The Meaning of Life

Master said in “Lunyu”: “Throughout the ages, only ‘the Buddha Fa’ has been able to perfectly provide a clear exposition of humanity, every dimension of material existence, life, and the entire universe.” (Zhuan Falun)

Prior to cultivation, my understanding of the meaning of life was quite shallow. I have gained a whole new perception of the meaning of life since I started cultivation. However, my understandings and knowledge are still shallow. I’d like to share some insights on this subject.

Master said in Zhuan Falun: “All matter in the universe, including all substances that permeate the universe, are living beings with thinking minds, and all of them are forms of existence of the universe’s Fa at different levels. ” (“Why Doesn’t Your Gong Increase with Your Practice?” Lecture One)

In this universe, the forms of life’s existence are very abundant – so abundant that they go far beyond our imagination. Living beings exist on different levels, in different dimensions and interact with one another. If a being does a bad thing to another being, this being has to suffer and pay off debt. When a being creates karma, its level will drop.

We are interacting with numerous lives at any time. It’s only that we don’t sense it. “If your Tianmu has reached Fa eyesight level, you will see that even stones and walls will greet you and speak to you when you go out and open the door.” (Answering Questions in “Lecture in Zhengzhou”, unofficial translation)

When we are not in a good mood, nothing is smooth. Things that we have often used in the past do not function. Such things happen in the human world. When we are doing Dafa work, similar things occur too. Computers don’t work or printers do not print. One time a practitioner called me and told me that her computer often went wrong. I told her that computers might have lives too. After several minutes, she called me and told me that she spoke to the computer and the problem was solved.

Some beings are from low levels. They may be affected by our field. When our own field is not harmonic, the lives in our surroundings will be affected. Just like things we use. If we cherish them, their lives will be longer. If we don’t take care of them, they may go wrong very often. In my view, in cultivation, cherishing things is also a manifestation of compassion. For cultivation in Buddhism, breaking a bowl is a sin.

We should treat all with compassion, no matter if the life is a low-level or a high-level one.

As a high level being, the meaning of life is more profound. In the human world, the superficial form is that of the life of an ordinary person. Maybe the origin of the life is very high and this life may be composed of numerous other lives or lives in numerous dimensions. The existence of these lives has special meanings to the whole universe.

Most ordinary people do not know the meaning of life. They cannot sense the existence of other lives, other lives’ happiness and pain. Sometimes, they even do not care about others’ pain in their quest for their own happiness.

Master said in Zhuan Falun: “When a person is born, a profile of his whole life will exist in a specific dimension. In other words, where he is in his life and what he should do are all included in it. Who has arranged his life? It is obviously done by a higher life. For instance, in our ordinary human society, after birth one belongs to a certain family, a certain school, and upon growing up a certain workplace; various contacts in society are made through a person’s job. That is , the layout of the entire society has been planned this way. Yet if this life suddenly dies not according to the original, specific arrangement, or if things have been changed, the higher life will not forgive the meddler.” (“The Issue of Killing”, Lecture Seven)

I understand that every type of life has the meaning of its existence. It is an indispensable part of the universe, especially those high-level beings. Dafa has created living environments for lives on all levels. Cherishing every life is also cherishing our living environment. It is also being responsible for the universe and ourselves.

I think it is very hard to be compassionate towards all sentient beings if we don’t have a deep understanding of the meaning of life. Sometimes, we casually say that “this person is hopeless” when clarifying the truth, just like an ordinary person tossing away a broken thing. People on this earth have become so bad, “All gods offers salvation no more, awaiting the end of the kalpas. ” (“Quietly Observing”, Hongyin) Yet Master still saves us, endures the pain that we committed against numerous lives, washes clean our bodies full of karma. Even the gods do not understand Master’s arduous saving. Master said in “Eliminate Your Last Attachment(s)”: “You have already made it through the most difficult time. When it comes to your last attachment, you must be sure to let go of it. I know all of the suffering of my disciples. The truth is, I treasure you more than you treasure yourselves!” Some beings have felt hopeless and have given up themselves. However, Master didn’t abandon them.

If we can sense only our own sufferings, our own efforts, without sensing others’, we can only have sympathy and bitterness towards ourselves. We cannot have sympathy and wishes of offering salvation to other sentient beings. Amidst this big change in the universe, many lives are in danger, including lives from very high levels. As Fa-rectification disciples, we cannot not be uncaring about this, for we have to be responsible for the universe and lives in the universe, no matter whether now or in the future.

Throughout the eons of history of the universe, some lives have become very corrupt. Master is still resolving karmic relationships with benevolence for these lives. As for those distorted lives, Master has given them chances again and again. Minghui Editors said in “Regarding Eliminating Evil”: “Actually, eliminating evil is also being compassionate towards lives that have become corrupt to the point that they are no longer savable.” Master said in “Dafa Disciples' Righteous Thoughts are Powerful”: “Eliminating evil is thus doing Fa-rectification, and is also saving the world's people and sentient beings.”

Above is my shallow understanding that I share with you all.