(Minghui.org) I began practicing Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) in September 2015, at the age of 63. I have benefited both physically and mentally since taking up the practice, and have been continuously improving in my cultivation.
I believe from the bottom of my heart that Falun Dafa is good and that its principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are also good.
Plagued By Illnesses
I grew up in a small village in Shandong Province, China in a well-to-do family. My parents treated me like a princess and provided me with the best food and clothing money could buy.
Despite an abundance of material wealth in my life I still felt a profound emptiness in my heart.
I had heard stories of how my mother and I almost died while she was giving birth to me, and that I was no larger than a kitten when I was born. When I was five years old I was still very small, which was due to several medical issues.
I was plagued with many illnesses over the course of my life, including an immunodeficiency disorder and Raynaud's disease.
I was diagnosed with tachycardia (an abnormally fast heart rate) in my adult life, and had arthritis in my neck, lower back, and knees.
Over time my knees became deformed, making it difficult to walk. I fell down numerous times, fracturing both my legs and ankles.
I underwent surgery for a hernia, deviated nasal septum, and renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries to the kidneys). In addition, I had my uterus and ovaries removed.
When I was pregnant I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and placenta previa (where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix). I had complications giving birth and required an emergency Cesarean section.
My baby and I barely made it through the ordeal. I was confined to a hospital ward for several months, and was later diagnosed with heart disorders.
I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013, and had part of my left lung removed. I was later diagnosed with heart arrhythmias, which often required emergency treatment. I also needed a CPAP machine to aid my breathing while sleeping.
My lung surgery left me with misaligned ribs, causing me constant pain. I could not sleep well, nor could I open doors or lift things. I had no choice but to retire from my job.
A medical doctor that I knew told me that I would never be healthy. Thus, knowing the expense of the medical fees, I decided to cancel all of my appointments.
I spent a lot of time in parks and gyms hoping to improve my health. I even took up Tai Chi. I was in pain every day and wondered when it would all end. Finally, after 20 years of suffering, I encountered Dafa.
Discovering Falun Dafa
Although I had come across many qigong schools I never took up their practices, as I felt that they were not righteous ways.
I was at a local park in July 2015, getting ready to start my morning Tai Chi exercises. As I was searching online for a few religious songs to play on my phone, I came across the Falun Dafa exercise video.
When I saw the name “Falun Dafa” I recalled hearing these words from a woman in my church who had recently immigrated from China. She slandered the practice and Master Li Hongzhi (the founder of Falun Dafa), but I didn't take much notice. However, my interest now suddenly piqued.
When I got home, I immediately searched for “Falun Dafa” online. I spent an entire month reading both positive and negative materials about the practice.
I found some of the negative comments hard to believe, so I decided to download the main book of Falun Dafa Zhuan Falun and read it myself.
I was impressed by the teachings of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and thought, “Isn't this what I've been looking for?”
I was profoundly drawn to Falun Dafa’s teachings and how it transforms people both physically and spiritually.
Since I never had faith in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), I stopped following any news from China after I emigrated to the United States.
I regretted not learning about the practice while I was still in China, but I thought that although I obtained the Fa at such an old age, I'm very fortunate to still have the opportunity to practice.
Letting Go of Other Practices
I knew that I couldn't truly start cultivating in Falun Dafa until I let go of the other things that I was practicing, such as Christianity and Tai Chi.
Since Zhuan Falun had answered so many of life's questions and helped me learn the true purpose of human existence, I decided to strictly cultivate in Dafa. I felt very happy making this decision.
Many Chinese Christians in my church tried to stop me, and some of my close friends ostracized me, but my faith in Falun Dafa never wavered. My strong determination to only practice Dafa even inspired others in my church to take up the practice too.
Beginning to Practice Falun Dafa
I learned the five sets of exercises by following Master Li's exercise videos online.
Two or three days later, I felt my ribs realign themselves. That was the first night that I can remember sleeping without pain!
Ten days later, I vomited five times after eating dinner, followed by a severe case of diarrhea. My tonsils became swollen and I had a fever.
My family was very worried and wanted to take me to the hospital. I politely declined, knowing that Master Li was cleansing my body and eliminating my sickness karma. My mind was clear and my body felt very light.
It wasn't long before all my illnesses had disappeared. For the first time in my life I experienced the feeling of having a body that is light and free of illness.
Since I started practicing Falun Dafa I haven't spent a single cent on visiting the doctor or on medication. I am strong enough to do quite strenuous work, something that would have been unthinkable in the past.
I finally got in contact with other practitioners. I met them over a weekend to study Master Li's lectures. They were able to correct my exercise movements, and helped me to download the exercise music. I am very grateful for their help!
Coming for Falun Dafa
My parents died of cancer when I was in my 40s. Given my poor health, I didn't expect to live much beyond that.
When I underwent surgery for lung cancer in 2013, I had already let go of my fear of death. I even asked God, “Why did you let me live? What do you have planned for me?”
At the lowest point in my life, I found Falun Dafa. Only then did I understand that my reason for living was to find and practice Falun Dafa. Only by following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and letting go of my human attachments can I return to my true home!
