(Minghui.org) I used to hold a wrong point of view. I thought I would only do things within my capability or in my realm of xinxing. It didn’t sound wrong, but it was actually an understanding based on selfishness because my starting point was self-centered. Besides, I had set a limitation on the things I would get involved in.

First of all, I was willing to do things only when they conformed with my wishes (my attachment to my personal wishes) and when my fellow practitioners worked well with me or had cultivated themselves well. Otherwise, I was reluctant to take things up or simply put them off. As a matter of fact, some tasks might take other practitioners much longer to do but would take me a shorter time. However, I haven’t taken care of them as my priority, due to my lack of altruism and view of the big picture.

Secondly, I didn’t want to do anything beyond my ability or my realm of xinxing. What is the limit of my capability? What are the criteria for my xinxing? Shouldn’t cultivators have as high a requirement as possible for ourselves? When I chose to do less and put things off, I subconsciously wished to have nothing to do with certain issues. It’s an evasion in a disguised form and a selfish behavior. Behind all my passiveness, slowness, and reluctance was the shadow of selfishness.

I experienced difficulties with my cultivation for some time last year. Some other practitioners admitted to experiencing the same thing. We fell behind. When I reflected on the issue afterward, I realized that the reason was my outdated view of cultivation. In other words, I had restricted myself by holding on to my old criteria and failed to look at myself according to a higher criteria. That’s why I couldn’t make any improvement.

Before the persecution was initiated in 1999, Master had led us in cultivation- (Master still does.) All we needed to do was to study the Fa, do the exercises, and spread the Fa. The Fa-rectification period began after Master had elevated us to a certain level. Our focus shifted to clarifying the truth after the persecution was launched. Dafa disciples during the Fa-rectification period become mature to save sentient beings and protest the persecution. Most practitioners have caught up with the process, but some have fallen behind or dropped out.

As we transition to the period of Fa-rectification of the human world, all factors behind our human notions and incorrectness have surfaced. We have to completely eliminate their root and selfishness as the new universe won’t accept any selfish beings. It’s my understanding that we must uproot our remaining selfishness.

Master has actually given us guidance and encouragement, as well as time and opportunities. Master has even given us stick-warnings, but we haven’t put our heart into listening, understanding, and making corrections.

We suffer losses and face difficulties in fulfilling our mission when we don’t do well. Those who haven’t solidly cultivated may have to speed up in order to catch up. The gap in cultivation wasn’t formed in one day. When other practitioners have finished building a big house, you may still be working on the foundation of your building. However, all karma needs to be dissolved, all attachments need to be eliminated, and all vows need to be fulfilled.

I’m writing this holding onto a heavy heart. I suggest every practitioner spend some time scrutinizing themselves. Our responsibilities and missions carry deeper meaning than these words. The concept of life goes beyond this one cycle. Not everyone can become a Falun Dafa practitioner. It’s the most sacred title. How do we embody sacredness? How profound is the title? Shouldn’t we ponder upon all these questions?

It is time to change the state of putting the “self” first. Master has written an article, “Critical Times Reveal One’s Spiritual State.” It’s a critical time now. It reveals our elevations as well as our shortcomings. Fellow practitioners, what shall we focus on? Shall we look outward or inward? Are our starting points and goals for the sake of ourselves or the Fa and sentient beings?