(Minghui.org) Recently, while reading the verses in Hong Yin VI written by Master Li, the founder of Falun Dafa, I noticed a line that read, “Modern thought is a cancer poisonous.” (“Blessings From On High”) This line made me question what modern thought actually is.
As I continued reading, I noticed that Master used the term “modern thought” many times. I sensed its importance, and I knew I needed to reflect on it.
Many people’s perspectives today are in sharp contrast to traditional Chinese culture. Some seek short term gains, don’t think about long-term goals, and are obsessed with material possessions. People act more out of selfishness and rely far too much on technology. Living in communist China, I observe that these shifts away from traditional values have been influenced by the prevailing communist ideology.
When I examined my own words and actions, I uncovered such manifestations. For example, sometimes when my child did not listen to me, I got upset and shouted, “What is the point of trying to raise you properly?” This highlighted my selfishness and hurt my child’s feelings.
Selfishness is obvious in both dining and dress codes. The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) suggests “moderation in diet,” yet many people today eat to excess. Similarly, Di Zi Gui (Standards for Being a Good Pupil and Child) teaches that “Clothing should be clean, not necessarily stylish,” but now people are vain and often dress to impress others.
Another area of concern is electronics. Just like many people, I carry a phone at all times and have come to rely on it for just about everything: shopping, watching the news, social media, videos, and even playing games. As I observe other people, I see them with their eyes glued to their cell phones. Alarmingly, we have allowed this to happen in the younger generation, and it is obvious that cell phones have had a negative impact on the development of their social skills.
These are areas I have identified, and I realize that I need to do better, both as a Falun Dafa practitioner and as a member of society.
Articles in which cultivators share their understandings typically reflect an individual's perception at a point in time based on their cultivation state, and they are offered in the spirit of enabling mutual elevation.
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Category: Cultivation Insights