Treasure the Predestined Relationship Between Practitioners

By a practitioner in Hunan Province

(Clearwisdom.net) Some minor incidents happened around me recently that helped me gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of the words "fellow practitioner."

I was pessimistic in the past. When I saw the mistakes fellow practitioners around me made or saw the conflicts between them, I did not look inward. I lacked understanding of assimilating into the whole body. In addition, I did not have a clear understanding of the special cultivation way that Master had arranged for us. I also did not realize the preciousness of the predestined relationship among practitioners.

I had a recent, acute conflict with practitioner A (I work at her company). Since I had not kept up with studying the Fa, I was strongly affected by jealousy. I could not get a hold of myself, felt that I was suffering and was very tired. One Sunday morning, I visited practitioner B while handling a matter. I told him about my current situation and troubles. I said that I really wanted to be free of conflicts but found it difficult to let go of my strong attachments. I could not study the Fa with a peaceful mind.

The practitioner listened to me patiently and quietly. He did not express any opinion that I was not cultivating well, that I was not diligent, or that he was better than me. Instead, he put himself in my shoes and related how he had dealt with the matter in a similar situation. He mentioned that although he could not always accurately recognize his attachments, he would definitely strive to behave like a practitioner and act according to Master's requirements. During the experience sharing with him, I became more clearheaded. I realized and understood what I should do with my tribulation. This discussion corrected my wrong mindset almost automatically.

This week I met practitioner B again. He casually asked me how things were going with the situation I had told him about. I said that I had let go of the matter and felt lighter. I said it was as simple as following Master's requirements and being more considerate of others. He smiled happily when he heard this and encouraged me, saying the fact that I could let go had already manifested itself in my improvement.

After returning home, I recalled practitioner B's smiling face and could not get it out of my mind. I felt practitioner B's selflessness and sincerity deep down. I felt the words "fellow practitioner" are so pure; it is a title worth treasuring. It is really different from any relationship that everyday people have among themselves. I recognized the disparity between the cultivation levels of practitioner B and myself and saw my pride and smugness (I had once looked down upon practitioner B). I saw my own inability to be understanding and considerate of other practitioners who are lost in their tribulations and struggling to find direction.

March 17, 2007

Chinese version available at http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2007/3/18/151040.html

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