We Have No Reason to Feel Superior as Spiritual Cultivators

(Minghui.org) After reading the Minghui editorial, “Flattery and Demonic Interference from One’s Own Mind,” I would like to share some of my thoughts.

I began practicing Falun Dafa in 1999, 24 years ago, which is a long time. I consciously strive to adhere to the standards of the Fa and diligently look inward to cultivate myself solidly. However, as my understanding of the Fa has deepened over the years, I see myself as merely a small drop of water in the vast ocean of existence, surrounded by a profoundness beyond my perception.

I have come to understand that Master has meticulously arranged the cultivation path of each Dafa disciple. If I look closer, I can discover new shortcomings in myself every day.

Recently I became attached to being as efficient as possible. I kept looking for ways to do my daily tasks swiftly and cleverly. I also used my criteria to judge others. When they failed to complete their duties to my satisfaction, I would become frustrated. Instead of overcoming this tendency, I became attached to it, allowing my ego to take control of my thoughts and actions.

I have also recognized anger in myself, leading me to confront things with the mentality of “fighting fire with fire.” When the “less satisfactory” behavior of others provokes me, I am sometimes unable to contain my anger and I become irrational in my response. This behavior mirrors a demonic behavior that I must diligently strive to eliminate.

I realized that my attitude of not being “satisfied” with other practitioners was an attitude of superiority. I was displaying a sense of pride without even realizing it.

There’s a well-known cognitive fallacy in psychology known as the Dunning-Kruger Effect, which is relevant here. This phenomenon highlights the tendency that people with limited competence are often overconfident, whereas experts tend to be more modest, acknowledging the greater expanse of knowledge beyond their own.

This effect is sometimes illustrated in a graph like the one above. When one first starts learning a new field of knowledge, self-confidence peaks at the “Mount Stupid” phase. Such people tend to perceive themselves to be superior. This arrogance blinds them to their actual position and surroundings.

Later, as their knowledge increases, they realize the vastness of the field and their own insignificant understanding of it. Over time, a comparative balance is achieved between confidence and expertise.

This reminds me of a person in our area who thought he was superior to others because his celestial eye was open. He invited demonic interference from his own mind. Unfortunately, some practitioners accepted and praised his opinions, unwittingly contributing to his downfall.

His opinions not only showed arrogance but also frequently deviated from the principles of the Fa. When practitioners unquestioningly accepted his words, it showed a lack of their own self-awareness and a desire to learn from that person instead of the Fa.

We must seize this opportunity to improve together, transform any conflicts into opportunities to improve ourselves, and reduce any concerns Master might have for us.

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