(Clearwisdom.net) For a long time I felt uneasy while reading the articles written by fellow practitioners, and I thought this feeling was caused by the contents of the articles. For example, I felt that the author didn't show enough compassion, was always looking for others' weaknesses, and was using the Fa to judge others, etc. There were times when I thought, "Why can't fellow practitioners express greater compassion toward each other? Let me write an article about this." Then, it dawned on me that such an article would be no different from the ones had I criticized, and would be addressing the weaknesses of others!

I recently read an article in which Master emphasized the importance of looking inward. I realized that my uneasiness was a reflection of my own attachments. It was because I was using human judgment to look at the problem, rather than using the standard of the Fa. This revealed to me that I was being judgmental. Nothing happens by chance in cultivation. I had such feelings because there was an attachment for me to let go. Self-examination, rather than critiquing others is a basic requirement in our cultivation, and I had overlooked this point.

Whenever an incident occurs, it happens for a reason. It doesn't matter what it is. It isn't an isolated affair. Our environment always reflects the state of our cultivation, pointing out our attachments, as well as the correct path that we should have taken. When it comes to exchanging our understanding of the Fa with fellow practitioners, I used to think that we should just follow what Master said, like examining what I have understood from Fa study, my weaknesses, and how I should improve myself, etc. However, I didn't use "looking inward" to learn how to improve myself. Instead, I habitually applied my own understandings of the Fa to judge others.

I now understand that regardless of what problems appear, I must look inward and find out what changes I should make. This is the way to remove my attachments and advance rationally. To advance rationally and move up in levels of enlightenment does not depend on appearance or human judgment. The way I see it is this... Every practitioner is likely to have a different background and a different set of problems to overcome. As long as a practitioner is focusing on supporting Fa-ratification, the salvation of sentient beings, and removing personal attachments, he is on the right path, even though his understanding of Fa may not be as thorough or as complete as some others. On the other hand, a practitioner may be thorough and complete in his discussion of Fa, but he is doing so to impress others and validate himself. In appearance, such a person is doing well in his Fa study, but he is actually not a cultivator.

Practitioners should form a unified body and advance together. The levels of understanding are likely to be different for different practitioners, so exchanging ideas to help one another is a beneficial and needed activity. This is not the same as helping one another in the human society however, because Master is looking after all practitioners. The practitioner being helped may be at a higher or lower level than his helper, which isn't relevant. What is important is exposing the attachments of the practitioners involved, thus offering an opportunity for these practitioners to advance. Whoever can hold on to "looking inward" and self-examination, instead of focusing on outer appearances has the opportunity to change, purify himself and advance under different circumstances.

My personal understanding is that to make real changes, one must assimilate the Fa, because human thoughts and notions cannot advance one's character.

This is my current understanding. Please point out anything improper.