(Minghui.org) I began practicing Falun Dafa at the end of 2008 because I wanted to heal my illnesses. I was only in my 30s, but had suffered with psoriasis for at least ten years, with no improvement despite trying different treatments. I smoked, drank, and stayed up late almost every night. Because of my unhealthy lifestyle and work stress, I developed severe rhinitis and cervical spondylosis. I even thought about ending my life. At my mother’s suggestion, I decided to practice Falun Dafa with her.

Since my enlightenment quality was poor, I continued smoking even though I read the Fa and did the exercises. Compassionate Master Li still purified my body. Within a few months, all of my illnesses disappeared. My skin became smooth and rosy, with a healthy glow. It was just as Master said,

“After a period of cultivation, our Falun Dafa students look quite different in appearance. Their skin becomes delicate and fair with rosy cheeks.” (Lecture One, Zhuan Falun)

My friends told me, “You look great.” One said, “No matter what the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) says, just by looking at you it’s obvious Falun Dafa is good.”

In 2013, I was arrested and sent to a detention center because I practiced Dafa. At first, I was placed in a “transition cell.” The environment there was extremely oppressive and evil. My mind was blank and foggy, and I couldn’t recall a single sentence of Master’s teachings. In the evening, we were forced to watch the CCP’s official news broadcast. The only thing I could remember was the verses for sending forth righteous thoughts. So I silently recited them until the broadcast ended. Gradually, Master’s teachings came back to me, my righteous thoughts strengthened, and my fear diminished. Looking back, I realize that without Master’s protection, and with my limited foundation as a new practitioner, I wouldn’t have been able to tolerate the situation.

The first thing that happens in the morning is folding the quilts. Two people were responsible for neatly stacking everyone’s quilts. Most people avoided this task because they felt it was demeaning. I also didn’t want to do it. Then I thought, as a Falun Dafa practitioner who lives by Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, I cannot let my behavior reflect poorly on Dafa. So I volunteered to do the job. Someone said, “You fold so neatly. They’re all in a straight line.” When I finished, the guard rewarded me by letting me wash first, then the others in my cell were allowed to wash themselves. Dozens of detainees used a single bucket of water. The water was filthy by the end, so everyone wanted to wash early. The person behind me said, “We’re benefiting from your good fortune.” I knew this was Master encouraging me so that I could clarify the truth about Falun Dafa and the persecution.

I shared the facts about Falun Dafa with my cellmates. One day in the exercise yard, I recited one of Master’s poems for an inmate:

“Being a Human

One who is for fame resents till death,One who is for gain disavows family;One who is for sentiment brings vexation on himself,Bitterly fighting each other, making karma over a lifetime.Not seeking fame, enjoying leisure, feeling content,Not stressing gain, a benevolent righteous person;Not moved by sentiment, clear-hearted with few desires,With benevolence, cultivating oneself, accruing virtue over a lifetime.”(Hong Yin)

Another inmate who was listening said, “That’s beautifully written.” I told him, “This was written by Falun Dafa’s Master.” I helped him withdraw from the CCP organizations. Another man once loudly cursed me in front of everyone. I didn’t know how to respond, so I stayed calm and didn’t feel resentful. As he went on, he finally said, “Actually, Falun Dafa isn’t so bad.” Someone who initially refused to quit the CCP Youth League changed his mind after observing this and agreed to withdraw. I knew Master had saved another life.

One incident left an especially deep impression on me. A man in another cell who quit the CCP became ill and went to see the detention center doctor. The inmates said that no matter how serious the condition, you should never go to the detention center doctor because you won’t receive any real treatment. When the inmate returned, he said the doctor randomly jabbed a needle into his hip, causing intense pain. A long-time inmate told him he was lucky. Previously, there was a female doctor who jabbed the inmates with needles and treated patients worse than animals.

A few days later, a lump the size of a palm appeared on his hip. In desperation, he came to me and asked, “Do you know what to do?” He said he was scared to go back to the clinic. I told him, “Just sincerely recite, “Falun Dafa is good, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.” If you believe the words, Master will help you.” He immediately began pacing the cell while silently repeating the phrases.

Two days later, he told me the wound felt itchy. I said, “That’s good. When a wound itches, it means it’s healing.” Two days after that, he told me that the injection site had opened, pus burst out while he was showering, and the swelling went down. I said, “Master is saving you.” He repeatedly thanked Master.

The head guard told me, “With your case, you’ll soon be sentenced.” I thought to myself, “You don’t decide my fate.” Sure enough, after 37 days in detention, before dinner, a guard called my name and told me to pack up. I was a little confused at first, but the whole cell cheered, “You’re going home!” Everyone was happy for me.

I’ve practiced Falun Dafa for nearly 18 years, and I know I still fall short in many ways; I’m far from a true cultivator’s standard. Especially when it comes to clarifying the truth and saving people, I did not compare with more diligent practitioners. I still have attachments that hold me back. However, I am determined to be stricter with myself, to study and improve together with fellow practitioners, and to fulfill my vow.