "Only when you are studying the Fa and cultivating your heart and mind in addition to the means of reaching Consummation -- the exercises, and truly changing yourself fundamentally while improving your xinxing (2) and elevating your level -- can it be called true cultivation practice." ("What is Cultivation Practice" from Essentials for Further Advancement).

Regarding the purpose of cultivation, Master said, "The ultimate goal of cultivation practice is to attain the Tao and complete cultivation." (Zhuan Falun). Master also taught us, "I also want to tell you that your nature in the past was actually based on egotism and selfishness. From now on, whatever you do, you should consider others first, so as to attain the righteous Enlightenment of selflessness and altruism." ("Non-Omission in Buddha-Nature" from Essentials for Further Advancement).

Since July 20, 1999, when the persecution began, Master has addressed the meanings and requirements of cultivation during the Fa-rectification period on many occasions when teaching the Fa. In the article "Let Go of Human Attachments and Save the World's People" published on September 1 of this year, Master again emphasized, "For a Fa-rectification period Dafa disciple, personal liberation is not the goal of cultivation: when you came, saving sentient beings was your great aspiration, and that is the responsibility and mission history has bestowed upon you in Fa-rectification."

Master taught us what cultivation is and the purpose of our cultivation on many occasions while teaching the Fa. I think every Falun Dafa disciple should keep that firmly in mind.

3. The three things a disciple should do.

My understanding is that Master has arranged for the following:

1. The consummation of a Falun Dafa disciple.
2. The complete elimination of the evil, rotten demons and the dark minions that have interfered with Fa-rectification.
3. The salvation of those people who can be saved. For those who can develop righteous thoughts when Falun Dafa disciples clarify the facts to them, they will be able to enter the next phase.
4. The validation of Falun Dafa, and the establishment of references for the future, etc.

When Falun Dafa disciples complete their historic missions, and all the beings that can be saved are saved, then the dregs of humanity and the degenerate world that is left behind will be weeded out. In "Fa-Rectification Period Dafa Disciples," (Essentials for Further Advancement II) Master said, "...during the Fa-rectification period, disciples must not depart until the Fa-rectification is over."

In Master's arrangement, validating the Fa and saving all sentient beings are tasks to be completed by the Fa-rectification period Dafa disciples. Master has never mentioned what ordinary people can do for the Fa-rectification. On the contrary, it is we who save ordinary people. We are the hope of all beings.

As Fa-rectification period Falun Dafa disciples, we must take on the responsibilities Master has given to us, and we must do well with the three things Master has instructed us to do. These are to study the Fa, to send forth righteous thoughts to eliminate the evil, and to clarify the truth of Falun Dafa and the persecution. Furthermore, we must do them in a manner that is responsible to the Fa, to all sentient beings, and to ourselves. Master has said repeatedly that he has given us the opportunities to save sentient beings and to establish might virtue. Therefore, every Falun Dafa disciple should ask himself or herself, deep down in their heart, where did we position ourselves?

I hope we will continue to do well with our righteous thoughts and actions. I hope we will not disappoint all those sentient beings who have put all their hopes in us. We must not disappoint Master who has tirelessly taught us and has great expectations of us. We must fulfill our vows.

The above are my personal understandings. Please, kindly point out anything that is incorrect.

Notes

(1) Fa: Law and principle; the teachings of Falun Dafa.

(2) Xinxing: mind-hear nature; moral character.