(Minghui.org) Some time ago our new printer did not work as well as the old one. We decided to look at other printer models, but they all had design flaws. We tried to correct the problem and were successful. However, we experienced different problems with the second and third printers. I felt very frustrated. Then, I realized that these problems had to be looked at from a cultivation standpoint. This happened because it was time for me to improve my xinxing.
I didn't have to wait long for an opportunity to improve my xinxing. A fellow practitioner called and asked me to help her install an operating system for another practitioner. I agreed, but I prefer to do things quickly and efficiently on my own.
When I worked with fellow practitioners I noticed that they talked like ordinary people. I didn't want to hear what they had to say and was afraid that I would point out harshly that they were deviating from the Fa. I rationalized that criticizing would help fellow practitioners improve. Actually, I was using human notions to look at things.
Forbearance Tested
I picked up the practitioner and on the way to the other practitioner's home, she asked me to stop because she wanted to buy some fruit. I waited for her while she was taking her time select the pieces of fruit she wanted. Then she asked me if we could stop at a friend's place to pick up something she needed.
While we were there, she was so excited to talk to her friend that she forgot to get what we had come for. The friend had to call and remind her. She felt bad about the incident and said that she would pick it up later, but I took her back anyway. We continued to the other practitioner's house and had to wait for about half an hour before he showed up. I then installed the operating system for him.
This incident made me realize that I had the human notion of not liking to wait for people or doing extra work or dealing with unexpected events. Now, I understand that this event revealed notions I needed to relinquish. Without this experience, I wouldn't have realized that I held these human notions. Teacher said,
“Forbearance is the key to improving one’s xinxing. To endure with anger, grievance, or tears is the forbearance of an everyday person who is attached to his concerns. To endure completely without anger or grievance is the forbearance of a cultivator.” (“What is Forbearance (Ren)” in Essentials for Further Advancement)
Everything Happens for a Reason
It appeared to be a coincidence when a practitioner asked me to learn how to repair printers, because there was a lack of such skill in our area. Even before I was asked to learn how to repair printers, I understood that I should use my technical ability to support fellow practitioners. Additionally, helping fellow practitioners would expose my human notions, allowing me to improve my xinxing. At the same time, I reasoned, while interacting with practitioners I would have an opportunity to point out their shortcomings and help them improve.
I have been telling fellow practitioners that the repair job is easy because Teacher gave me the ability. Teacher said, “Since it’s cultivation, nothing on our path of cultivation is coincidental.” (“Teaching the Fa at the Conference in New Zealand”)
Teacher also said, “Cultivation is the most serious, serious thing. There is nothing in the human world more serious. ” (“Teaching the Fa at the Conference in Houston”)
Looking Inwards and Getting Rid of Human Notions
Anyone can repair a printer, but a practitioner has to use the opportunity to look within and improve his/her xinxing. Instead of finding our hidden notions when a printer stops working, we tend to focus on how to get it to work again.
At one time, several printers showed a “paper jam” signal, but when I opened the machine there was no paper jam. Another time several color printers printed unusually yellow.
I took the opportunity to look inward and found that I had to let go of lust. I said in my mind to Teacher, “I want to remove lust from my mind. I don't want to affect fellow practitioners' efforts to save sentient beings.” After having said that, I could get the printer to work normally.
Lacking Compassion
Teacher said, “One's gong level is as high as one's xinxing level, and this is an absolute truth.” (Zhuan Falun)
When I told fellow practitioners that they needed to improve, I failed to say it with compassion. Thus, the results were poor. When I looked inward, I found that I wanted to validate myself.
Teacher said, “Cultivation depends on one’s own efforts, while the transformation of gong is done by one’s master.” (Zhuan Falun)
I had neglected to improve my xinxing, so whatever I said was not based on the Fa.
Gong only elevates after a practitioner improves his or her xinxing and the elevation of gong is done by Teacher. Whenever we deviate from the Fa, our false self will attempt to validate ourselves.
After looking within, I found that my fundamental attachment was selfishness. I have been quite diligent in doing the three things, but it was based on validating myself. It took another practitioner to point this out to me.
I hope that every practitioner can recognize and overcome his/her problems and continue to improve his/her xinxing.
Category: Improving Oneself
