PureInsight | February 2, 2004
[PureInsight.org] "The Race Between the Tortoise and the Hare" is a fable that is well known to many people of all ages. Because it illustrates a clear and pure principle, it has survived the ages and is still used today in educating children. Many adults remember the story from their childhood and pass it on to their own children to illuminate their hearts.
Personally, I feel this story has great relevance to practitioners as well. Having no fears, attachments, or unrealistic expectations based on comparison with others, the tortoise does not look down on himself, does not limit himself, and does not bother about gain and loss. He tries his best and obeys his conscience. Finally he reaches the end point.
We are small, but we live in the very rare period of Fa-rectification cultivation. How lucky we are! The process of Fa-rectification is moving forward rapidly. We are in a race with the god of Time. We should do our best.
Master is compassionate to sentient beings and always gives us opportunities. Before the Fa-rectification comes to an end, all sentient beings still have a chance. The key point is that we should act now. We should make good use of all time and space, manage to keep up with the Fa-rectification process, and explore the endless possibilities of the future.
Process and Result
Results are, of course, important. However, in comparison, a solid process is more significant. The most profound Dao is immaterial. A genuine practitioner will not attach to surface appearances or false illusions. When one's Buddha-nature comes out, as Master Li tells us in "The Second Talk" of Zhuan Falun, "...it shines like gold, and it shakes the Ten-Directional World." Master looks at our hearts. He judges if our thoughts and actions are righteous and if we really can "give up" all attachments.
Obtaining Without Pursuing
We should be strict with ourselves and take every step seriously. We must try our best and do three things actively – study the Fa, clarify the truth and send forth righteous thoughts. While maintaining a solid foundation, we should aspire to learn from other practitioners in terms of studying the Fa and cultivating, upgrading ourselves vigorously, and removing selfishness.
Giving Up Human Sentimentality
The warped notions of human beings are nurtured by humans' evil nature and by their being immersed in the big dye vat of society. Even kind-hearted, everyday people pay attention to the old Chinese teaching of "One needs to look inward three times a day." We are practitioners, so we must discipline ourselves more vigorously and constantly look inward. We need to get rid of our demon nature and upgrade our xinxing (heart and mind nature) so we can return to our true self – the Buddha's nature.
As we walk our path back to our true self, we need to stay determined, strong, and focused. As the fable teaches, steadiness and persistence win the race. We should solidify our righteous belief and present a good image of Dafa practitioners during the Fa-rectification period, so light of true self radiates from our enlightened nature. This is the process of cultivation.
Translated from: http://www.zhengjian.org/zj/articles/2003/11/25/24658.html
