(Minghui.org) When former Chinese Communist Party head Jiang Zemin launched his attack on Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) in July 1999, he vowed to eradicate the practice in three months.
Today, 14 years have passed and Falun Gong stands strong.
Outside of China, the practice has spread to more than 100 countries and regions, and received more than 3,000 proclamations and supportive resolutions. Jiang Zemin and his accomplices, on the other hand, have been sued one after another in various countries.
Inside China, Falun Gong practitioners’ non-violent resistance to the persecution, and their unwavering efforts to clarify the facts to the general public has won them deep respect, and garnered wide support from their fellow citizens. In particular, this past year has seen more and more Chinese—police included—stand up for practitioners. (For more information, see Resistance to the Persecution Reaches a Tipping Point – a Look Back at 2013 ).
Many people wonder what kind of system Falun Gong is. What is it about Falun Gong that gives its practitioners the strength to face such ruthless persecution with courage and grace? How are the practitioners able to stay positive and upbeat amid the endless arrests, detentions, and tortures? How are they able to hold no grudges against their tormentors?
The answer lies in the practice of Falun Gong itself. And it's no wonder that the past 14 years have seen one newcomer after another enter the door of Falun Gong cultivation practice.
Below we use Chongqing City (one of four directly controlled municipalities) as an example to show how the persecution has not only failed to eradicate Falun Gong, but also helped to draw more people to the practice.
Among the cases presented here, many people have been moved by the perseverance and compassion of practitioners, and some have become practitioners themselves. Many terminally ill patients have also seen their symptoms disappear after taking up the practice.
Government Worker Becomes a Practitioner While Monitoring Them
When two female practitioners were sent to a brainwashing center in March 2001, their local township government was ordered to dispatch monitors to watch them around the clock. The government then arranged for several female employees to take turns monitoring the practitioners at the brainwashing center.
During her interactions with the two practitioners, one government worker was surprised to see that they were nothing like what was depicted on TV. They were kind, calm, and considerate of others. Though they faced constant pressure to renounce their beliefs, they never wavered in their faith. Both had been tortured at labor camps, yet always remained upbeat.
This worker began developing great admiration for these practitioners, and was eager to find more about the practice. What made them so strong?
Whenever there was a chance, she begged the two practitioners to recite Dafa books for her, and she even transcribed some books herself. Before she knew it, she was able to memorize more than 40 articles written by Falun Gong's teacher, Mr. Li Hongzhi.
The more she read, the more she wanted to learn. One night after the guard on duty left, she began to learn the exercises from the practitioners, in the early morning hours.
This is how she went from monitoring practitioners to practicing Falun Dafa.
Woman Begins Practicing After Seeing the Extraordinariness of Her Cousin
One practitioner moved her Dafa books to her cousin’s home for safekeeping, before going to Beijing to appeal for the right to practice Falun Gong. She was then illegally arrested and sentenced to four years in prison.
When she was finally released, her husband divorced her. Having nowhere to go, she again turned to her cousin for help. The local police continued to harass her at her cousin’s home, but she kept her head held high.
Her cousin couldn’t help but wonder what made her this way. Even though she was once jailed and tortured, she never lost hope. She even worked tirelessly telling everyone the truth about the persecution. She was divorced and lost her house, yet she stayed positive.
What kind of belief system gave her such strength?
Her cousin decided to pick up the book Zhuan Falun again. She had browsed through it once in 1998, but not very carefully.
This time she was hooked, and she read it over and over again. The more she read, the more answers she found. She felt lucky to finally become a practitioner.
No longer bothered by conflicts with her husband, she enjoyed a harmonious and happy family life. Her illnesses disappeared within just a few months. When people commented on how young she looked, she replied proudly, “It’s because I practice Falun Gong.”
Slanderous TV Program Prompts Chongqing Resident to Practice Falun Gong
One resident in Chongqing City recounts how she became interested in Falun Gong:
“When I turned on the TV one night in late 1999, there was footage of Falun Gong books being burned. My heart was in pain seeing such beautiful books destroyed, and I had a strong desire right at that moment to practice Falun Gong myself.
“It took me more than a year to obtain a copy of Zhuan Falun , and I couldn’t treasure the book enough. I always made sure to clean my hands before I touched it, and I sat with my legs crossed on top of each other while reading. I studied the book so often that I eventually memorized it.
“One of my sisters had all kinds of health problems, so I suggested that she give Falun Gong a try. Having witnessed the positive changes in me, she immediately agreed. In no time, her illnesses disappeared without a trace.
“My oldest daughter also saw her own stubborn ailments disappear after reading Zhuan Falun just once.”
Drug Addict Finally Kicks His Habit
A middle-aged man started using drugs when he was 19 years old. At one time, though he was nearly six feet tall, he weighed only 100 pounds. For over ten years he was held captive by his drug addiction. He wanted to quit, but just couldn't bring himself to do it. He suffered physically and mentally, and on top of that, he had to go from one place to another to avoid arrest.
When jailed for drug-related offenses in 2002, he got to know a lecturer from Xinan Normal University, and learned about Falun Gong from him.
He began reading Zhuan Falun , and learned the exercises from a neighbor after he was released. His health improved gradually, and he also gained some weight.
Every time he felt the urge to use drugs, he read Dafa books, and asked Teacher Li to help strengthen his willpower.
He eventually kicked the addiction without any medical help. Stunned by his recovery, his parents also began practicing Falun Gong.
Blind Woman Regains Her Eyesight
While dropping off her son at school one day in February 2005, Zhao Fengxia, a resident from Shaoyun Town of Tongliag County, suddenly felt dizzy and lost her vision.
Ms. Zhao’s mother rushed her to the Daping Hospital at the Third Military Medical University.
A team of doctors ran a series of tests on Ms. Zhao, yet failed to pinpoint the problem. After seeing no improvement for two weeks, she could only cry.
At the height of Ms. Zhao's despair, a ward mate's sister advised her to recite “Falun Dafa is good,” and “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.”
This lady told Ms. Zhao that she was once bedridden for ten years, and nothing seemed to help. She was emaciated and losing all her hair. However, after she began practicing Falun Gong, not only did she fully recover, but she also regrew a full head of hair. Already in her sixties, her face now had a healthy glow.
Ms. Zhao’s mother practiced Falun Gong as well, but she had been hiding it from others since the persecution began. Now inspired, she was confident that only Falun Gong could save her daughter.
Ms. Zhao's mother found a copy of Zhuan Falun to read to her daughter, but she suggested that her daughter read the book by herself.
A nurse overheard the conversation and asked sarcastically, “She can’t see anything. And you want her to read?”
Ms. Zhao wasn’t deterred and began to read by herself. Suddenly she saw a beam of light flashing from the book into her eyes. At first the words appeared blurry, but they soon became clearer and clearer. She knew she was regaining her eyesight.
The miracle befuddled the doctors. Ms. Zhao then checked out of the hospital and embarked on her journey of practicing Falun Gong.
Late-Stage Nasopharynx Cancer Patient Quickly Recovers
By the time a young man was diagnosed with nasopharynx cancer, it had already spread throughout his entire body. Cancerous lesions covered his back, arms, and legs, and his mouth and nose had become deformed. He had trouble seeing and lost almost all of his hair.
Seeing no hope in life, he decided to spend the rest of his life in a temple. However, the first temple he visited refused to accept him. The senior monk there suggested he seek out a certain Taoist.
When he approached that Taoist, the Taoist said, “I can’t take you as my disciple. Neither can I save your life. Only Falun Gong's Master can save you. Go look for Falun Gong.”
The young man already knew of the practice. “My parents practice Falun Gong,” he said.
After he returned to his hometown, his parents began to play Teachers Li’s audio lectures for him every day. The more he listened, the more he enjoyed the teachings. He was gradually able to read Falun Gong's books by himself.
In just two weeks his cancerous lesions disappeared, and he regrew his hair. His neighbors marveled at his quick recovery. “Falun Gong is truly miraculous!” they said.
He had completely recovered after 33 days.
Peasant Women See Their Illnesses Vanish
Ms. Tan Junshu began experiencing back pain and fatigue in the spring of 2004. When doctors found blisters on one of her kidneys, they had no safe way to remove them. However, if the blisters kept growing, Ms. Tan would soon die.
Just as hope had left her, her younger sister came to visit and suggested that she practice Falun Gong. Ms. Tan was skeptical, but agreed to give it a try.
She felt better after reading Zhuan Falun , so she made up her mind to continue the practice. In a few months her symptoms disappeared and she became the picture of health.
Another woman from the same village, who was only 28 years old, had suffered from coronary heart disease for years. She always felt cold, and had to wear a hat and sweater, even in the summer.
After she began practicing Falun Gong in March 2004, she saw marked improvements in her health. Within two months she was able to work in the fields. Her neighbors commented that she was even stronger than a man.
She said, “Falun Gong brought me back from the brink of death. Teacher Li gave me a second life.”
Elderly Chef Cured of Diabetes Without Medication
A chef’s older sister had often urged him to practice Falun Gong with her, but he was skeptical.
His sister returned home in July 2007, and asked him to introduce her to some town folks so she could clarify the facts to them.
He took her on a five-day trip to different places to meet various people. They were in a hurry to leave, and he forgot to take his diabetes medicine.
When they returned home, he rushed to the hospital to have a checkup. To his shock, all the test results returned normal. He couldn’t understand why everything was fine after not taking his medication for five days.
His sister said that Falun Gong was the reason behind his improved health. So he began reading Zhuan Falun , and threw away his reading glasses after finishing the book twice.
He now makes a point of reading the book as much as possible.
Lung Cancer Patient Recovers
A 66-year-old man who suffered from severe arthritis, also had a hunched back with a severe curvature.
As if that was not enough, he developed more serious problems in July 2000. He could not eat or move, vomited frequently, and had diarrhea.
After diagnosing him with late stage lung cancer, the doctors removed two-thirds of his lungs.
One of his cousins came to visit, and told him about how breaking free from the Chinese Communist Party could bring him good fortune. Without any hesitation, he quit the Party and began reciting, “Falun Dafa is good,” and “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good,” over and over again. His body began feeling light and he was overcome with joy.
Upon returning home, he made sure to read Zhuan Falun every day. Several years passed and the lung cancer was nowhere to be found. Though he still has a slight hunch in his back, he is now stronger than ever. His family, totally convinced of Dafa’s power, have all quit the Party as well.
Man Recovers from Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer
When one man had a relapse of Hepatitis B, his whole body turned a yellowish color. However, the hospital refused to treat him since he had late-stage liver cancer.
Having no other options, this man heeded his brother-in-law’s advice and began to read Dafa books. In less than 50 days, he totally recovered, and subsequent test results revealed a normal, healthy body.
Obtaining a Second Life
Mr. Hu suddenly had trouble urinating on July 30, 2007, and he felt very uncomfortable.
After spending more than 1,500 yuan at two hospitals, he was diagnosed with heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, an artery tumor, and pulmonary tuberculosis. His family did not tell him all the details, but he nonetheless clearly knew he was dying.
The local hospital referred him to a larger hospital for surgery, but he had to pay 200,000 yuan to be admitted. Moreover, he was told that the chance of a successful surgery was very low.
Mr. Hu's three sons decided to sell the family home to pay the medical expenses, but he shot the idea down. He said he’d rather wait for his death at home, especially if there was little chance for him to survive the surgery.
His wife, a practitioner, urged him to give Falun Gong a try.
Upon returning home, he wrote solemn statements, nullifying all the bad things he had said in the past against Falun Gong.
Within just one week of practice, he experienced miracles. The follow-up tests showed that his symptoms had disappeared. His family and friends were all convinced of Dafa’s miraculous power.
Only Three Months to Live and Then Shocking the Doctors
After a 45-year-old man felt sharp pain in his liver on May 8, 2007, his wife took him to the local hospital for a checkup. The doctors diagnosed him with cirrhosis and performed surgery eight days later.
The pain continued, so he went back to the hospital on May 24. This time he was told that there was a tumor on the right side of his lung. A second surgery followed. All together, the two surgeries cost his family more than 100,000 yuan.
In the three years that followed, the man grew weaker and weaker. He was eventually diagnosed with liver cancer on February 6, 2010, but the doctors sent him home saying he only had three more months to live.
While waiting for his death at home, he received a visit from a Falun Gong practitioner. With the practitioner’s help, he began reading Falun Gong books.
When he went in for a follow-up examination one month later, his doctors were stunned to discover that all his symptoms had vanished. They couldn’t believe the test results, “All your cancerous cells are gone!” they exclaimed. “The tumor on your lung has also disappeared! It’s just too incredible!”
Broken Ankles Heal Overnight
Zhou Biji broke her ankle one day in 2005. She checked into the hospital, and the doctors placed a steel pin in her ankle to help it heal.
When the doctors removed the pin a few months later, her foot was still very swollen and painful, and she had trouble putting on her shoes. To reduce the pain she tried many things, but nothing really worked.
One day on her way back home from a massage session, she ran into a friend. This friend promised that she’d soon recover if she remembered to recite “Falun Dafa is good,” and “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.”
She began reciting the verses right away. That night she slept very well without being disturbed at all by the ankle pain.
The next morning she felt something different in her foot. When she looked down, she noticed that the swelling was gone. She then took a few steps and no longer felt any sharp pain. She was elated and told her husband Yin Zhihai.
The couple, both retired workers in Tongliang County, was eager to learn more about Falun Gong. They talked to Ms. Zhou’s friend and soon began practicing Falun Gong.
Shinning Golden Light Guides a Young Couple to Dafa
When one practitioner visited her niece, the young woman’s Qigong master called to ask, “Who are the guests you are hosting in your house now? I can see golden light shining everywhere!”
Upon learning of her aunt’s Falun Gong practice, the niece and her husband both became practitioners.
Heeding God’s Advice, Woman Awaits a Special Person
While walking on the street, one practitioner noticed a woman in her fifties sitting by the roadside. He stopped to tell this woman the facts about Falun Gong.
She told him that she was waiting for someone special to bring her good fortune. When asked who she was waiting for, she acknowledged that she had no idea. She said that a voice from heaven had told her to wait there.
Realizing that she was a person with a predestined relationship with Dafa, he took more time to explain what Falun Gong was all about. She happily took the book Zhuan Falun and soon became a practitioner.
