(Minghui.org) With the few practitioners we have in our city, we tried several times to start a weekly group Fa study, but failed to continue for one reason or other. I felt sad and kept thinking about how to start again and continue uninterruptedly with dedication and commitment.
Meanwhile, my mind became unclear due to various tribulations and I began slacking off. During that time, I casually asked a practitioner who was a coordinator how his cultivation was progressing. He replied that it was up and down. A notion suddenly arose that, if our coordinator's cultivation could go downhill, it was not a problem if I slacked off in my cultivation. I was comparing myself to that fellow practitioner, rather than the standards of the Fa. Such a thought itself was not right. Subsequently, my xinxing lowered further. I became more complacent and neglected righteous thoughts, doing the exercises, and clarifying the truth.
Master says in Lecture Six in Zhuan Falun ,
“No matter what happens, one must maintain good xinxing. Only through adhering to Dafa can one be truly right.”
My son bought tickets to Shen Yun Performing Arts for my family and asked me to attend with his family in Melbourne. I had seen it four times before, and, although it was expensive for me to make the trip, I went to see the show again with a firm belief that Master had provided me this golden opportunity to recover from my poor state of cultivation. I felt purified and energized from watching the performance.
After the show, I ran into a local practitioner, who then invited me to attend a group Fa study that they had every Sunday. When the day came, I was undergoing serious physical tribulations and I was unable to walk. I was indecisive about attending, but I did not want to lose any opportunity, when Master was giving me hints for my improvement. As I entered the study room, I was overjoyed to sense such serenity, sacredness, and respect for Master and the Fa, as more than 200 practitioners were gathered. I studied Lecture One of Zhuan Falun in English with the non-Chinese speakers. The effect it had on me was dramatic. As I was leaving, I realized that my physical and mental tribulations were totally gone. I was recharged with very pure and fresh energy.
I decided that, once I returned to my city, I would again put my best efforts to start and continue weekly group Fa study without fail. I would also do my best to make it convenient for other practitioners' schedules. I promised myself to do better in cooperating and looking inside on this issue.
Master says in Hong Yin ,
“Solid Cultivation
Study the Fa and gain the Fa, Focus on how you study and cultivate, Let each and every thing be measured against the Fa. Only then, with that, is it actually cultivation.”
I also realized that I should not ask about fellow practitioners' cultivation states, and only compare myself with the Fa principles Master has taught us.
Master said in Lecture Six in Zhuan Falun ,
“It is taboo even in Buddhism for one to find out what one is all about. What I just said is another form of demonic interference, which is called 'demonic interference from one’s own mind' or 'transformation follows mind-intent.'"
I am grateful to fellow practitioners for their encouragement.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Master for his mercy and for his arrangements for my improvement in the process of cultivation.
Please point out anything incorrect in my understanding without any hesitation.
Heshi to Master.
Category: Improving Oneself
