(Clearwisdom.net) I am a relatively new practitioner who began practicing Falun Dafa in early 2007. Recently, as I studied the Fa, I realized a mistake I have made in my cultivation. I would like to share it with fellow practitioners.
Since I am a new practitioner, and we have to do the three things, my personal cultivation and Fa-validation are intertwined. I felt that I didn't have enough time and energy for everything, so I unwittingly took a "discount" on Fa study. I joined group study less often, spent less time studying the Fa on my own, and only scanned the Fa quickly, emphasizing speed and quantity when I studied the Fa. As a result, my mind was not concentrated when studying the Fa, and the Fa principles did not manifest to me. My xinxing was improving slowly; and I wandered at the same level for a long time.
In addition, I did not position myself correctly in my Fa study group. Because I am reading Minghui Net almost every day, I have more updated information than a lot of other practitioners. In particular, I thought I should share information on the persecution and practitioners' safety in order for the group to improve together. Although the goal was good, because I didn't study the Fa well and was only chasing speed, I did not understand a lot of the Fa-principles. As a result, often my good intentions resulted in something bad. I realized that in my personal cultivation I had only focused on Truth, but neglected Compassion and Forbearance.
My personal cultivation and our group's cultivation state lingered at the same level for a long time without improvement. It was like a handful of sand slipping with no direction. The evil took advantage of this loophole. In about one month, four practitioners were abducted, and one person's home was raided. A lot of loss was incurred. Two of the four practitioners were sent to brainwashing centers, and one remains there now. After the initial shock, I realized that I needed to look inward and become clear-headed.
Once, as I was reading Zhuan Falun, I noticed the following passage,
"Broadly speaking, the Fa is very immense. From the perspective of the very highest level, it is very simple, for the Fa resembles a pyramid in form. At the highest point, it can be summarized in three words: Zhen, Shan, Ren. It is extremely complex when manifesting at different levels."
Something in that passage touched me, and I felt that I enlightened to something. A few days later, as I was reading Zhuan Falun again, my eyes lingered on one sentence,
"Our Falun Dafa is based upon the highest standard of the universe, Zhen, Shan, and Ren, all of which we cultivate simultaneously. The system that we cultivate is enormous."
Have I truly cultivated Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance simultaneously? I had read the book over 100 times. Why had I never noticed the words "cultivate simultaneously"?
In my view, as cultivators, we need to do much better than simply speaking the truth and being honest. Sometimes that approach may even be wrong, as it may mean being inconsiderate of others' feelings. Although truthfulness is one basic characteristic of the universe, it's only a starting point for our cultivation. More importantly, we need to also cultivate compassion. Master said,
"The greatest manifestation of shan is compassion, and it is an expression of tremendous energy. It can disintegrate all that is not right." ("Fa Teaching at the 2009 Washington DC International Fa Conference")
If we do not cultivate compassion, our efforts could backfire. In my personal cultivation, I only sought Truth but neglected Compassion. I did not treat fellow practitioners kindly, and was not very tolerant. My relationships with fellow practitioners had been a bit tense. This was a lesson for me. Actually, everything my fellow practitioners do is a part of my cultivation environment. It helps to eliminate my attachments. It just took me a long time to realize it. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow practitioners.
Forbearance is something that we must have as cultivators and Fa-rectification period Dafa disciples. Sometimes Forbearance is related to Compassion, and other times to Truth. Practicing Forbearance can help magnify the power of Truth and Compassion. When it comes to invoking kindness and saving sentient beings, Forbearance/Tolerance is often very effective. Master said,
"Tolerance is a powerful thing, and it surpasses Truth and Kindness. Throughout the entire cultivation process you are asked to tolerate, to mind your character, and to exercise self-control." (Falun Gong).
As I was finishing this article, I remembered the other meaning of "cultivate simultaneously." My fellow practitioners are those who are cultivating at the same time as me. Master has said that we need to "cultivate [Truth, Compassion and Forbearance] simultaneously." As fellow disciples in the Fa-rectification period in the same school, shouldn't we help each other, remind each other to do well, and cultivate well together to return home? If we only cared about our own well-being and neglected others, could we still be considered fellow disciples? Can we reach consummation while leaving behind other practitioners? Master said,
"When you have all become mature, the next stage will begin." ("Don't Be Self-Indulgent and Draw Demons to Ourselves *With Master's Commentary")
My understanding is that we all need to improve as a group and return home together. Aren't we all looking forward to the next stage, when the Fa rectifies the human world? Master has said it very clearly, and the standards have been clarified--we should all "become mature." When we are faced with the Final Judgment, if we are asked,
"Did you fulfill your responsibilities to the utmost degree?" [during Fa-rectification] (Fa Teaching at the 2009 Greater New York International Fa Conference)
how would we respond? If we want to reach consummation, we must all mature through cultivating together. Only then are we genuine practitioners; only then are we able to assist Master in the Fa-rectification. It's not just going with the group's momentum or paying lip service.
These are just my understandings. Please point out anything inappropriate or lacking. Heshi.
