(Minghui.org) Some friction developed between me and other practitioners because they didn't accept one of my suggestions. On the surface, it looked like I was doing a good thing for others, but my idea was rejected. I was quite upset about it, but couldn't pinpoint the reason for my discomfort.
One morning after reading Zhuan Falun, I understood that even though my suggestion was good, I put too much emphasis on myself, stressing that what I said was right and that others should follow me.
Master said:
“...they discovered some principles. They realized that some things among everyday people were wrong, and they would also tell people how to do good deeds. At the beginning, they were not against other religions. But people would eventually believe in them, thinking what they said was sensible; in turn, people trusted them more and more. As a result, people would be devoted to them instead of to religions.” (Zhuan Falun)
I thought about this scenario. If I cared too much about my understanding being right and convinced others that it would be better to follow my way, I could inadvertently promote myself and create something new for others to follow. This could be damaging to the Fa and lead people in the opposite direction of the Fa.
Master taught us in an earlier lecture:
“Whatever you do or whatever you say, you must consider others—or even future generations—along with Dafa’s eternal stability.” (“Non-Omission in Buddha-Nature” in Essentials for Further Advancement)
Having realized the danger of the attachment to validating myself, I recalled my dealings with non-practitioners. A lot of business people have asked to partner with me because they feel that I am honest and trustworthy.
Just recently a relative suggested again that we go into business together, but this relative doesn't acknowledge Dafa. He thinks my moral standard is high, but that it has nothing to do with my practicing Dafa.
I realize now that this is because I have been validating myself, not the Fa. I always do things for others to make people think that I am a good person. I thought that when people acknowledge that I am a good person, it means that they acknowledge Dafa. In reality, I was wrong.
When I do things for others, I also have a slight mentality of pursuit, of seeking reputation. Having such thoughts is so dangerous for a practitioner.
Category: Improving Oneself
