We have to learn to be independent because who is going to accompany us at the moment of death? There was no one with us when we were born, so of course, there will also be no one else with us when we die. Therefore, we have to learn right now to be independent. The more independent we are, the more worthy we feel, and then we will not be defeated or shaken. At that time we will know who we are, and know our own abilities and what we can accomplish.

After we are put to the test, drilled and polished, we will have experienced everything. After that we will not be easily cheated or oppressed. Also, our hearts will not be easily swayed. Therefore, every situation is meant for us to learn, and the more we learn, the better we become. This is the reason I do not want to spoil you.

I can feel that you are progressing, becoming more and more confident, more independent, and gaining more of a sense of responsibility. You are becoming responsible for yourself and are able to take care of yourself. When we are not being spoiled, we feel great! Perhaps when we newly arrive at the center, we have a sense of strangeness, feeling that no one is taking care of us. The fellow practitioners all seem very cold. No one greets us. We have to set up our own tents, and fill our own bowls with rice. (Master and audience laugh.) Nevertheless, after we endure it for a while, we feel, "Yeah! It's great! I can bear it, and it's nothing." At that time we know we can take care of ourselves. What we were unable to do before, now we can do; whatever situation we were unable to endure before, now we can. Before we would care about this little 'I,' but now we care no more.

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