(Minghui.org) In cultivation, practitioners experience tribulations. A common tribulation is what we call “sickness karma.” During the cultivation phase, they may have been arranged by Master Li Hongzhi to help elevate our xinxing. Master said that during the Fa-rectification phase, they are interference from the old forces, who try to test practitioners.
Master explained clearly and went in depth on the topic of “illness” in several of his teachings, including Zhuan Falun. Practitioners may have different understandings of Master’s teachings on “illness.” However, early on Teacher said, “True cultivators have no illnesses ...” (“Explaining the Fa for Falun Dafa Assistants in Changchun,” Explaining the Content of Falun Dafa). Therefore, my understanding is that “sickness karma tribulations” are not really the issue.
I am a physician. Even though I did not become a Falun Dafa practitioner in 1998 for its health benefits, I did suffer from a stomach issue at the time. My husband started practicing Falun Dafa first and brought home several pieces of literature about it. I read them all within a few days.
Sometime during that week, my husband asked me: “Have you taken any medications (for your stomach) in the last couple of days?”
Caught off guard, I thought about it. I could not remember taking anything for the past few days.
“You didn’t take any medication, but you look better, and you are eating more.”
He was right. Food did taste good again. I thought, “No more medication for me.”
Soon after that, all my chronic aches and pains were gone. Falun Dafa is so good! I thought I must stick with cultivation.
I was faced with a cultivation test within less than two months. I had a perianal abscess accompanied by a fever. The same issue happened to me once before. The previous time, I was given a high dose of antibiotics for a week. But this time I knew that I am a Falun Dafa practitioner now, and will not take any medicine.
I recalled that Master said: “True cultivators have no illnesses ...” (“Explaining the Fa for Falun Dafa Assistants in Changchun,” Explaining the Content of Falun Dafa)
My understanding then was that Master said it was eliminating karma, and it was not an illness. Thus, I ignored it. The difference was that, in the past, I was fatigued from having a fever; but this time was different. I did not feel a need to rest at all, and was fine within three days. That is typically how a cultivator who is without illness goes through sickness karma. The most important thing is to have righteous thoughts with strong faith in Master and Dafa. It has been 22 years, and I have not taken a single pill since then.
Then one winter day in 2016, I felt a little feverish, but I did not think much of it. Then it progressed to a nerve piercing pain with a burning sensation on my skin. My husband, who is also a physician, took a look. There were tiny blisters that looked like shingles. The rash then spread from my back around to the side and then to my chest.
The pain was excruciating when my skin touched any clothing. I knew it was interference from the old forces and their attempt to test me. I studied the Fa, did the Falun Dafa exercises, and the other things I ought to do. The physical discomfort did not disturb my routine. I was back to normal within three weeks.
To me, this tribulation was the same as being physically persecuted by the police. The cause was some loopholes in my cultivation, which were taken advantage of by the old forces. On the flip side, Master used the circumstances to teach us to reflect on our actions, look inside ourselves, and correct our actions. The goal is to eliminate our attachments, and use it as a process of xinxing elevation.
Therefore, my understanding is that, for a genuine disciple, there are no sickness karma tribulations. However, we can use them to look within and improve our xinxing.
Master emphasized repeatedly that we must study the Fa and cultivate ourselves:
“Only by cultivating yourselves well will you manage to fulfill your missions as Dafa disciples.” (A Greeting to the South America Fa Conference)
Studying the Fa is my priority. I spend at least two hours a day studying the Fa.
Looking back at my cultivation path, I experienced happiness, shame, and regret. But more often, I felt proud and the honor of being a cultivator. I am happy that Master chose me as his disciple. I am ashamed and feel regret about the goals I have not yet reached. However, I have confidence that no matter what awaits me in the future, I will remain diligent in cultivation, and live up to Master’s expectations and compassion.
Thank you, Master!