(Clearwisdom.net)
I suddenly came to understand one thing when I was reciting the Fa.
If we look at it from a higher level, we'll know that cultivation is actually a very simple and easy thing to do. Teacher has arranged a path for us and our only requirement is to walk down the path from the beginning to its end. Then we'll be able to reach Consummation. Besides, Teacher has already repeatedly reminded us that we need to remember that we are cultivators and all of the things that will happen along the path are not what they appear to be, since they are all tests for us. As long as we can break through it, we will be able to successfully finish the journey. All the problems or difficulties will be gone as long as we eliminate our attachments, since all of those tests were arranged to help us remove our attachments. However, when we are actually walking down the path, we find cultivation is difficult since everything happening seems so real and so difficult for us to pass through.
Along the path, there are scenes that will make us linger. There are beasts that block our way. There is lust. There is interference from qing. There are rapid waters and terrible storms and lightning. They try to shake our determination. Some of our fellow practitioners then choose comfort and lose their perseverance in lieu of enjoying an everyday person's life. Some of us became afraid when we were faced with tribulations. Some even gave up practicing Dafa. For these practitioners, the tests turned into real barriers. However, most Dafa practitioners clearly remember what Teacher said and never forget that they are cultivators. Even though sometimes we stumble, we are making progress. We pass through all the huge tribulations that appear to be impossible to break through simply because we keep righteous thoughts.
Remember what Teacher said in his article "Path,"
"Cultivation is hard. It's hard in that even when a terrible calamity strikes, even when evil madly persecutes, and even when your life is at stake, you still have to be able to steadfastly continue on your path of cultivation without letting anything in human society interfere with the steps you take on your path of cultivation." (Essentials for Further Advancement II)
Here, I'd like to share something that Teacher said in Zhuan Falun with all of you, to encourage everyone,
"For every one of you who makes up his mind to cultivate, you will be able to endure things, and when your personal welfare is on the line, you will be able to let go of your attachments, and you will be able to take those things lightly. As long as you can do that it's not hard, in fact. Now those people who say it's hard, it turns out, they just can't let go of those things."
"When you're going through an awful tribulation, or maybe a critical juncture, give it a try. When it's hard to endure, try to endure it. When it seems impossible to do, or just hard to do, give it a try and see just what you can do. And when you can really do it, just like that worn and weary traveler, you'll see, 'the shade of willows, the blooms of flowers, a place to rest my head'!" ("The Ninth Talk" from Zhuan Falun)
