What I Learned from Getting Upset as Soon as Others Criticize

I’m a Falun Dafa practitioner who has retired from the work force. I started practicing Falun Dafa in 1998. Last fall, I had a fever that reached 40-some degrees Celsius (104° F), and was forced by my children to go to the hospital. I was found to have a liver abscess and severe lumbar vertebral tuberculosis. The doctor said that it was necessary to perform an operation to replace the vertebra. I did not acknowledge any of the illnesses, faced it with righteous thoughts, and chose not to have the operation done. Later, the hepatic abscess disappeared, the liver lobe abscess was gone, and a new piece of bone grew from the waist vertebra. Even the doctor thought it was a miracle. I must thank Falun Dafa and it's founder Teacher Li! It was Teacher’s benevolent protection that healed my illnesses.

Because of the illnesses, I was unable to sit up straight for a while, which severely affected my ability to do the three things. What had caused such a large loophole? I continuously searched inward, but could not find the reason. Thus, I attributed it to my lack of Fa study (study of the Falun Gong teachings) and poor enlightenment quality.

Since the publication of "Teaching the Fa in the City of Los Angeles," I finally found the problem:

"When Dafa disciples make mistakes, they do not like to be criticized. No one can criticize them, and when someone does, it sets them off." ... "They get upset as soon as others criticize." ("Teaching the Fa in the City of Los Angeles")

Teacher’s words seemed to be targeted at me. I cannot be criticized by others, whether at work or at home. I can criticize others, but not vice versa, and I am seldom able to accept others who disagree with me.

My inability to take criticism also has its historical roots. I’ve always been the leader since I started working, whether it was a small unit or a large unit. And most of the units were organizations of authority. In addition, I was instilled with the Chinese Communist party (CCP) culture since birth. Hence, the inability to take criticism was deeply ingrained in me. Actually, it is the evil CCP that does not allow anyone to criticize it. It explodes as soon as it is criticized. It considers anyone who says "no" as a dissident and would likely kill this person. It only wants to hear flattery. For example, in a TV program, a child picked up a wallet and turned it in to the authorities. In this program they ridiculously gave the credit for this good deed to the "Three Representatives." (A statement published by the former CCP leader, Jiang Zemin).

Actually, the inability to take criticism has to do with selfishness. Is it not because of our selfishness that we have dropped to this level? The lives in the old universe are selfish by nature. They only want to do things their way. My inability to take criticism is an aspect of selfishness, being protective of myself and not wanting others to touch my vulnerable spots.

Getting upset as soon as others criticize is also a manifestation of demon nature. A practitioner of the righteous Fa must get rid of such demon nature. Getting upset is being intolerant and unsympathetic of others. It’s not only far from Tolerance, it is also lacking compassion and mercy. Master said,

"You must get to the point where you are able to take criticism, regardless of whom it’s from. If there is truth to it you correct yourself, and if not, you are mindful of it. If you can stay unruffled while being criticized or chided, you are improving." ("Teaching the Fa in the City of Los Angeles")

Therefore, we must be able to take criticism, which also involves factors such as upgrading my character, overcoming tribulations and eliminating my karma.

The above is my personal understanding. Please kindly point out anything inappropriate.