(Minghui.org) There are various phenomena in mainland China that undermine Falun Dafa. Some are easy to recognize, while others are not. For example, some practitioners do the three things on the surface and even appear to be very busy. However, they do those things to validate themselves rather than Dafa. If this continues for a long time, they will fall behind in the Fa-rectification process. Refusing to overcome this problem can interfere with their cultivation and even with Fa-rectification.
Master Li, founder of Falun Dafa, has talked about such interference and damage from within:
“A person’s cultivation is a rigorous process, with every aspect closely linked, and not a single moment or step of it can afford to be disrupted.”
“...your spiritual development is something I, and not those people, arrange.”
“I’ll say one more thing: Every moment in your life is part of your spiritual journey, and at every moment I am looking after you.” (“Another Stern Warning”)
Master requires us to regard Dafa as our teacher. When we study the Dafa teachings attentively and well, we can resolve any problems we encounter. Some issues may take time to resolve, and this is also understandable. Not everything on our cultivation path is straightforward, and Master may give us hints when we do not enlighten to specific issues. But tests can arise suddenly, and we cannot prepare for them. They do not always originate from certain people. But if some practitioners are not genuinely cultivating and instead seek “shortcuts,” they become more susceptible to those who disrupt Fa-rectification.
For example, some people in China claim to have special missions, certain responsibilities, or self-appointed positions. As a result, they may interfere with the cultivation of other practitioners or take over certain projects in the local area. They may lead experience-sharing conferences, casually comment on the cultivation state of other practitioners, or use so-called supernormal abilities to address illness karma and so on. Some even do this regularly. Because such “practitioners” appear to have done the three things well, they may become well-known among practitioners and are influential. In fact, only Master Li is in charge of Fa-rectification and our cultivation practice. We must not let such interference occur or cause damage.
Those who validate themselves can be taken advantage of by the old forces. Some are still defending themselves. They may appear to do things like other practitioners and actively participate in projects. However, they do not really understand Fa-rectification and do not validate Dafa. Because their words and actions are focused on themselves, they are not validating Dafa or the work of other practitioners. Essentially, they are plagiarizing and distorting the Fa, and as a result, their future could be at risk.
Here are some examples of poor behavior on the part of some practitioners.
1. Competing. Instead of measuring themselves against Dafa or Dafa’s requirements at various levels, these people compare themselves to others. They must be the best; otherwise, they cannot tolerate it. This is a manifestation of human notions. Cultivation and validating Dafa are arranged by Master; they do not serve to showcase specific individuals. Master is in charge of Fa-rectification. The more one tries to validate themselves, the farther they deviate from Dafa.
2. Showing off. These people show off their celestial eye, understanding of Dafa principles, helping to save people, memorizing Dafa, and so on. They also cannot wait to share with others what they have enlightened to, what they have learned from Dafa, and how well they have progressed in cultivation. Some practitioners may be impressed by such individuals and choose to praise or imitate them. This is similar to what Master said,
“Those who are attached to their reputations practice an evil way, full of intention. Once they gain renown in this world, they are bound to say good but mean evil, thereby misleading the public and undermining the Fa.” (“Cultivators’ Avoidances”, Essentials for Further Advancement)
Additionally, those with a show-off mentality often talk about how well they have done in the past. But cultivation practice means one needs to constantly improve oneself and do well. How well are they cultivating these days? Are they doing the three things?
3. Covering up. These individuals avoid facing their attachments or addressing real issues. Instead of looking within, they find ways to conceal things, even covering up what they hid before. This may help protect their reputation, but can hide real problems and attachments. During critical moments of harsh persecution, some are unwilling to endure suffering.
4. Jealousy. These practitioners do not acknowledge or believe that others are better than themselves. When jealousy arises, they tend to belittle or even target others.
5. Lack of cooperation. These people expect others to cooperate with them, but do not reciprocate. They often believe their own needs are bigger or more important. They tend to find fault with others and shirk responsibility when it is their turn to help.
6. Social status and rank. These people sometimes bring social status and rank to the cultivation community. By doing so, they hope more practitioners will agree with or follow them. Those close to them are treated well. They are applying the collaborative style of everyday society among Falun Dafa practitioners.
7. Being on top. This is an extreme form of validating oneself. Details include promoting oneself and targeting others. They tend to stir up issues, talk about others behind their backs, and ruin actual collaboration.
As mentioned above, these people tend to equate working on Dafa projects or having supernormal abilities as cultivation. When showing off their skills or previous achievements, they forget that these were given by Master Li.
Some people boast that they have done the three things well in the past. There are also practitioners who admire such people. Both groups of practitioners have ignored Master Li’s words when he said,
“Actually, it is the Fa that saves people, and only Master can do this thing.” (“Don’t Make Wild Statements,” Essentials for Further Advancement)
The problem is that, if one does not have a clear understanding of Dafa and inappropriately takes credit, how could such a person cultivate or help Master save people? Master said,
“Spiritual cultivation is about progressing to divinity, and all human attachments act as impediments. And the path is narrow in our case. If you are even just a bit careless you might veer off course, and problems will follow—potentially big ones. And if you fail to find your way back, you will regret it forever.” (“Another Stern Warning”)
Some people believe they have achieved some “accomplishments,” such as going to Beijing to validate Dafa. Hence, they see themselves as special. Due to zealotry and arrogance, they no longer study the teachings well or they may fall behind in cultivation. Nevertheless, they still think highly of themselves and such an illusion will be taken advantage of by the old forces.
Because of loopholes, these people give in to vicious demands during persecution, which could be fatal. I hope they will read Master’s article titled “Pass the Deadly Test” in The Essentials of Diligent Progress III.
Some people compromise with the perpetrators of the persecution out of fear. However, these attachments or human notions are not part of one’s true self. Only by improving xinxing and elevating oneself can one return to the path of a Dafa disciple.
Master said,
“If you are still unclear about what a Fa-rectification disciple is, you won’t be able to step forward in the current ordeal, and you will be led along by the human world’s pursuit of comfort and arrive at crooked understandings. Master’s heart has always been pained by those who have fallen, and the majority were ruined by that pursuit.” (“Fa-Rectification Period Dafa Disciples”, The Essentials of Diligent Progress II)
We should regard Dafa as our teacher and look within to truly improve ourselves. Master is waiting for us. We should cherish this opportunity and work together, and not let it slip away.