(Clearwisdom.net) On many occasions, while closely observing our cultivation, we should rectify the way we speak and do things. Particularly, when we have formed habits in our speech and tone. If we look closely, we can find that many human notions, attachments and demon nature manifest in them. Our words may make others feel uncomfortable or hurt.
I was once told: "Someone in our Fa-study group stopped coming. After a few days, this practitioner felt bored studying alone at home and returned to our group study. I asked why they had stopped coming, and the practitioner said it was because of the way I looked down on people when I talked, as if it's always the fault of others."
What this fellow practitioner said was very helpful to me. Over the years, I believed that I was very diligent in my cultivation and I did a lot of work validating the Fa. However, why did this fellow practitioner have such grievances with me? Other also talked behind my back and said that I had such and such attachments and that I could not tolerate other people. What was wrong?
For years, I have been puzzled by this. However, with continued Fa-study and sharing experiences with fellow practitioners, I have become more clear. I believe that the key issue is not just my human notions and attachments, but a deep-rooted habit. I have not cultivated my speech well and this resulted in my hurting fellow practitioners. This was the crux of my problem.
This is how my problem manifested when gathering with fellow practitioners: I would casually talk about the shortcomings and omissions of those not present at the gathering; I complained about a certain couple who had not been able to eliminate their long-standing attachment to competition; another practitioner had taken medicine and stayed in a hospital; another practitioner did not hold up their xinxing and was involved in a conflict.
Instead of measuring myself with the standards of the Fa and looking at the righteous actions and positive sides of fellow practitioners, I put too much emphasis on the negative things.
I didn't realize that I wasn't cultivating my speech and was taken advantage of by the old forces. This increased the gaps between we fellow practitioners. When I say bad words about fellow practitioners behind their backs, before long, they will hear of it. This situation is compounded when another relays the message and adds their own exaggeration. How could fellow practitioners not be upset with me?
I had a vivid dream that day: Many Dafa practitioners were climbing a mountain and everyone worked very hard to keep climbing higher. However, no one seemed to be paying attention to where they were placing their feet, constantly tripping on stones on the path, falling and colliding with those below them. Everyone was hurting people beneath them and everyone was hurt by others above. Some were hurt so badly it left scars. However, everyone kept climbing and climbing. This surprised me! Haven't we been in this state for the past few years? No one was paying attention to cultivating their speech and everyone was talking about others behind their backs. Everyone was hurting others while at the same time being hurt by others. Only the evil old forces are happy to see this state, while Master is pained in his heart. We failed to enlighten to this, even after so much time. For those whose entire family are practitioners, it seems the situation is even worse, since they aren't considerate of others when they talk. Why are we like this? The tendency to blame others has become widespread. With Fa-rectification coming to the very end, is this the way that Dafa practitioners should be maturing?
Since then, I often think of this dream. Now, when I talk to fellow practitioners, I keep a peaceful mind and a benevolent tone. I always remind myself to not hurt others. We should completely eliminate the CCP culture of talking like we are above everyone and always blaming others. When I pay attention to cultivation in this area, I notice that I make great progress and more and more fellow practitioners are willing to share their experiences with me now.