(Minghui.org) I have noticed that many practitioners in our area do not pay attention to the cultivation of speech. Some are overly inquisitive and curious, and they like to pass on rumors and hearsay.

For example, they gossip back and forth about who and how much money certain practitioners have contributed to the informational material production sites, for making Shen Yun DVDs or hiring lawyers.

Passing on hearsay like this has nothing to do with cultivation, and it is a safety concern. It also reveals human attachments on the part of those fellow practitioners.

During my encounter with a domestic security policeman a few years ago, he told me that he knew I contributed a lot of money to Dafa projects. I asked him: “Who told you that?” He replied: “Your people. How else would I know if they did not open their mouths? Six thousand yuan, right?”

I did not reply but thought, “He knew the exact amount.” Fellow practitioners did not cultivate their speech; surveillance including phone taps made it easy for him to know such things.

I hesitated later when a Dafa related project needed money. I noticed that a fellow practitioner was showing off: “See how popular I am among fellow practitioners. They all trust me and give me so much money to pass on...”

Other practitioners also like to pass on hearsay: “So and so contributed 200, 500, and even 1000...” When others tried to stop them, they responded: “This is a good thing. It is mighty virtue. Why can't we talk about it? What are you afraid of? You should be upright and dignified...”

As cultivators we should be considerate of others and be responsible for the safety of fellow practitioners and Dafa projects. Even an ordinary person can keep sensitive matters confidential for the sake of others. Shouldn't we cultivators have a higher standard?

Some fellow practitioners measure others' realm with how much money they contribute. The other day a fellow practitioner said to me: “Ah, you have cultivated really well. I heard that over the years, you have contributed a great deal of money to Dafa.” I felt awful hearing that: If one's elevation of realm and consummation can be measured with money, then why do we need to cultivate?

I also knew a fellow practitioner who handled this type of thing appropriately. When others asked him who contributed the money, his reply was, “Do not ask, it all came from fellow practitioners.” At home, his wife initially asked where all that money come from, and again he simply replied: “Fellow practitioners.” He said that confidential matters should not be discussed with anyone, even family members.

I wanted to share this phenomenon that I have noticed over the years for us to improve together. Please kindly point out anything inappropriate.