(Minghui.org) Two years ago, I lost all my savings and the money I inherited from my mother in an investment. Almost at the same time, I lost my job and couldn't find another one. To make matters worse, my father, who is also a practitioner, was arrested and I needed money to hire a lawyer.
I was in despair and overwhelmed by the fear of being broke. I knew that I had to let go of the fear in order to pass this test, but it wasn't easy. The only thing I could do was study the Fa constantly until I could calm my mind and stop thinking about the situation I was in.
Gradually, I was able to do so. I felt happy and relaxed, despite the terrible situation. I had no worries for the future or fear for the current situation. It was the first time I had experienced such a wonderful feeling.
I later found that I had an attachment to financial gain and feared owning nothing. Since I was little I was taught to pinch pennies to save for rainy days. The deeply-rooted notion was that only having savings could give me a sense of security. I wondered whether it was possible for me to not fear and worry when I was penniless.
Master wrote,
“Since you are qualified, true cultivators who have met the standard, you cannot be threatened by loss of money or material interests; and those are things that a cultivator needs to let go of, anyway.” (from “Eliminate Your Last Attachment(s)” in Essentials for Further Advancement II)
It was very hard to completely let go of the attachment to money. In the following years I was financially strained several times. However, I was able to let go of the attachment each time after increased Fa study. Each time I learned to let go of my attachment, the situation changed for the better.
Master says in Zhuan Falun,
“When you are overcoming a real hardship or tribulation, you try it. When it is difficult to endure, try to endure it. When it looks impossible and is said to be impossible, give it a try and see if it is possible. If you can actually do it, you will indeed find: 'After passing the shady willow trees, there will be bright flowers and another village ahead!'”
A practitioner once told me that she led a very frugal life so she could save the little money she made for Dafa projects. I didn't think much of it at the time because I had not experienced any harsh financial situation before. Now I highly respect that practitioner. She was in the realm of not worrying for herself or fearing for her future in a grim situation. She was selfless and thought about nothing but saving people.
Recently I spent all the money I saved up from the past six months on making truth-clarification materials. Of course, I hesitated while making the decision, wondering whether I would be needing it later. However, once I did spend the money, Master removed the notion I had and allowed me to be carefree. The feeling of being selfless was sacred and wonderful – I felt as if I could open up my heart to anything.
Master said,
“I have said that our school of practice directly targets one’s mind. It does not make you actually lose anything in terms of material benefits. Instead, you are to temper your xinxing amidst the material benefits of everyday people. What is truly upgraded is your xinxing. If you can give up the attachment, you are able to abandon everything; when you are asked to give up material benefits, you will certainly be able to do it. If you cannot let the attachment go, you will not be able to discard anything. Therefore, the real purpose of cultivation is to cultivate your heart. ” (Zhuan Falun)
Having nothing isn't scary, but having too many attachments is. As practitioners, we should not be moved by material interest, as Dafa requires us to be free of fear and worry.