(Minghui.org) The U.S. election is in a stalemate. As a Dafa disciple, I clearly knew that it is a battle between good and evil and that it is important to send more righteous thoughts to eliminate the evil in the other dimensions. I also kept reminding myself not to be affected by the chaotic, ever-changing situation and to just focus on doing the three things well.
But as time went by, I unknowingly got caught up in watching the news or the independent media run by fellow practitioners, sometimes for up to 2-3 hours a day without even being aware. I also surfed the web, eager to see if there were any new developments. I even wanted to cut corners when it was time to do the Dafa exercises.
When these incorrect states appeared, I realized there must be something that I needed to cultivate. I could not go on like this, or I would run into trouble. When I looked within, I discovered my impatience. I wanted the election to be resolved soon.
In the beginning, I was still able to manage myself. But as time went on, my impatience was intensified, and I also developed the attachment to comfort, which became stronger over time. My attachments even controlled me to the point that I slacked off and didn't want to seize the time to study the Fa teachings and do the exercises. I only wanted to stay online to read news about the election. Searching deeper, I realized that I did not cultivate solidly and I was easily interfered with.
When I found my problem, I corrected myself immediately. I forced myself to cut down on time spent consuming election-related news or stop reading the news completely. I made sure to finish the five sets of exercises in the morning, without cutting corners. I also extended the time I sent forth righteous thoughts and paid attention to clearing out interference in my own dimension. After a week, I felt much better. I no longer had the urge to check election news, and I was able to memorize the Fa teachings at least one to two pages a day again.
The above experience made me realize the seriousness of cultivation. If I do not advance, I will fall back. So it's really important to take the Fa as the guidance and practice solidly one step at a time.
Master said in “Cultivating Amidst the Delusion” (Hong Yin), “Cultivate, my disciples, ’til no single omission is found.” Only when we reach the standard without any omissions in our cultivation can we reach consummation.
This is my understanding at my level. Please kindly point out anything not appropriate.
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Category: Improving Oneself
