Let Go of Notions

Cultivators continue to be affected by the decadence of society. Daily, different kinds of notions and thoughts from non-practitioners assault cultivators. How they position themselves, and look at the issues at hand when faced with diverse situations becomes a test for practitioners. Different choices will take them on different paths.

In the beginning of Lunyu, Teacher has taught us the key to cultivation practice:

"The Buddha Fa" is most profound; among all the theories in the world, it is the most intricate and extraordinary science. In order to explore this domain, humankind must fundamentally change its conventional thinking. Otherwise, the truth of the universe will forever remain a mystery to humankind, and everyday people will forever crawl within the boundary delimited by their own ignorance." ("Zhuan Falun")

I was fortunate to learn Falun Gong in 1996. At that time, I saw Zhuan Falun in the home of one of my classmates. I was immediately attracted to the truths revealed in the book. I finished the entire book in one sitting and started Dafa cultivation immediately. Over time I met other practitioners. During that period, I experienced dramatic changes both physically and mentally.

In 1999, immediately after the persecution of Falun Dafa began, many practitioners stepped forward and clarified the truth about this practice, or sent feedback about our actual situation to government officials. I went to Beijing to appeal for justice for Falun Dafa. In that severe environment, stories of ancient Chinese sacrificing their lives to defend the truth came to my mind. Given this notion, I believed that being arrested or detained was a cultivation test that would temper me.

Cultivators enduring persecution is the warped law of the old universe and does not adhere to the Fa truths told by Teacher. Teacher said,

"But as to our Dafa, let me tell you that nobody is worthy of testing it."("Teaching the Fa at the Western U.S. Fa Conference" from Guiding the Voyage).

At the time, I could not see this Fa truth and held on to the old universe's warped law. Because of my holding tight to this notion, I accepted the arrangements made by the old force. Consequently, I was detained and taken for "re-education through labour." I also was persecuted many times.

Every time after enduring much suffering, I calmed down and focused on Fa study. At the same time I thought about the path I was taking, the incidents I encountered, and the people I met. I thought that many of the incidents I suffered were logical. However, if judged by the Fa truths, they may not have adhered to the standards of Dafa. If I did not recognize the Fa truths or let go of my attachments, I would keep facing tribulations and even move further away from my cultivation path.

Non-practitioners' theories are opposite to the law of the universe. Most notions formed in human society are wrong. The principle of mutual-generation and mutual-inhibition determines that any given notion will be interfered with by corresponding factors. Letting go of the notion is the result of using the Fa we have enlightened to at the current level, to clean up understandings that do not comply with the Fa. So when we encounter problems or conflicts and we discover that our thoughts and actions are the same as those of non-practitioners, we should immediately take action. We must ask ourselves whether we continue to follow the laws of ordinary people. Only if we continuously follow the Fa, evaluate everything by the Fa, and use our righteous thoughts, will we not act like ordinary people.

After my daughter was born, my parents came to live with us. There were constant conflicts between my mother and my wife. For example, my mother takes very good care of the child and does everything for the child, while my wife tries to encourage her to be independent and does not interfere in her activities. It is unavoidable that they argue over the kids. When they argued and insisted on their opinion I got annoyed. At times, when I didn't agree with one or the other, I would lose my temper. I know that as a cultivator I should cultivate my heart and follow the principles espoused by Dafa. However, when I encountered these situations, I just couldn't control myself. It was troublesome and painful. One day, I tried to recite "Lunyu" at break time at work. While reciting "In order to explore this domain, humankind must fundamentally change its conventional thinking."(Zhuan Falun, "Lunyu"). I suddenly realized: "Doesn't this apply when one has conflicts with one's family or non-practitioner co-workers?"

Through diligent Fa study, my understanding became clearer. I actually treated my family members different from outsiders. I always hoped to maintain a harmonious atmosphere at home, and was afraid of facing problems. Therefore, during a conflict my mind was immediately interfered with. If had not recognized this, the conflicts would get ever worse. Actually the thought of trying to maintain harmony in my family and worrying about being misunderstood by my neighbours is a notion that adheres to ordinary society.

The principle, "Broadly shines a Buddha's light, Justly setting all things right."("One With the Fa" from Hong Yin) of Dafa tells me that when a cultivator does well and reaches the requirement of Dafa, his cultivation status will change the environment and correct all problems. This is impossible to achieve with ordinary people's actions.

The conflict among my family members is meant to interfere with my heart. If I get upset, isn't that the purpose of the demon? After realizing this, now when my family members have conflicts, I first calm down, do not become upset and try to figure out what is going on. I explain to both parties my understanding of the situation and help them understand each other. T
hen the conflict is resolved. Superficially, this would be the way to deal with conflicts in an ordinary family. However, during this process, I changed my notions and let go of sentimentality. Of course, the interference was no longer effective.

The above is my understanding at my present level of cultivation. Please point out if there is anything inappropriate.