(Clearwisdom.net) Last night I spend the whole evening reading the section “Jealousy” in Zhuan Falun. I have long known that I have the attachment of jealousy. I have even recited this section of the book. However, I did not know how to dig it out by its roots and discard it. Last evening I read this section with my whole heart and totally absorbed myself in reading the Fa. I finally found the root of my jealousy. It originates from selfishness, which is a fundamental attribute of the old universe. The core of jealousy is like when others achieve something that another person wants but cannot get or has not achieved, and the one without that thing is disturbed by it, indulges in fantasy, and has resentment. Aren't all of these essentially selfishness? When others achieve a better grade, when others learn the Fa better, when others do better in saving lives, when others are wealthier, or when others are prettier. Another example is when a someone else is chosen to lead the dance when you're a better dancer. The moment the attachment arises is the best time to eliminate it. One should maintain righteous thoughts and hold the thought that the jealousy “dies.” Do not let it grow and do not let it hide in one's mind. Be aware that jealousy is a factor that ruins the universe and that there is no place for it in the future universe. How could such a low thing like jealousy reside in a Dafa practitioner of the Fa-rectification period.
At the same time, I came to understand that sentimentality also originates from selfishness. Master said in Zhuan Falun, “If this sentimentality is not relinquished, you will be unable to practice cultivation.” “If in the course of cultivation practice jealousy is not given up, one will not attain Right Fruit—absolutely not.” Master also said, “In the future the Fa will be all-harmonizing, perfect, and selfless.” (“Teaching the Fa at the 2004 Western U.S. Fa Conference”)
My understanding is that if one does not discard his selfishness, he will not achieve right fruit. In other words, he will not finish his cultivation and cannot exist in the future universe.
Arguing in defense of one's thoughts is another example of selfishness interfering. Bargaining back and forth when purchasing something is obviously a pursuit for more personal benefits; this is selfishness interfering. Wanting to control more, wanting to make a name for oneself, wanting to hear praise - all of these originate from selfishness.
Then, how can we discard selfishness? We need to find the root of it when our mind is troubled by a thought when facing personal interests or conflict. When a thought comes up, we need to look for its origin: Is it righteous? Is it from the Fa? Is it because our own old factors are interfering? If we discover that it's origin is not righteous, we must eliminate it and not allow it to exist and grow.
