(Minghui.org) Both my wife and I are Falun Gong practitioners. I used to smoke two packs of cigarettes and drink 400 ml of liquor every day. I had a respiratory problem. I coughed all the time, and when it was severe, I couldn't breathe or sleep at night.

When Falun Gong was spread to my hometown, I watched the video lectures of Master Li, founder of the mind-body practice based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I remembered that on the first day I had a pack of cigarettes in my pocket, but I had not thought of smoking during those few hours of watching the video lectures. From then on, I had no desire to smoke or drink and quit them easily.

I also strove to live by Falun Gong's principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and improve my character. I was gradually able to let go of my attachments to fame and material interests.

A few years ago, my company went through a round of downsizing, where each office was required to cut one position. As the job market was not very good, people were fighting fiercely to keep their positions. But it didn't bother me. Falun Gong taught me to follow the course of nature.

Eventually my company decided to draw straws to decide who were the unfortunate ones. A coworker in my unit drew it and collapsed on the spot. I said to my manager, “Let him have my position. You can just lay me off.”

All managers and employees were surprised: Falun Gong practitioners have such a high moral level! My managers decided, “We should definitely keep someone like this!” They instead put me in charge of procurement for the cafeteria.

That position was a popular one, as the person in charge can receive a lot of kickbacks from suppliers, as bribery is a common practice in China. But I didn't take anything for myself. That again helped many people gain a better understanding of Falun Gong practitioners.