Selflessness Is Priceless and Eternal

(Minghui.org) I recently read Hans Christian Andersen’s story The Little Mermaid. The original fairy tale, which is somewhat different from the Disney version, really touched me.

The little mermaid learned from her grandmother that mermaids do not have an immortal soul. They live for about 300 years, then die and turn into the foam that floats in the sea. Human beings, her grandmother told her, have a soul that will live forever. When their flesh bodies die, their souls rise to beautiful places.

Since the only way for a mermaid to obtain an immortal soul is for a human being to truly love her, the little mermaid decided to give away her voice, her best quality and the loveliest voice of all, in exchange for two legs so that she could win the love of the prince.

Despite the painful price she paid, the prince did not fall in love with her as she had hoped. Then, even though her sisters had paid for it with their beautiful hair, she turned down the witch’s knife. Instead of killing the prince so that she could turn into a mermaid again, she threw herself into the sea, knowing she would die and turn into foam.

But she did not die. Her suffering and loyalty transformed her to a daughter of the air. Like other daughters of the air, her good deeds would guide her on the way toward an immortal soul.

As a Falun Dafa practitioner, I interpreted this as a cultivation story, since the little mermaid always tried her best to elevate to a higher level.

This story also reminded me of a poem by Master Li, the founder of Falun Dafa,

“Singing for All Lives

The 5,000 years of civilization lead back to HeavenSo brilliant its splendor, divinities sigh in admirationAntiquity’s wisdom was a path laid down by the DivineWhile modern ways and thought follow the Devil’s leadAtheism and evolution are doctrines of poisonA people without tradition are like a lakebed barrenMost lives on this earth were once divine, beforeincarnating here in anticipation of the CreatorReturn to Heaven and you shall find true blissOur limbs move in dance as we offer deliveranceEach note of our instruments carries compassionMay this song fulfill the Creator’s wish to bring salvation”(Hong Yin VI)

In the past, I did not understand why Master said, “The 5,000 years of civilization lead back to Heaven.” Now I have realized that, while there are many legends about cultivation in Chinese history, Western culture also has faith systems and fairy tales, such as The Little Mermaid, that have inspired people to constantly improve themselves so that they can elevate to higher realms.

Doing this is not easy because people strive to further their own interests in this secular world, while a practitioner needs to go beyond that. Master said,

“But true improvements come from letting go, not from gaining or getting your way.” (“Fa Teaching Given at the 2002 Conference in Philadelphia, U.S.A.,” Collected Teachings Given Around the World, Volume II)

My understanding is that we practitioners need to let go of the pursuit of material possessions. That does not necessarily mean we will actually miss something, but the requirement for the new universe needs to be met.

Here is one example. Because of the persecution of Falun Dafa by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), I did not have a place to stay, let alone have enough money to buy an apartment. My parents considered buying one for me, but they kept changing their minds about it. That left me very anxious and optimistic one day, and my hopes were dashed the next.

I finally realized that, since I am a Falun Dafa practitioner, I should follow its teachings and get rid of that attachment. I could rent a place to live, and poverty is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, Master Li said,

“If you want to go back to where you fell from, you need two things: one is suffering, and the other is enlightenment.” (“Lecture Given at the Conference in Sydney”)

Although I did calm down, my parents continued to argue about it. My sister-in-law had been seriously ill not long before this, and Father told me he needed to save money for my brother instead of spending it on an apartment for me. I was deeply touched. “That is not a problem at all. I think you are doing the right thing,” I said to him. “You are very kind, and you treat my sister-in-law like your own daughter. I think this is very important for my brother.” As I was saying that, my heart was warm because I really did want the best for my brother and sister-in-law.

Later on, my parents, my brother, and my sister-in-law had a meeting to discuss buying me an apartment. And shortly after that, they did, paying for it in full. Looking back, I was surprised my mind was so calm and pure. I was just thinking of being a good person and following Falun Dafa’s teachings.

I am thankful that Master Li allowed me to feel such compassion. It was a warm energy that filled me with peace and happiness beyond description. Before that, I did not know how wonderful it is to be selfless.

Every year I like to watch Shen Yun perform. I was often moved by the loyalty portrayed in certain pieces as well as the courage and kindness portrayed in others. In different historical periods and in different situations, the role we play can vary. But there is a common theme: Selflessness is precious and eternal, since that is the criterion we must meet to enter the future.

Looking back at civilizations over the past 5,000 years, I can feel Master Li’s compassion and how much he has helped us. With gratitude, I will walk my path well as a Falun Dafa practitioner and pass this on to more people.