(Minghui.org) On the surface, “emptiness” is just a word, but when a cultivator can truly recognize and relinquish their attachments, they can experience “emptiness.”
I’m a teacher, and I was abruptly suspended from my job. The principal said I should take some time off, but I knew it was because I practice Falun Dafa. I couldn’t help feeling upset and depressed.
I calmed down and tried to identify all my human notions this exposed so that I could eliminate them.
I realized that these feelings stemmed from many deep-seated attachments. Because I had been suspended, I was anxious that people might speculate and gossip about what happened. I was also I worried that it would impact my career, that I might receive a poor annual performance evaluation, and so on.
A few days later, I was transferred to the General Affairs Office (the school’s internal administration).
I initially tried to hide this turn of events from others. But I quickly realized this was wrong and that my attachments were rooted in fear and selfishness, and clouded my true self. I shouldn’t hide—I didn’t do anything wrong. If people found out, so be it.
I should maintain a positive attitude towards the situation. Through my actions, I wanted everyone to have a good impression of Dafa so I could assist Master in saving people. I must completely eliminate all my negative thoughts.
The next day, a coworker, who I will call Colleague A, came to the office. When she saw me, she was shocked and said, “What are you doing here? Are you working here?”
I replied calmly, “Yes.”
She said nothing and walked away with an astonished look on her face. I believed that her coming there was actually a test of my conviction.
A few days later, Colleague A sat across from me during lunch and asked again, “Are you working at the General Affairs Office now?”
I nodded.
She continued, “So you’re not teaching anymore?”
As before, I calmly replied, “Yes.” My mind was completely free of any thoughts, as if what she said had nothing to do with me. None of our other colleagues at the table said a word and everyone quietly ate. After I finished my meal, I left.
When I later reflected on what happened, I realized that this time Colleague A’s actions and questions were a test of whether I truly let go of my attachments. Master was making use of my suspension to help uncover my attachments that were deeply hidden.
True cultivation is about cultivating one’s heart, and not being concerned about losing material benefits. Once a person’s xinxing has truly improved under the guidance of Falun Dafa, they will not pursue material benefits. This is the true path of cultivation.
If I hadn’t maintained an upright mindset, the old forces would have used the suspension as a way to persecute me. However, Master made use of the old forces’ arrangements to help me truly let go of negative things, including my attachments, human notions, and preconceptions, and help me assimilate to the Falun Dafa’s guiding principles: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. This cultivation opportunity and what I gained are invaluable.
That night I finished writing this article and experienced a state of true emptiness while I meditated—a sense of lightness and ease that I never experienced before. It was truly wonderful.