(Minghui.org) In recent times, I have enjoyed watching online news with great interest, and have become addicted to watching fellow practitioners’ social media channels. I don’t feel right about this at times, but I use the excuse that I am retired and have more time to watch the news and learn about domestic and international affairs. 

I had a vivid dream last night: I was standing by the creek behind my house. The water in the creek was very shallow. It was more like a big ditch. I was standing at the water’s edge with several people. Suddenly a flash flood occurred upstream and a torrent of water with a very strong current came toward us. It was so fast that everyone was frightened and felt that they were in danger. 

Then the scene changed and I saw myself beside the ditch at my aunt’s house. The ditch was lined with dark tiles and looked beautiful. I was playing along the edge of the ditch. Suddenly a man walked by and told me that a man had drowned in that ditch. I was startled and then woke up.

I remember what Master Li, the founder of Falun Dafa, told us:

“At present there are also some among us who are very much attached to political happenings and ordinary people’s controversies. Don’t forget what we are here to do.”

“You have made it through scores of difficulties on your journey, and shouldn’t be tripping and falling at the end. Even though from time to time there are people doing foolish things, the title of “Dafa Disciple” is something even divinities admire and wish they could have.” (“Wake Up”)

Master also said: 

“That said, I want to share that Master very much cherishes all of you who are Dafa disciples and have made it through since July 20 of 1999. And the countless gods above hold you in high regard, as well. But you should cherish yourselves, too. Snap out of it! You have made it through the toughest leg of the journey, so it makes no sense to fail miserably at something so basic in the end!” (“Another Stern Warning”)

I realized Master was reminding me not to be attached to ordinary people’s things and waste my precious cultivation time. Our cultivation is still the number one priority. Only when we cultivate well, do we have the power to carry out our duties and help save more people.

As true cultivators, we don’t seek worldly gains or become concerned with worldly losses. And worldly affairs and politics should not disturb and interfere with us. We should spend more energy on how to do the three things well.

Editor's note: This article only represents the author’s understanding in their current cultivation state meant for sharing among practitioners so that we can “Compare in studying, compare in cultivating.” (“Solid Cultivation,” Hong Yin