(Minghui.org) I have some thoughts after reading the Minghui editorial “Flattery and Demonic Interference from One’s Own Mind.”
Whenever I did well in something or certain aspects, my attachments, such as zealotry, the showing-off mentality, and feeling full of myself, tend to surface. When that happens, I always remind myself to pay attention to it and remove it.
Master told us:
“In the several years of your cultivation, I have not only borne an incredibly great deal for you, but also constantly given you hints for your improvement, looked after your safety, and settled the debts that you owed at different levels so that you could achieve Consummation. These aren’t things that just anyone can do, nor can they be done for ordinary people. The problem is just that those people are being too irrational and don’t know to treasure Dafa and the opportunity to cultivate.” (“Drive Out Interference,” The Essentials of Diligent Progress II)
As Fa-rectification period disciples, we shoulder great responsibilities. In order for us to fulfill our responsibilities, Master bestowed on us certain abilities, skills, or expertise. Whatever we are capable of, we have to be keenly aware that everything is given by Master. In order to save us, Master has endured unimaginable suffering and hardship. When we think “we are capable,” get carried away with our achievements, or envy other practitioners’ abilities, we forget who we are and where our and others,’ abilities come from.
When we see other practitioners achieve any success, we should silently support them and know that all of their accomplishments are granted by Master. Instead of praising or complimenting them, we should be grateful to Master!
When we flatter or try to please other practitioners, we are creating an environment for them to develop attachments and go astray. It might also cause ourselves or others to follow the “capable practitioners,” instead of learning from the Fa.
While cultivating in the human world, we have plenty of means and ways to clarify the facts, especially in countries outside of China. In other words, we have the entire world as our “stage” to “show our abilities.” As long as we have the sincere wish to save people, but not to show ourselves off, Master will help us.
When we reach an achievement, we have to be even more careful not to be full of ourselves. We should remain humble and be grateful for everything Master gives us.
Over the years, I have published some sharing articles on the Minghui website. It was usually easy for me to complete the articles for publication. I know Master opened up my wisdom. Perhaps it is my long-standing desire and vow to do this.
When an article is published, it is still easy for me to develop a heart of joy, a show-off mentality, and complacency. At that moment, I immediately become vigilant. I remind myself that everything is under the blessing of Master. The publication of all articles also involves hard work from Minghui editors. My duty is to assimilate to Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, assist Master in rectifying the Fa, save sentient beings, and clear away all distracting thoughts in my mind. As long as I’m clear on these principles, my mind would return to peace and calm.
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 in studying, compare in cultivating...” (“Solid Cultivation,” Hong Yin)