Differentiating Between Flattery and Encouragement

(Minghui.org) Flattery among cultivators and cultivators’ self-aggrandizement play a seriously negative role among Dafa disciples. There are many lessons in this regard. I want to talk about my understanding from another aspect.

Fellow practitioners may feel they can no longer say anything good to each other. However, we should not overdo it and take all words of praise among fellow practitioners as flattery.

Even though they both say good things about others, there is a difference between flattery and encouragement. The former has a selfish purpose, a corrupt behavior driven by fame and sentimentality; the latter can reinforce fellow practitioners’ righteous thoughts, but we should not overdo it.

For example, some fellow practitioners have been afraid to clarify the truth face to face. Suppose they break through their fear and start to do it, even if not many people do the three withdrawals, we should still encourage them, affirming that they are doing good work. They will be motivated and want to do better.

Sincere support among fellow practitioners is beneficial and can encourage each other. When I was persecuted in prison after enduring torture, a fellow practitioner gave me a thumbs up and said, “Amazing!” It touched me and made me more determined.

Some fellow practitioners have stumbled in their cultivation, did not pass tests so well, and lost confidence in cultivation. If fellow practitioners can affirm the good aspects of their work, fellow practitioners will practice better and be more confident!

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)