(Minghui.org) The Minghui editorial “Starting Point” reminded me of my recent experience.
I stayed for a while in another city. Because I participated in projects rescuing practitioners in that area, some practitioners knew me. Out of gratitude, trust, or endorsement, they kept complimenting me for having “strong righteous thoughts,” “a clear understanding of the Fa,” “we need practitioners like you in our area,” and so on.
My attachment to reputation started to grow.
Initially, I was able to maintain a clear mind with my righteous thoughts. However, I was eventually carried away by flattery. Whether I realized it or not, I started putting myself above other practitioners. I thought I was in a position to guide others' cultivation. I even made remarks that are disrespectful of Buddhas and Gods.
Yet other practitioners didn't sense that my words were not on the Fa. No one questioned me. I regretted this greatly after I realized it later on.
I was happy that others trusted and depended on me. I was always invited to attend meetings. I tried to fake a diligent cultivation state so it would line up with my “reputation.”
However, my cultivation state deteriorated rapidly. I couldn't see Fa principles anymore when studying the Fa. My mind was racing during the meditation. My righteous thoughts also became much weaker. I sensed that my mentality had changed to be more ordinary.
Gradually, I didn't even want to do the truth-clarification projects that I had worked on for a long time.
I was able to adjust myself and see my problems after returning to my hometown and spending a lot of time studying the Fa again.
A practitioner visited me just when I was about to finish writing this article. He talked about similar issues. Some practitioners protect their sentimentality towards other practitioners rather than protecting the Fa. They flatter practitioners and even ignore practitioners' mistakes because of their sentimentality.
This harms themselves and the practitioners they “protect.”
Master teaches us to treat the Fa as the Master. We should always follow the Fa instead of following other practitioners.
Master said in Zhuan Falun:
“Cultivation practice is extremely arduous and very serious. If you are being careless for a moment, you may stumble and become ruined at once. Therefore, one’s mind must be right.”
I have experienced the seriousness of cultivation in my recent experience. Please kindly point out anything inappropriate in this sharing.
Category: Improving Oneself
