(Minghui.org) I was born in the 1960s in China’s countryside. Indoctrinated with communist ideology, I was a firm believer of atheism and thought that I could achieve everything on my own.
When I was promoted to a senior position at a young age, I was very proud of myself, and my belief in atheism and personal ability and achievement was strengthened.
My father-in-law once asked me, “Do you believe in destiny?”
“I don't,” I said. “If there is destiny, what would you say about a person's hard work? Don't successful people achieve their success through hard work?”
“Don't speak too soon. You will believe it as you get older. No matter what, I believe it to be very true and precise.”
My father-in-law had studied the Book of Changes. Out of respect, I didn't argue further with him. I was 36 at that time.
Life went on smoothly for me. I continued to work hard and enjoyed my achievement and social status.
Then four years ago, one after another, setbacks began to hit me. However, no matter how serious things were, my setbacks mysteriously resolved themselves one by one, like a play following the prearranged script.
After I started to practice Falun Gong in 2015, I finally understood everything and had a new appreciation of destiny.
It started when I was playing basketball with my friends in 2014. I suddenly lost precision in passing the ball. I went to the hospital for a physical checkup. The doctor found that I had a minor stroke. I recovered in the hospital within a week and returned home.
Many of my friends commented that I was fortunate to find the problem and receive treatment in time, that I didn't suffer any aftereffects.
Despite surviving the stroke, I became confused. I had been very healthy until then. My blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels had been normal; only my homocysterine level was a bit high. How could I have suffered a stroke? The doctor warned me that I risked a recurrence and should be careful with my diet.
A year later during a physical exam my doctor found that I had liver cancer. This was a heavy blow. Looking at the CT scan, I had sweat all over my body and my mind went empty. My instincts told me that my life was coming to an end. I was in despair.
My wife, a Falun Gong practitioner, suggested, “Why don't you learn how to practice Falun Gong. My Master can save you.”
“Shut up! You always said that I would benefit from your practicing, but where are my blessings?” I lost control and let my rage and anger fall on her.
I underwent surgery to remove the tumor. The doctor asked me to come back to the hospital every two months for routine physical check-ups.
Upon returning home, my life was no longer the same. I lost hope. I didn't want to talk to anyone. Loneliness and fear filled my heart.
While I was at the lowest point in my life, several Falun Gong practitioners who knew my wife came to visit me. They told me many stories of people recovering from cancer or other fatal diseases after practicing Falun Gong.
These miraculous stories inspired me and rekindled my hope. With no other choice, I decided to try it. I learned Falun Gong from my wife, but I had no idea that my path would be changed forever.
While doing the Falun Gong exercises, I felt tremendous energy; my body was extensively purified. Falun Gong books impressed me with a profound wisdom that explained the mystery of life and the universe. After finishing reading Zhuan Falun, the main text of Falun Gong, I took on a new look at my life and myself. My firm belief in atheism was greatly shaken.
Three months later, joy and laughter returned to my family. I became a different person. I quit many bad habits such as drinking and gambling; I became more sincere, gentle and tolerant. My life was completely renewed.
Looking back at all the life and death events that happened in my life in the past two years, I suddenly realized: “Wasn't this the destiny my father-in-law talked about?”
Master said:
“As a practitioner, your course of life can be altered. Only through cultivation practice can your life be altered.” (Zhuan Falun)
“Your life initially did not include cultivation practice, but now you want to practice cultivation. Accordingly, your future life must be rearranged, and so it is permitted to adjust your body for you.” (Zhuan Falun)
I once questioned my wife where were my blessings from her practicing Falun Gong. Now I realized: Wasn't I being blessed all the time?