(Minghui.org) Master said in "Teaching the Fa at the Fa Conference in Australia:"
“I have often said that as a person cultivating in a righteous Fa, the first thing you must achieve is to not fight back when being punched or insulted. Then why is it that when you encounter conflicts in cultivation, you just can’t let go of that attachment? When others say things about you that aren’t pleasant to hear, why do you become unhappy? When you become unhappy, aren’t you in your heart refusing to accept the chance to cultivate and improve? Aren’t you simply seeking the same kind of happiness that everyday people do? Then aren’t you an everyday person?!”
Master also said, “...you shouldn’t hit back when attacked, or talk back when insulted...” (Zhuan Falun), and most practitioners seem to be able to meet that requirement. However, some practitioners are often “unhappy” about being insulted, and talk about that practitioner behind their back.
A practitioner I'm friends with often criticizes a certain female practitioner. Although I don't know her well, I also don't have a good impression of her because of the criticism I've heard. I know my friend should not talk behind her back, so one day I asked my friend not to do that anymore.
I shared with my friend my understanding of Master's teachings. I said the Fa principles are connected from the lowest to the highest levels. To a non-practitioner, when he scolds or hits others, perhaps he's doing it to vent his emotions, or perhaps it's due to karmic retribution. But as practitioners, shouldn't we hold ourselves to a higher standard?
Master said, “Cultivation is looking within for the cause.” (“Don't Argue” from {{Hong Yin III) Those who look inward are happy cultivators, because the more attachments they find and eliminate, the more diligent they become. Cultivation should be joyful. Those who do the opposite of Master's teachings may be walking down an evil path. What I said made my practitioner friend think.
There is a saying, “When we always look at others' good qualities, we become a 'bowl of treasure.' When we always focus on others' shortcomings, we become a 'trash can.'” It's not that practitioners shouldn't point out another practitioner's shortcomings, but our intent is what matters.
So how should we approach this issue? Master has taught us everything, including how to talk to people about Falun Dafa and the persecution. As long as we study the Fa attentively, we can find the answers to everything. If we often harbor anger and dwell on others' shortcomings, then we may become a “trash can.”
My understanding is limited. Please kindly point out anything inappropriate.
Category: Improving Oneself
