(Clearwisdom.net) The distinction between doing the three things (1) and doing the three things well is huge. In actuality, one can truly do the three things well only when one has a solid foundation in cultivation and few attachments. Conversely, if one only immerses oneself in the formality of doing these things, and doesn't deal with tribulations from the standpoint of the Fa, or one does not get rid of one's attachments diligently, then it's just like an ordinary person doing the three things. No matter how good the method is, one will not necessarily achieve a good outcome.
We all have these experiences: When our attachments are too strong, we will not able to eat well, sleep well, or stay calm when we study the Fa. People won't listen to us when we are clarifying the truth to them. Sometimes they even refute what we say and make us feel very uncomfortable. Even though we don't seem to mind on the surface, we care a lot deep down. We are not exhibiting the generous, unselfish, compassionate, and the righteous thought of a true cultivator.
Therefore, as long as our attachments consistently stay with us, all kinds of troubles will manifest in this human dimension and we will experience interference. We must send forth righteous thoughts or have other practitioners help send forth righteous thoughts to eliminate these tribulations. If we do not find the reason behind the tribulations, face up to our attachments and resolve to eliminate them, then external forces cannot solve the problem for us.
(1) Study the Fa, send forth righteous thoughts, clarify the truth
