1) True Cultivation

When I first started cultivation, a practitioner sincerely told me that Teacher has especially emphasized "true cultivation." Later I gradually realized the preciousness of the words "true cultivation." It's not easy to "truly cultivate". Actually sometimes it is extremely difficult. This kind of difficulty is not something that can be endured by an average person. Therefore it is destined that some people will quit cultivation sooner or later, as it is impossible for everyone to truly cultivate. When talking about the issue of killing, Teacher says,

"I am teaching the Fa to practitioners instead of casually telling everyday people how to live. With regard to how one should deal with specific issues, you should make a judgment according to Dafa. You should do things however you see fit. Everyday people will do whatever they want to, and that is their business; it is not possible for everyone to truly practice cultivation. As a practitioner, however, one should follow a higher standard, so I am hereby putting forward the requirements for practitioners."(Zhuan Falun, March 2000 translation)

In my opinion, "truly cultivating" means following a higher standard. It is an extremely difficult and very serious issue, so it is important for cultivators to be persistent and consistent in cultivation. Teacher has taught the Fa [law, principles] to the students. However, only true cultivators enlighten when they constantly improve themselves.

I once roughly counted and I was surprised to find out that the word "true" or "truly" appeared more than thirty times in Lecture One of Zhuan Falun. How much does our benevolent Teacher wants us to pay attention to this word? I ask my fellow practitioners to study the Falun Dafa teachings when you have a clear and calm mind, so as to truly understand the principles . Then we will be able to rationally understand the requirements for cultivators of Falun Dafa. We will then understand what we should do and what we should not do as cultivators, and be strict with our every single thought. In fact, a true cultivator believes that "there are spiritual beings three feet above one's head." Even when no person is watching him, he restrains his thoughts and his behavior by the standard of the Falun Dafa principles, and strictly searches inside himself to correct his thoughts and upgrade his character. We must walk the path of cultivation one step at a time until the end. There is no shortcut.

Modesty, honesty and kindness are honorable moral characteristics of human beings. They are also basic qualities that cultivators possess. Cultivators should constantly improve their thoughts. Even the ordinary people who value morality will gladly listen to others pointing out their shortcomings, treat people with kindness and humbly accept criticism. If we cultivators still avoid taking responsibility when we come across a problem, refuse to search inside ourselves, and are not able to look inside and admit our mistakes, then we really should reconsider if we are truly cultivating. We should not lose the Fa easily just because we have obtained it easily. We cannot conduct ourselves our own way and slack off any more. Let's treasure this opportunity, which does not come along in thousands of years, make the best use of our time to truly cultivate, and fulfill our grand vows that we made before history!

I have been cultivating for a few years, but I have been quite lazy about practicing the exercises. When I was attached to my narrow-minded thinking that the exercises were just a supplementary means of cultivation, I even found good reasons and excuses to justify my laziness. One day I read an experience-sharing article. In the article, the practitioner wrote that, cultivators needed to study the Fa and practice the exercises just like we needed food and water. I suddenly realized that I had done so poorly. Actually, the Fa has taught us everything, but my strong notions had hindered me. Teacher has told us,

"Falun Dafa is also a cultivation practice of mind and body, and it requires exercises. On the one hand, the exercises are used to strengthen supernormal abilities. What is "strengthening?" It is the reinforcement of your supernormal abilities by your powerful gong potency, thus making them progressively stronger. On the other hand, many living beings need to be developed in your body. In high-level cultivation practice, the Tao School requires the birth of the Immortal Infant (yuanying), while the Buddha School requires the Vajra's indestructible body. Furthermore, many supernatural abilities must be developed. These things need to be developed through the physical exercises, and they are what our exercises cultivate. A complete cultivation practice of mind and body requires both cultivation and practice." (Zhuan Falun)

I had obtained such a good cultivation way, but I had not been persistent in practicing the exercises. I was being irresponsible to myself.

I decided to practice the exercises. I rearranged my daily schedule and made use of every little piece of time to exercise. I took a short nap when I felt extremely sleepy at night. Whenever I was awake, I seized the time to study the Fa and practice the exercises. I continued to do so for a year, and I experienced obvious changes in myself. My face became radiant with health, and my body became strong and energetic. I used to feel distracted in my mind and had never achieved a tranquil mind before. Now I truly experienced the calmness and happiness with a clear and clean mind. I also have much better results when I study Fa.

I learned from this experience that we can truly understand the Fa only if we let go of our conventional thinking. We keep going in our own ignorance if we don't let go of our attachments. I also realized the importance of experience sharing among practitioners. Sometimes, we may be stuck on a certain principle for years, and suddenly be enlightened by a remark from a fellow practitioner. Many of the things shared are lessons from practitioners from their own experiences. We will benefit from them and avoid unnecessary losses.

I recently read two articles entitled "Golden Buddha" (http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2003/11/2/41918.html) and "Not Fully Cooked Iron Eggplant" (http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2003/9/28/40767.html). I thought deeply afterwards. I realized that if a cultivator does not set a righteous goal, he would not be able to achieve it, regardless of who he was. The leading characters in both stories thought they were cultivating, but I didn't think they were truly cultivating. They didn't give up their selfishness, so they were not steadfastly cultivating, nor were they compassionate. In addition, their pursuit of Consummation was a strong attachment in and of itself. It is wrong for cultivators to cultivate with attachments.

Cultivation means ignoring superficial formalities and only looking at one's heart. It stresses the heart instead of formalities, and absolutely can't be turned into a formality. You should not think that Buddhas will take care of you and give you Righteous Attainment just because you have studied Fa, practiced the exercises and done something. Actually Buddhas have not asked you to worship them. The hardships you have suffered are to repay your own karmic debts. Buddhas just silently help you and protect you unconditionally. The only thing that Buddhas look for is the goodness in your heart. A practitioner's cultivation realm comes from the gradual upward growth through diligent, solid cultivation. Consummation does not come from worshiping or pursuing; instead, it comes from cultivation. I would like to remind everyone that we should do things with a pure mentality. We save beings with such benevolent compassion from our hearts that we give unconditionally. Please remember, "pursue nothing and gain naturally".

The butcher in "Golden Buddha" once took lives. The thieves in "Not Fully Cooked Iron Eggplant" had done many bad things. These were all ordinary people's behaviors when they didn't distinguish between wrong and right. However they thoroughly rectified their wrongdoings and abandoned wickedness for goodness once they heard the Buddha Fa and began cultivation. Teacher says, "one's Buddha-nature is Shan (compassion), and it manifests itself as compassion, thinking of others before acting, and the ability to endure suffering." ("Buddha-Nature and Demon-Nature" in "Falun Dafa Essentials for Further Advancement") The butcher and the thieves could give without complaint even when they were in extremely difficult situations. This manifested the realm of true cultivators. The benevolent compassion of Buddhas is immeasurable. Buddhas disregard our past wrongs, and we will achieve Consummation as long as we reach the standard. Just like what some people have said, "Those who strive to keep their lives, end up losing their lives, and those who sacrifice their lives to save others, end up obtaining eternal life."

March 27, 2004