(Clearwisdom.net)
Why do we feel such pain when faced with tribulations? Why do we fret endlessly over them? Why can't we let go? It is because we feel that, from the perspective of the principles of the world at large, we were treated unfairly, and so on and so forth.
Recently, I realized that worldly principles are in fact superficial, whereas the Fa principles are multidimensional, consistent and true. The former focuses on temporary phenomena, superficial cause and effect. It does not factor in previous lives or causes and effects that could be traced back to even more remote times. It judges things based on the gain or loss of short-term interest. If human logic cannot achieve any results, it will give up. Fa principles teach us to view things from the nature of something, and from causes that occurred long ago or in previous lives. The Fa principles judge things on the basis of the eternal loss or gain of a life by looking through this dimension of time and space to the genuine truth of the universe.
One's state of mind in cultivation reflects the understanding of the Fa principles. A cultivator who does well is optimistic and endures what others cannot. It is because he sees the principles at a higher level. Master said, "To endure completely without anger or grievance is the forbearance of a cultivator." (From Master's article "What is Forbearance") In my understanding, it is because he sees the true principles and does not look at things on the basis of gain or loss in human society.
May 18, 2005
