(Minghui.org) I have been a practitioner for 14 years. However, during the 14-year-long persecution of Falun Dafa which the regime launched in 1999, I spent seven years in prison. Recalling those years, by maintaining my firm and constant belief in Master and Dafa and with righteous thoughts, I have held my faith and walking on the right path. I would like to share a few things which I experienced, and thank Master for His salvation and graciousness!
Breaking Through the “Not allowed to eat” Persecution
The prison guards forced practitioners to do endless, high-intensity labor. They set many rules to punish those who could not meet their overwhelming and unreasonable demands. The punishments included not being allowed to eat, brush their teeth, or sleep, and not being allowed to purchase necessities. In addition, practitioners were subjected to various physical abuses, such as being made to squat or stand for long periods of time with one’s body at a 90 degree angle, or being slapped on the face for up to two hours.
At one point, our team was not meeting the production requirements. The team leader announced that the whole team would not be allowed to eat. He claimed that we would be wasting ten minutes of work time if we ate. I thought, “Since practitioners have committed no crimes we should not accept this persecution.” I told the team leader that I wanted to eat. He said, “Those who worked are not being allowed to eat. You don’t even work. How could you ask to eat?” I told him, “Eating is my right and I don't care if you allow it or not, this is a human rights violation. I'm supposed to eat.” He sputtered and shouted, “Get out of my doorway, and don't come back! You can go and talk to the division head.” I said, “Yes, I will.” They became frightened. I went ahead and had dinner myself. Thus, I broke through the persecution of not being allowed to eat.
Breaking Through the Persecution of Being Forced to Study the Jail Regulations
One day, after 13 hours of forced labor, our team came back, and were told that we could not rest, but instead had to study the jail regulations. I thought that as a Dafa disciple I should only study the Fa, and surely not any prison regulations, so I lay down on the bed to rest. As soon as I lay down, the division head kicked the door open and shouted, “Everyone has to study the regulations!” I told him, “I refuse, because I committed no crime. I should not be treated as a criminal.” I silently begged Master for help, went back to the bed and lay down again. He thought a minute and said, “You can't buy anything this month.” Then he left. I thought, "My Master is in charge and you are not.” As a result, I was not stopped from purchasing necessities and my limit was raised an additional 100 yuan.
Maintaining Righteous Thoughts at All Times
While imprisoned for seven years, I was subjected to many inhuman tortures, but it's a record of my cultivation path and my firm belief in Master and Dafa. Whenever I encountered persecution or hardship, I asked Master to strengthen me. As the result, I survived with dignity and without harm. I broke through several ordeals such as being locked in a small cell, sent to a “strictly controlled” team, and being locked in a bathroom. I firmly believed that I came for Dafa and remembered that Master said,
"If anyone can harm you, he or she would be able to harm me. Put simply, that person would be able to harm this universe." (Zhuan Falun)
I have witnessed the magic power of Dafa.
I would like to say to our Master, "Dear Master, thank you for your greatest protection. As your disciple, I will cultivate in Dafa diligently, follow you to walk on the final path, and go home with Master! ”
