(Minghui.org) As Falun Dafa cultivators, we all know the importance of studying Dafa teachings and understand that only by assimilating to the Fa and working on our character are we truly cultivating.
However, I noticed that some practitioners in our area have failed to follow the Dafa teachings, and I would like to share some of my understanding here.
A fellow practitioner recently became interested in brush calligraphy. Despite the limited time we have left to save people, she busies herself every day by tracing the words in a copy book with an ancient scripture. Although the author cannot be verified, many people believe the scripture was written by the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi). Regarding this book, people have different interpretations, and the practitioner claimed that she was only practicing the calligraphy without paying attention to the content of the scripture.
Master said,
“The same is true for books such as Huangdi Neijing, Xingming Guizhi, or Daozang. Though they do not carry those bad messages, they also contain messages from different levels. They themselves are also ways of cultivation. Once you read them, they will give you something and interfere with you.” (Lecture Six, Zhuan Falun)
Master spent an entire paragraph explaining the reason why we should not look at ancient scriptures. It would be impossible for the practitioner not to read the words in the ancient scripture if she copied the words from it every day. Our minds must remain righteous. As long as it is an ancient scripture, no matter the form and content, we should not even touch it. Following Master's teachings unconditionally equates to genuine assimilation to the Fa.
An elderly practitioner plays mahjong every day with her friends.
Master said,
“Some people asked me if they could play mahjong—aren’t you trying to get other people’s money through gambling? Isn’t that gambling?” (“Teaching the Fa and Answering Questions in Guangzhou,” Zhuan Falun Fajie – The Law of Zhuan Falun Explained)
Master warned Dafa disciples not to play mahjong. When I shared my understanding with this practitioner, however, she excused her behavior by saying, “Master meant for us not to be obsessed with money and gambling. I have no desire to gamble but only play with friends. Although we have small money exchanges, I don’t have a gambler mentality. I am not obsessed with winning or losing money, and I do it just for fun.”
Both of the practitioners mentioned above are attached to worldly things and find excuses for their attachments.
Dafa disciples must do what Master teaches us. If Master tells us not to read other scriptures, we should not read them. If Master tells us not to play mahjong, we should not play it. This is the righteous way for Dafa disciples to assimilate to the Fa.
I want to conclude with Master’s teaching,
“Cultivation is extremely arduous and very serious. If you are being even a bit careless, you may stumble and become ruined at once. Therefore, one's mind must be righteous.” (Lecture Six, Zhuan Falun)
This is my personal understanding. Please point out anything that is inappropriate.