PureInsight | May 21, 2002
Generally, arguments occur when both parties consider themselves correct. The selfishness from insisting on one's own ideas also plays a large role in the conflict. But selfishness belongs to deviated beings, and every cultivator is willing to dig out his selfishness and throw it away in order to reach the standard of the Enlightened Beings. But I frequently have heard fellow practitioners talk like this: "I know it's not right to argue, but I just could not restrain myself at that moment."
Actually, Master's Fa contains answers for all questions. It's just that we do not study with our hearts or that we do not have total faith in what we have read. Master told us in Zhuan Falun, "Therefore, some people have developed the stubborn notion that only what one can see through the eyes is real and concrete. They do not believe what they cannot see (From "The Issue of the Celestial Eye" in Chapter Two of Zhuan Falun).' In the past while reading this sentence, I thought that this referred to atheists, and not to myself. I later realized that it clearly pointed to me, because while arguing with others, I did not believe that "matter and mind are one thing (From "Why Doesn't Your Gong Increase with Your Practice?" in Chapter One of Zhuan Falun)'. If I really believed this, I should have understood the principle that every single thought of mine is actually a physical substance. By sending forth a thought such as 'I would like to change others,' I actually have sent forth an attachment to others, because it is not in accordance with Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and the corresponding level will definitely restrict it. How can he accept it? In fact, in this circumstance he will argue with you even if in his heart he considers what you say correct, because that particular thought of yours must be eliminated. Of course, he does not understand this because Master takes care of all of it. So the issue of arguments relates to whether I really believe Master's words: 'Teacher will certainly have Law Bodies (Fashen) safeguarding them quietly. With perseverance, they will certainly achieve Righteous Attainment in the future (From "Seeking Discipleship with Teacher" in Essentials for Further Advancement).' If you believe in Master's words, you will know clearly that Master's Fashen is with every disciple and utilizes each opportunity for every disciple to upgrade himself. If you follow exactly what Master has taught and look inward unconditionally, you don't need to talk too much because your field becomes peaceful and this has an effect on other practitioner as well. This is because your thought to 'look inward' materially exists and can change one's field after being released.
In the past, I did not understand this principle. I thought, "He is obviously wrong and would remain deluded if I do not point it out. Why is he so confused?" In fact, it is not that he cannot understand, it is actually my attachment that blocks his aware side from displaying itself. What we then see are false images.
One fellow female practitioner kept complaining that her husband obtained the Fa but did not strive forward diligently. Instead of having a positive effect, her complaints made things worse. Later she had no choice but to think, "Let it be. I will cultivate even if no one else cultivates. Just regard him as an everyday person." To her surprise, her husband seemed to change from an everyday person to a cultivator after she let it go. Only at that moment did she realize that she shouldn't be attached to anything. Perhaps her husband wanted to strive forward but was obstructed by her attachment.
Arguments come from attachments and are a substance that can function contrary to one's wishes. Therefore, as a cultivator, you cannot have any attachment no matter what you are doing and regardless of how kind your intention is.
Let's keep Master's words in mind: "The entire cultivation process for a practitioner is one of constantly giving up human attachments (From "Genuinely Guiding People Toward High Levels" in Chapter One of Zhuan Falun).'
