(Clearwisdom.net) Recently in my area, conflicts related to personal cultivation have been dominant. When discussing these hot topics, everyone refuses to let go of their own attachments and instead point out other's faults. In "Teaching the Fa at the Fa Conference at the U.S. Capital," Master said,
"when conflicts or tensions take place, there is nothing to be afraid of"
The key is to cultivate amid the conflicts, let go of our attachments, and improve. Some practitioners hold on to their strong competitive mentalities and want to rectify others, yet think that their understanding is firmly rooted in the Fa. As an observer of these conflicts, one should also look within, thus truly improve oneself amidst conflicts. I want to share with you how I cultivated myself and passed an embarrassing test
The following incident happened before I obtained the Fa: One night, a man snuck into my room and tried to rape me. Luckily, my husband came in in time, and the rape did not happen. But, since then, I had been unhappy, heavy-hearted, and had no sense of safety. Later, that man was sentenced to prison because of theft. At that time, I felt that my anger was alleviated and that Heaven was punishing him.
While he served the sentence, his wife obtained the Fa. I was unable to understand her decision at that time. Soon, I too obtained the Fa, and came to understand why she decided to cultivate in Dafa. After this, the conflict occurred. She and I were not on talking terms because of what her husband had tried to do, yet we lived close. Her house was a practice site where four or five people went to study the Fa and do the exercises. I studied the Fa at home. Master told us to study the Fa and do the exercises together. I knew my thinking was not right, and I should do what Master tell us to do unconditionally. But the thought of going to her home scared me, I did not think that people would understand me.
Shortly thereafter, and probably because I had an intention of going to her house, Master arranged a fellow practitioner to invite me to attend, and told me that she was also willing to study the Fa and do the exercises together. Several days later, I participated in an experience sharing conference attended by many more practitioners. In that righteous field of Dafa, I discovered my shortcomings through communicating with fellow practitioners. That night, I hesitated several times on the way to her house. While bad thoughts rushed into my mind, I thought of Dafa and restrained them. Finally, I gathered my courage and went to her house. I sincerely invited everyone to come study the Fa and do the exercises at my house. Just like that, my house became a practice site.
Her husband came back home after serving his sentence. In the prison, the evil instilled lies about Dafa into him. After returning home, he did not allow his wife to study Dafa. I hated him and thought that he was hopeless.
Although I had cultivated for a year to two, it was only after meeting him face to face that I realized my hatred for him had not decreased. My heart trembled as soon as I saw him. I still hated him. Master said,
"If you cannot love your enemy, then you cannot reach Consummation"
He also told us to look at other's merits more, and ignore other's shortcomings. When I was writhing with hatred, I thought of this quote in the Fa that Master taught, and restrained and excluded the hatred with righteous thoughts. I tried to look at my own shortcomings more and avoid thinking about the harm he had done to me. When I had the chance, I clarified the truth to him, told him about withdrawing from the CCP, and helped him and his wife quit the Communist Party. He said that he knew Dafa was good, and the Communist Party was not good. He said that the prisoners did not obey the evil party any more than anyone else.
In the end, I participated in two activities where he drove us to distribute materials and save sentient beings. I'm delighted that I let go of the attachment and that Dafa saved one more life.
One time when I was sending forth righteous thoughts, I suddenly came to understand that a cultivator must tolerate ordinary people's wrongdoings with a broad heart, and I felt my body ascend.
This is a bit of my understanding. I hope it is helpful for fellow practitioners who are among conflicts. Please kindly point out anything that is inappropriate.
Category: Improving Oneself