Selfishness Is a Fundamental Attachment

(Minghui.org) Master Li Hongzhi said,

“… the entire cultivation process for a practitioner is one of constantly giving up human attachments.” (Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)

Our attachments include showing off, zealotry, fame, self-interest, and jealousy. 

I always felt that I had not completely gotten rid of my attachments. Something remained even when the attachment was weaker than it was when I just started cultivating. I looked inward and saw that my selfishness was the most fundamental attachment, because all attachments originate from oneself and selfishness. 

Selfishness is the soil from which all other attachments grow. Only when completely ridding oneself of selfishness, can one truly remove all other attachments. It is the deeply hidden selfishness that generates obstacles in one's elevation. 

Master Li said: 

“The space of the universe is benevolent to begin with and embodies the characteristic of Zhen-Shan-Ren. At birth, one is assimilated to the characteristic of the universe. Yet as the number of lives increases, a collective form of social relations develops in which some people may develop selfishness and gradually their level will be lowered. If they cannot stay at this level, they must drop down further.” (Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)

I realized that the degradation of lives and matter in the whole universe originated from selfishness. Selfishness violated the most fundamental characteristic, or the most fundamental Buddha Law – Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Only by being selfless can one see the law of the universe manifesting in different space-times and at different levels, which generates the great benevolence needed to save sentient beings.

Recalling the time before I learned Dafa, I deeply admired the unselfish sages and was moved every time I read their stories. Now I know I felt this way because of my knowing side. It was a display of my own conscience and innate nature. 

I developed the concept of selfishness during my many cycles of reincarnation. It is like being caged and shackled. One must deny selfishness and get rid of it completely every time it emerges. It is not the true innate self. One can return to one's own true self only when one is unfettered by this attachment. 

Master Li said: 

“Selfishness is a fundamental attribute of the cosmos of the past. Because of that attribute, formation-stasis-degeneration-destruction and birth-aging-sickness-death are inevitable. In the future the Fa will be all-harmonizing, perfect, and selfless. The change in that fundamental attribute of the cosmos leads to fundamental changes in the cosmos's progression and beings' characteristics.” (“Teaching the Fa at the 2004 Western U.S. Fa Conference,” Collected Fa Teachings, Vol. V)

I enlightened that the fundamental distinction between the new and the old universe is looking after others before oneself. As a Dafa practitioner, one can truly harmonize with the Fa if one can remain in a selfless state. 

Master granted Dafa disciples a sacred mission, asking us to do the three things well. I feel that all things are easy to accomplish when we do them unselfishly. 

I believe I can see the immense wisdom and content beyond the text of the Fa when I rid myself of all selfish thoughts and attachments, ignore all things around me, and completely calm myself. At that moment, I feel strong currents of energy go through my body. The power of sending righteous thoughts will be boundless and become truly effective in getting rid of the interfering dark minions when it is done without any selfish thoughts. 

Master Li said,

“I’ve often said this: if you sincerely do it for the other person’s sake, and there is nothing self-serving on your part, your words will be able to move the other party to tears.” (“Fa Teaching on the World Falun Dafa Day”)

When we think about others from our heart when telling them the facts about Dafa, the energy of our words can reach the depths of their lives and arouse their knowing sides. It will stimulate sufficient kind thoughts in them so they can choose a good future for themselves.