(Clearwisdom.net) Selfishness and selflessness are two totally different realms. They are different: one is characteristic of the old cosmos, and the other is characteristic of the new cosmos. During Fa-rectification, Master is using Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, the profound and fundamental principles of the universe, to rectify the old cosmos characteristic of selfishness into that of the new cosmos: selflessness. Countless beings are thus being saved, and layers upon layers of cosmic bodies are becoming eternal. As Dafa disciples, the countless cosmic bodies we represent are huge components of the new cosmos. Then, isn't the transformation of our cultivation basis a factor that determines the transformation of our own cosmic bodies, as well as affecting the transition process of the whole cosmos from the old to the new?
If after many years of cultivation, a Dafa disciple still considers as the basis of cultivation escaping the reincarnation cycle and self consummation--a selfish basis, much difficulty would be encountered. One would not be diligent and would encounter troubles or tribulations. This is because the old forces have always been testing Dafa disciples by creating tribulations as a means to "help" Master forge Dafa disciples. The reason the old forces are able to create such barriers to isolate Dafa disciples is because we still hold onto so many selfish notions--sometimes even protecting ourselves at the price of destroying fellow practitioners. This is extremely selfish and it is also the biggest excuse that the old forces and dark minions use to persecute or even kill us.
Because of selfishness, one has no courage to look within; because of selfishness, one dares not face his own shortcomings. Without letting go of the fundamental selfishness, even if one does Dafa work, he does it because of fear--fear of not being able to reach consummation.
In other words, by wandering between gain and loss, he is trying to maximally protect his own interest, thus unable to reach the status of sacredness and failing to reach a good result in saving sentient beings.
On the other hand, if one is able to cultivate on the basis of selflessness, it will be a different scenario.
Speaking of attachments, fear makes one do wrong things and it may even make one turn against Dafa, thus imposing a fatal test of whether a human being can become a god. Complaints and hatred are a result of jealousy that leads to evil thoughts towards people and unkind attitude to fellow practitioners. Jealousy makes one's cultivation weak and thus a cultivator may not be able to reach consummation. If one can stand on the basis of selflessness, it will be easier for one to let go of fear and jealousy. This is because one is safeguarding the principles of the new cosmos. Selflessness is a characteristic of the new cosmos, thus it will not be difficult to do things when abiding by these principles.
In fact, all bad thoughts are rooted in selfishness--something that Dafa disciples should have enough courage to get rid of, since selfishness is not part of us. Everything of a Dafa disciple comes from the Fa. If we are always considerate of others first, the old forces will not have the excuse to persecute us or create barriers among us. When we all reach that standard, we will form one body with no gaps. The righteous forces in the cosmos will become stronger, more sentient beings will be saved, and Master's Fa-rectification will progress more quickly. The more selfishness we let go of, the more selflessness we will have. By being considerate and responsible for sentient beings, we will experience the joy of selflessness. Only by being selfless can we truly understand the profound meaning of the boundless compassion of Dafa and Master.
