(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance to be good and better people. But what does it mean to be a “good” person?

We know the old universe has the process of formation-stasis-degeneration-destruction. The deviation worsens as time passes. China’s ancient dynasties also experienced formation-stasis-degeneration-destruction. What human society feels is correct may not be. The standards may change as society’s morals change.

Practicing Falun Dafa and cultivating ourselves means we strive to constantly improve, starting by being good people in everyday society. We gradually eliminate degenerated elements until our inborn true selves are in charge. Practitioners know it is important to follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and the correct standards of being a good person.

Traditional Chinese culture provides many examples. I’d like to tell you about three Chinese proverbs which may offer some insights into some blind spots we should avoid.

1. Hao da xi gong (Rejoicing in grandiose deeds)

This proverb refers to someone who always thinks of doing big things without covering basics. Such people often seek fame by exaggerating or cutting corners.

Here are some examples how this term is used.

Example 1: He is someone who rejoices in grandiose deeds – he may claim a ten-point score for a three-point achievement.

Example 2: Vanity could be manifested in various behaviors such as competing for fame, rejoicing in grandiose deeds, or showing off.

The opposite behavior (of rejoicing in grandiose deeds) includes being modest, putting in real effort, and taking fame lightly.

If practitioners rejoice in grandiose deeds they might unknowingly pursue fame or superficial success, which is not solid cultivation. If this continues we may be wasting our cultivation opportunities.

2. Bi zhong jiu qing (Avoiding the important, and focusing on the trivial)

This proverb describes someone who shirks major responsibilities and just takes on easy tasks. It also refers to when a major crisis arises, someone just works on easy problems and avoids addressing the main issue.

An example of how this term is used, is when we discuss certain topics, and the person avoids what’s important and focuses on the trivial.

The opposite behavior (of avoiding the important and focusing on the trivial) includes having the courage to take the lead, facing issues directly, and doing whatever it takes to get things done.

Practitioners made prehistoric vows to help Master save people. After cultivating for so many years some practitioners may have become entangled in human notions. But cultivation is like climbing a mountain – without putting in solid effort and improving oneself consistently, one may not succeed.

Let’s review Master’s poem:

“I climb the steep steps, stretching miles ahead,Winding upward and steep, this road,     even to set off is hard;Glancing back, ‘tis just like cultivating True Fa,Pausing half way makes salvation hard.So steel the will, and life thy leaden leg,Endure the pain, diligent, and cast off attachments;Dafa disciples, the tens of millions—A place still higher awaits you at Consummation.”(“Climbing Mount Tai,” Hong Yin)

3. Zhi nan er tui (Retreating when faced with difficulties)

The original meaning of this proverb refers to when one faces difficulties or challenges, one chooses to give up or retreat due to feeling they have limited abilities. The proverb was later used to describe a strategic retreat to reduce short-term loss. This proverb now refers to a person who backs off when facing problems instead of addressing them.

For example: Faced with obstacles or pressure, he chose to retreat to maintain his lifestyle.

The opposite behavior (of retreating when faced with difficulties) includes embracing challenges, staying determined, and remaining steadfast like diamond. Being steadfast like diamond means one is able to remain undisturbed when faced with change or interference.

One may retreat from difficulties in order to conserve resources or reduce losses, or perhaps one is unwilling to suffer. But Master wrote, “Let joy be found in hardship.” (“Temper the Will,” Hong Yin)If a practitioner gives up when encountering difficulties, becomes pessimistic when running into conflicts, or feels good about themselves due to past accomplishments, we could be going against the vow we made. This is more serious than anything we could possibly endure in this secular world.

I wanted to share these three proverbs and point out that being a good person is not merely gaining certain knowledge; rather, it is being guided by moral values. This wisdom from the divine can help us return to our true selves. Time is limited. Master said:

“...one should tell the truth, do things truthfully, become a truthful person...” (Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)

We need to do well in this aspect.

I hope we can all catch up and cultivate diligently.