(Clearwisdom.net) After reading a Clearwisdom article, “Stepping Out of the Mire of Negative Thinking” (English version http://www.clearwisdom.net/html/articles/2012/2/15/131483.html), I'd like to share my thoughts in this regard.
I'm assertive and opinionated. My actions are based on reasons and my thoughts are based on logic. Some of my friends and even fellow practitioners ask for my opinion when they encounter difficulties. They like to listen to my opinions because I look at issues in a comprehensive way.
I always hope for the best and prepare for the worse (such as possible difficulties and interferences). This has become a habit. I come up with solutions for the worst case scenarios, thus, there is no problem I cannot solve. But I realize now that this is exactly what I should eliminate—having negative thoughts when solving problems.
When we think negatively and magnify the difficulties, they become large obstacles in our cultivation and can obscure and restrain Dafa disciples' knowing side.
Teacher said, “But the things that arise from a Dafa disciple's thoughts are strong, and the higher the disciple's level, the more powerful and bigger the things that emerge out of his thoughts, and the longer they last.” (“Teaching the Fa at the 2004 Western U.S. Fa Conference” from Teaching the Fa at the Conference V) Positive thoughts carry positive energy, and negative thoughts carry negative energy. Negative energy can push things toward the the negative direction. When I prepare for the worst, am I not “pursuing” negative elements and results?
When I dug further, I realized that I “prepare for the worst” because I am afraid of bad results and seek to protect myself. The attachment to “fear” is like what Teacher said, “Do you really not understand that it was a demon who came knocking at your door, thanks to your human attachments?” (“Be Vigilant”) Teacher also mentioned, “The bigger you perceive the challenges to be, the harder things will be to carry out, since 'the appearance stems from the mind.' And so the task will become increasingly burdensome.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the Epoch Times Meeting”) So when we think negatively, aren't we bringing tribulations to ourselves?
As I become aware of my old habit of forming “negative thinking,” the next step is to eliminate it. From now on, no matter what I do, I should purify my thoughts, do what Teacher expects of us, and not think negatively, preparing for the worst. Righteous thoughts form righteous fields.
I understand that cultivation requires constant self-transformation, rectifying ourselves with the Fa, and truly cultivating our thoughts and mind.
Above are my understandings. Please kindly correct anything inappropriate.
