Cherish the Moments That Upset Us

(Minghui.org) When some practitioners encounter conflicts in their cultivation, they get caught up in the surface problem and argue over the superficial right or wrong of the issue, while their underlying thought is that they are in the right.

Those practitioners may feel wronged and that it is unfair. But in my opinion, those are precisely the opportunities for us to cultivate ourselves. When we are caught up in conflicts and feel upset, we should look beyond superficial matters and see what human notions we have and which of our attachments are being exposed. If we can learn from the situation, we will pass the test.

Let’s look at conflicts from another angle. Conflicts may be arranged by Master to help us improve. It’s also a great opportunity to transform our karma. We should be thankful for whoever created the opportunities instead of feeling upset about them. If we can constantly remind ourselves that everything we encounter in our daily lives is an opportunity for us to improve, that, in my opinion, is solid cultivation.

For example, if I always feel upset about someone or find them unreasonable, I need to remember that they are here to help me improve myself on the path to the divine. Or if someone who does not see eye to eye with me, who despises and mocks me, who tarnishes my reputation or hurts my feelings, and who takes advantage of my kindness and pays me back with grievances, it might be because of karmic debts that I owe and the process is to transform my karma into virtue. How I handle the matter and whether I can remain grateful all depend on whether I want to cultivate.

Since we are cultivators, we should not stoop to the ordinary people’s level or fight with them. While some practitioners look like they are taking the high road and holding their heads high, they still lower themselves to the level of ordinary people when they compare themselves to someone who doesn’t cultivate. It’s different from the broad heart that a true cultivator has. It’s a very fine line.

We need to remember what Master said:

“Remember my words: Regardless of whether the problem is your fault or not, you should look inside yourself, and you will find a problem. If the matter has absolutely nothing to do with you or doesn’t involve any of the attachments you should break, then that thing would rarely happen to you. If you didn’t have an attachment the problem wouldn’t have come about. I have to be responsible for your cultivation. Any problem that happens to you, around you, or among you is most likely related to you, and there is something for you to get rid of. No matter whether it’s your fault or not, when my Law Bodies are having you remove your attachment, they don’t care whether it’s your fault or another person’s. As long as you have an attachment, they will try everything to have you run into problems and have you recognize the attachment that makes you fall short. Yet you’re still looking around, “This isn’t my fault,” or you’re still thinking, “I’m protecting the Fa.” Meanwhile, the other person is thinking, “I’m protecting the Fa.” In fact, the conflict occurs because you probably each have faults of your own.” (Teachings at the Conference in Europe)

The above is my superficial understanding at my current level. Please point out anything not in line with 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)