(Minghui.org) The classic Chinese novel Journey to the West is one of my favorite stories. I often think of the difficult journey that Monk Xuanzang and his three disciples took to get the Buddhist scriptures.

I have always wondered why the monk's three disciples did not carry him all the way to India and avoid the tribulations they encountered. The mighty Monkey King can fly ten thousand miles in one flip, and both Pigsy and Sandy possess supernormal abilities.

Why endure all the hassle and difficulties of traveling on foot? The only reason I could come up with was that the author probably wanted to make the book more interesting, so the four characters had to make the long perilous journey to get the scriptures.

While I was doing household chores one day and humming the theme song to the TV drama version of “Journey to the West,” I suddenly recalled Master’s words from Zhuan Falun:

“Cultivation is something you do right in the thick of tribulations. They’ll test whether you can sever your emotions and desires, and they’ll see if you can take them lightly. If you’re attached to those things you won’t be able to finish your cultivation.”

I came to a new understanding, as Master has long told us that cultivators must endure tribulations to rid ourselves of our karma accumulated in past lives. Only then can we firm our will and be diligent until we complete cultivation.

Monk Xuanzang and his disciples were able to overcome numerous tribulations to succeed in their mission.

Dafa practitioners should also be steadfast on our journey to save people. We should not be afraid of encountering tribulations or be attached to the time when the persecution will end.