(Minghui.org) I live in rural China, and am from a family who've been farmers for generations. My childhood memories are only those of farming. Harvest time was the most difficult because I had to work alongside the grown-ups from dawn to dusk.
Hardship in my childhood most likely contributed to my poor health, which required frequent medical attention.
During my freshman year in high school, I frequently had pain and swelling in my joints. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I became depressed, especially since I didn't pass the college entrance test, and my condition worsened. I had difficulty walking, was bedridden most of the time, and was finally hospitalized.
After being treated in a local hospital my condition didn't improve, so I was transferred to a large hospital in a nearby city. Again my condition worsened, and I couldn't do anything without help.
My doctor said that there was no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and the best I could do was to control its further development with medication. He also suggested that I exercise to prevent further damage to my joints.
Falun Dafa Enters My Life
When I was exercising in the hospital hallway, I noticed someone reading a book to a patient. I asked, “What are you reading? Can I read it, too?” The lady gave me a book, which I read after returning to my room.
The book contained experience sharing articles by Falun Dafa practitioners. As I read, I learned that a number of Falun Dafa books were available, including a book called Zhuan Falun. The lady was kind enough and gave me a copy of Zhuan Falun.
When I opened the book I saw the photo of Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa. Master looked very familiar and kind, and I was certain that I had met him before.
In the beginning I thought that Falun Dafa taught you how to be a good person, and why you should be a good person. I also felt that by reading the book, I would discover very profound principles. Yes, I did find answers to many of my questions.
Dafa Changes Me
I still vividly remember one occurrence. While lying in bed, I saw someone pouring water out of the window from a higher floor, and I wanted to swear at that person. Then I thought, “I cannot swear. It would be a bad deed.” At that moment I was glad that I had learned to be a good person. I also felt that I had elevated my moral standard.
Although it seemed to be a small change, I knew that Dafa that changed me. The change was not forced on me. Instead, it came from within my heart. From then on, I believed that the tremendous power of Dafa could change people.
After reading Zhuan Falun, I decided to check out of the hospital and return home. It was two days before the Chinese New Year.
Before I left, I asked that practitioner for a copy of the Guangzhou Fa Lecture cassettes and other Dafa materials.
I went home by taxi and picked up a hitchhiker along the way, something I had never done before. I understood that as a practitioner I should help others.
I was no longer moody. I became more understanding and considerate of others, and didn't lose my temper. I faced my problems with an upbeat attitude, and my family saw that I had changed.
I first read the book and listened to the audiotapes while lying down. I felt my health gradually improving. Then I suddenly realized that I didn't need any help to get out of bed and stand.
My illness was a great economic and mental burden on my family. They were happy when they saw what I gained from practicing Falun Dafa.
Despite the unprecedented persecution of Falun Dafa by the Chinese communist regime, my family remained very supportive of my practice, because they had seen firsthand the changes I underwent.
My Outlook on the World and Life Changed
As I gained more strength and could stand longer, I did the exercises more. When I took a break, I sat down and studied the Fa.
The more I studied, the more I felt the profoundness of Falun Dafa. I felt that everything in this world was part of the law of the universe, including astronomy, geography, history, anthropology, science, and the cosmos. I realized that the Fa truly encompasses everything. It was just as Master said,
“'The Buddha Fa' is an insight into all mysteries. It encompasses everything and leaves out nothing—from particles and molecules to the universe...” (Lunyu from Zhuan Falun)
My outlook on the world and my life changed. I realized that cultivation involved letting go of personal interests and fame, and uplifting one's xinxing, until achieving consummation.
Many of my human notions were eliminated without my noticing it. Gradually my physical problems subsided, and I could stand longer and longer.
It was just as Master said, “Once you upgrade your xinxing, your body will undergo a great change.” (Lecture One from Zhuan Falun)
Overcoming Difficulties to Return to Normal Life
The practitioner who gave me Zhuan Falun visited and taught me the exercises. With her help, I let go of my dependence on crutches and learned to walk again, just like an infant.
I could walk again! I still vividly remember the helpless look on the doctor's face at the time of my diagnosis. Yet, after practicing Falun Gong and conducting myself according to the principle of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, I no longer had rheumatoid arthritis. It was indeed a miracle.
Seeing my progress, my family members also were smiling again and no longer depressed. Dafa saved my family.
Encouraged by that practitioner, I joined the outdoor group practice. A lot of my fellow villagers saw me practicing Falun Dafa. My story became big news in my village and the surrounding area, and many others wanted to learn Falun Dafa.
Category: Health Benefits
