Putting Cultivation First

(Minghui.org) Another practitioner and I had provided technical support and other services to local practitioners for many years. We repaired practitioners' computers and other equipment and upgraded their systems. I also ran a Falun Dafa materials production site for our local area. We produced all sorts of materials published on the Minghui website, such as Falun Dafa books, DVDs, posters and Minghui Weekly.

We were working like this for a long time but did not cultivate ourselves. We acted as ordinary people who did Dafa work; I often became impatient and complained when things went wrong. After enlightening to our shortcomings, we changed and decided to make cultivation our first priority.

Master has always emphasized the importance of studying theFa. We decided to start our day by studying the Fa, and I studied two lectures of Zhuan Falun each morning.

Everything that Happens Is a Good Thing

While providing technical support, I came into contact with many practitioners. There were a lot of xinxing tests, and I looked within when facing conflicts. I also looked for other practitioners' shortcomings. However, I measured the practitioners using Fa principles and decided that these people were selfish and inconsiderate, and I thought that I was better than they were.

A practitioner needed a large quantity of materials one day. I was not able to make them all by myself within the time frame she requested. So, I asked practitioners at other production sites to help. After seeing materials from other areas, she refused to take the materials that I produced because she believed them to be of inferior quality, and she was very unpleasant about this. I did not argue with her and gave the remaining materials to other practitioners. I thought that I was complying with Dafa’s xinxing standards, but I did not look within because I thought I was right. The practitioner stopped contacting me.

I tried talking with her to dissolve our conflict, but we argued a bit. I complained that I was wronged, and nothing was resolved. After I came home, I calmed down and asked myself why I felt that I had been wronged.

I thought that I had cooperated with her unconditionally and tried my best to do as she asked. I thought we were very close and that I could confide in her about anything. I didn’t know that she did not feel close to me and held grievances against me. I realized that I had cooperated with her based on human sentimentality. That was why I held complaints in my heart.

Master said:

“Whenever you encounter problems you should each look inward to search for the cause within, regardless of whether you’re to blame or not. Remember my words: Regardless of whether the problem is your fault or not, you should look inside yourself, and you will find a problem.” (Teaching the Fa at the Conference in Europe)

By looking within, I found that I regarded myself highly and better than other practitioners. I often criticized her, regardless of if she could accept it or not. I had no compassion for her. Actually, when I saw her shortcomings, I should have instead checked myself for the same problems. If she indeed had shortcomings, I should have pointed them out with kindness and humility.

I went to her home to repair a machine as if nothing had happened between us. Her xinxing had improved as well. We did not need any words to explain anything. Dafa purified our hearts and elevated our realm.

Master said:

“No matter what it is you have encountered as you've gone about validating the Fa, it is all, I will tell you, a good thing--and that's especially so in these years of persecution--for those things have come about specifically because you do cultivation. Those ordeals and the suffering, no matter how great or harsh you find them to be, are good things, because they take place solely on account of your cultivation. A person can eliminate karma and shed human attachments when he goes through ordeals, and through ordeals he can improve.” (“Fa Teaching at the 2008 New York Conference” from Teaching the Fa at the Conference VIII)

After reading the above passage, I changed my mindset. Whatever I come across, good or bad by normal standards, is all good for me.

Letting Go of Personal Interests

After so many years of cultivation in Dafa, I thought I was not attached to personal interests. However, I found it hidden deep inside of me.

I owned a condominium that I had not used for several months. The condominium owners below my unit complained that a water pipe in my condo had leaked and damaged their property. Since I had not lived there for several months, I had not used any water. I closed the main water valve for my unit, but they still had a leak. So I was not causing the leak. I thought I should not be responsible for it. We argued back and forth, and I suggested that we share the cost.

Back at home, I regretted what I had said. I asked myself if I still held tightly to personal interests. As a practitioner, I should not argue with an ordinary person. I created karma and did not cherish the opportunity Master had arranged for me to improve my xinxing. I must let go of my selfishness and pursuit of personal interests.

During a storm the next day, water leaked into the downstairs apartment again. I changed my attitude this time. No matter who was responsible, or how my neighbors treated me, I would take responsibility.

I visited a building materials store to find a solution. The shop owner used to have the same problem and told me what he had done, which cost no more than 10 yuan for the materials.

I clarified the truth to the four shop assistants. When I let go of pursuing personal interests, I did not lose anything. As long as we let go of our attachments, Master will do everything for us.