(Minghui.org) There is an expression in China, “The Chinese character for forbearance has the character for a knife in it.” This explains why people think of enduring pain when talking about forbearance.

People who do not cultivate are mired in sentiments. Thus, their happiness and sadness are based on their gain and loss, which brings into play forbearance.

However, cultivators find their attachments through forbearance, which help eliminate them and their human notions.

For example, when one is wronged, one most likely gets into an argument. This indicates that one’s heart is moved when it comes to protecting your reputation. If the tribulation is tolerated and corrected, the wrongful charges are no longer valid. One will view things from a perspective beyond everything, and there will be no argument as to who is right or wrong. This indicates that one has reached the state of forbearance.

Master has said,

“There is sacrifice in forbearance. Being able to make sacrifices is the result of improving in one’s cultivation.” (“Non-Omission” from Essentials for Further Advancement)

Practitioners who have experienced that forbearance is painful should ask themselves who is feeling the pain? Is it your true self or the result of notions? After gaining a clear understanding of the Fa, a practitioner will find that acquired notions and thought karma will bring pain, because they will be weakened and destroyed when one reaches the state of forbearance.

Physical suffering will pass after some endurance, but psychological suffering is harder to endure. Temptations, such as smart phones, TV programs, and others, make it even harder to remain unmoved. Failing to practice forbearance opens the door to demons and can bring about indulgence. In addition, failing to practice forbearance could breed attachments.

Bad thoughts have to be eliminated as soon as they arise. The way to truly disintegrate the degenerate substances is to let go of any yearnings for them. The pain of letting go is interference by one’s notions and thought karma, not one’s true self.

When you have reached the state of truly letting go, you will find it easy to break through the obstacles. By that time, forbearance will no longer be painful, but will be a joyful, uplifting feeling.

Category: Improving Oneself