Some Thoughts on Cutting Others Off in Conversation

(Minghui.org) It is considered impolite to interrupt others during a conversation. As cultivators, even though the other person might not be bothered by such conduct, it is still rude, and we should perhaps check within to dig out the root cause of the urge to cut in while others are talking. 

I don’t mean the sort of interrupting when you remember something important and need to quickly pass it on to others. I’m referring to those of us who habitually interrupt others in a conversation. We may need to check if there are any bad substances that need to be eliminated so that we can improve in cultivation.

Also, as every situation is different, I don’t want to make sweeping generalizations about this issue. The following are just some of my personal understandings to share with fellow practitioners. 

Competitive Mentality 

Some people feel that they are quick-witted and can instantly understand what another person is saying, so they like to interrupt to show that they’ve “got it,” and are clever. Often times, as soon as someone has said a few words, these people would cut in and start sharing their own views, which might be completely different from what the other person intended to say. 

I think there might be an element of the Chinese Communist Party’s competitive mentality, in which one gains control of the topic of conversation and uses one’s own understanding to define what others are saying.

Show-off Mentality

The “show-off” mentality I am talking about includes an urge to “express” oneself. It’s a desire based on fame and gain or human emotions, in addition to the thought that one has a higher and better understanding than others. Such people often have the following mentality: “I” want to talk, “I” need to talk, “I” will talk first, and so on. They often put themselves first instead of being considerate of others. 

They may think that if they don’t put forward their views, how would others know what’s on their mind and hear about their past experiences? I feel this urge to be recognized by others is part of the show-off mentality and a way to take credit and get noticed. 

We know from the Fa that everything a cultivator does and every thought we have is recorded in the universe. We don’t need to show it to fellow practitioners because gods and Buddhas at all levels are watching us and know everything we do!

Master said, 

“The basis before was self-serving, whereas everything forged by Dafa is not attached to self.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the 2003 Atlanta Fa Conference,” Collected Teachings Given Around the World, Volume IV)

The Desire to Unload One’s Feelings and Grievances

The desire to express one’s feeling or grievances usually stems from human emotions, which might indicate a desire to be cared for, receive sympathy, or recognition, and so on. 

When someone has a strong desire to express oneself in this way, they may need to look within and check for any lingering attachments. 

Don’t Get Stuck in a Rigid Mindset

One thing that self-centered people have in common is that they are not tolerant and are very quick to raise objections when they hear something contrary to their own views. Instead of cultivating themselves by the Fa principles, they tend to judge others based on their own understandings. Such people are ready to interrupt and express their viewpoint before others finish talking. Without waiting to hear and consider the full picture, they quickly make judgments about others based on their own subjective views.

When it comes to the Fa principles, these people may try to define the meaning of this sentence or that sentence based on their own understanding. As a result, they can misinterpret the meaning of the Fa principles without even realizing it.

Some practitioners tend to talk about the same things again and again. But if they hold onto the same understanding for too long, it may mean they are stuck at the same level and aren’t able to gain deeper and newer understandings of the Fa. 

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)