(Minghui.org) How time flies! It has been 19 years since I began practicing Falun Dafa. Looking back, I am fortunate to have become a Falun Dafa practitioner in this world where truths are hidden and morality is lost.
I cannot imagine what I would have become had I not become a practitioner of Falun Dafa.
When I was little, I loved listening to fairy tales because they spoke of deities and virtue. One day in 1998, when I had just turned 20, I saw an elderly lady demonstrating a meditation exercise to my colleagues. I was instantly drawn to the meditation. When I tried it, I was able to do the exercise for a long time. The lady commented that I was blessed by Buddha and had a good nature. I then borrowed a copy of Zhuan Falun from her to read at home.
I was deeply touched by the principles expounded in the book. I began practicing Falun Dafa without hesitation.
Many extraordinary things have happened these past 19 years through both ups and downs. I am thankful to Dafa for turning me from a very shy person with low self-esteem to a happy, cheerful, and open-minded person. I am able to maintain my kind and righteous thoughts when confronted by various temptations in life. As a result, I am well-respected, with a happy family and good health.
I was a good student and was the first among my peers to become a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) (I have since withdrawn). Because of my membership, I had witnessed the worst of the Party, whose officials are dishonest. I made up my mind to stay away from them, and I made a point not to marry anyone who was a government official.
However, living in the system, I had to work with CCP members every day. I am a legal worker. I have to deal with government departments on a daily basis. In order to get what they want, people give me expensive gifts or invite me to high-end restaurants, which I decline. It is a way of life in China. Money comes so easily if you are in a position of power or know the right people to get things done. Most government officials get rich because of the wealth they accumulate through unjust means.
Master Li taught us:
“There is a principle in this universe, which is called: No loss, no gain. To gain, you must lose. What is owed must be repaid. If it is not repaid in this lifetime, it will be done in the next lifetime. It is definitely this way.” (Lecture in Sydney)
I constantly reminded myself to follow the Falun Dafa’s principles, and not follow the crowd. I also persuaded my husband not to accept gifts. He was in a key position in a state-owned company. He was receptive and did not take gifts at work either.
Even though we lead ordinary lives, we feel very fulfilled.
In 1999, the Jiang Zemin regime started the persecution of Falun Dafa. As a result, morality in China has slipped downward even faster than before. Everywhere, business is conducted in spas, bars, public baths, dance halls, and restaurants—places where men and women are expected to be engaged in flirtatious or sexual behavior in order to cut business deals.
At work I constantly run into men who are flirtatious or try to make a pass at me. They could be government officials or businessmen. I always let them know that their behavior is not acceptable, even though they try to lure me with personal gains or coercion
When I first arrived in this city, my supervisor tried to make a pass at me. He threatened that if I did not comply, I would lose my job. I told him that I would not be unfaithful to my husband and that I would rather lose my job. I also let him know that I would survive in the city regardless of my job. I then walked out.
I believe that righteousness will prevail. After a period of time he apologized to me and offered me help if I had any difficulties. He also said that he admired me.
As such, I pay attention to my own speech and behavior. I act confidently when I interact with men and do not accept any gifts from them. I also let people know when their behavior is immoral. Many of my friends appreciate me for that.
For example, one of my male friends called me and requested that I lie to his wife on his behalf. He said that his wife trusted me, and that she would not worry if he was having dinner with someone like me. I refused to lie for him. He didn't resent me for that, however; on the contrary, he trusted me even more.
And I have refused to drink on many occasions. I’ve proved to many people that we do not need to drink to get things done or to make friends.
Master said:
“People in the future will know how precious It is. No matter how much money you give someone or how many good things you give someone, it isn’t as good as giving him the Fa.” (“Teaching the Fa in New York City” from Lectures in the United States).
I feel sad for people who are fighting for fame and gain. In the end, when illnesses hit them, they will be left with nothing. I wish people could read Zhuan Falun and know the purpose of life. I'd like to let my friends know that nothing can compare to knowing and cultivating Falun Dafa.
I spend a lot of time and effort talking to the people I know or ones I come across about Falun Dafa. I explain the benefits of following the Dafa principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. As a result, I don't have time to make a lot of money. But I am happy when they learn the truth and become hopeful about life. My friends often say to me, “It is so nice to be with you Falun Dafa practitioners.”
After all of these years of cultivation I have become a calm person; nothing can stir me emotionally. I don't fight with anybody for anything. I don't want anything that does not belong to me. Most importantly, I remember Master's teaching to think about other people first. For example, in China, people tend to have strong jealousy, but I wish that good things will happen to other people.
I don't cheat or lie, and always try to interact with people with an open heart. As a result, I have a happy family and many people trust me as their friend. People are always amazed at my energy
My life is fulfilled, knowing the real purpose of life, following the Dafa principles and using all opportunities to talk to people about the facts of Falun Dafa. Those who are struggling in life can find many answers and regain hope.
Thank you, Master and Dafa, for giving me such a happy and healthy life.