(Clearwisdom.net)

Recently, I heard from a Falun Gong practitioner surnamed Song that her nephew easily eliminated his stubborn addiction to smoking after he began Falun Gong practice. Recalling the discussions on the issues of smoking and drinking in Zhuan Falun, with great interest I interviewed this young man, Song Xin, on December 29, 2006.

Song Xin had come from Mainland China to Canada to study, and initially had lived with a cousin in Toronto. He was addicted to smoking and alcohol. Toronto winters are cold; homes are well insulated, and the stale, annoying cigarette odor lingers for very long.

After several unsuccessful reminders to curb his smoking habit, his cousin told him to leave. Recalling this experience, the young student clearly felt quite ashamed.

"I had tried twice to give up smoking," he said, "but after several days I couldn't resist my urges and began smoking again."

"My aunt is a Falun Gong practitioner and had introduced me to the practice of Falun Gong." He continued, "I didn't start to practice straight away. Then, the year before last, I read the book Zhuan Falun and I was very interested; then I followed my aunt to practice Falun Gong."

After having practiced for a while, the young student suddenly felt ugly when he smoked. "Since then I gave up smoking." Song Xin said, "My aunt said practitioners should not drink alcohol, so I also gave up drinking, too."

This young immigrant is now studying economics at a Toronto university and works during school holidays to earn money. He says he practices the Falun Gong exercises daily and studies the Falun Gong books as well. He also got rid of his habit of sleeping late in the morning.

"I am now much more energetic, and my memory has also improved," he said. "I have benefited much from practicing Falun Gong and will continue to practice it."

January 1, 2007