(Minghui.org) The form of group Fa study Master gave to us as Dafa disciples not only helps us to form an indestructible positive energy field but also helps those of us who have not kept up with the progress of the Fa-rectification to catch up. That way, the body of practitioners as a whole can improve.
It also helps to shatter the persecution so that practitioners can overcome ordeals as soon as possible.
Today, although the evil forces are not as strong as they were in the past, the evil has not stopped persecuting practitioners. This is especially so for practitioners who have not participated in group Fa study for a long time.
They have been confined to one level for too long because they have been practicing alone, and they aren’t able to recognize attachments and behaviors that are not in line with the Fa due to the lack of a group environment.
Although they do the three things and occasionally have contact with other practitioners, they do not realize that it’s hard to point out each other’s shortcomings, see oneself clearly, and get rid of attachments as soon as possible without that long-term contact.
Short-term contact only lets one see the surface of a person, not his or her substantive attachments. To achieve this requires long-term contact and bonding—and group Fa study, which is the best environment.
Some practitioners have been studying the Fa on their own and not going to a fixed study site. Some have been practicing alone for a long time, and they don’t know how to look inward so they are not able to overcome their tribulations for a long period of time.
Fellow practitioners with strong righteous thoughts and a clear understanding of the Fa principles can help others compassionately in the environment of group Fa study. This is also the process of truly giving up ego and selfishness for the sake of others and reaching the realm of great enlightened beings.
I think there are several situations that lead to some people practicing alone for a long time. One, they think that they have been practicing for so many years and everyone knows how to practice, so they don’t need to participate in group Fa study. Two, they think some study sites are not safe and some practitioners do not cultivate their speech. Three, they are not willing to go out to study the Fa due to the attachment of comfort, feeling that they can keep up with the Fa-rectification process and they do Fa-validation things, which is limited to the realm of self. Lastly, they lack the awareness of doing things for the sake of others.
Some practitioners work in the same place, but they have not studied the Fa together, nor have they formed a Fa study group. I don’t know if it’s because they are too busy at work or what, but I’m not pointing fingers here.
In fact, practitioners in the same workplace should get together regularly to study the Fa so that they have a clear understanding of the practice environment and do a good job of clarifying the truth and saving sentient beings in the workplace.
Don’t neglect the importance of forming one whole body for Fa study. The old forces want to separate us and thus persecute those in difficulty.
And often the isolated practitioners are embarrassed to seek help from fellow practitioners for fear of losing face, so it is even harder for them to overcome their ordeals.
On the other hand, group Fa study provides a good environment for practitioners to improve in cultivation.
Please take group Fa study seriously, whether for others or for yourself, and look at the cultivation states of those who do not participate in group study. Give a strong hand to fellow practitioners who have fallen behind.
Cultivation is not about what I need, but what fellow practitioners need. Isn’t cultivation about altruism?
Don’t be afraid that fellow practitioners will have a dependency that drags you down. There will be no such problem after helping them improve their understanding of the Fa.
We should look at whether we’ve fulfilled our responsibilities. If the final exam is the overall sublimation, then isn’t the group Fa study testing our xinxing!
[Editor’s note: This article only represents the author’s understanding in their current cultivation state meant for sharing among practitioners so that we can “Compare with one another in study, in cultivation.” (“Solid Cultivation,” Hong Yin)]