How Can a Woman in Her 80's “Subvert State Power”?

(Minghui.org) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a totalitarian regime and uses all kinds of excuses to suppress people, including labeling them as “subverting state power.” Here is an example of how this often happens to Falun Gong practitioners.

In an article received by Minghui.org, the author said she had met Mei, a Falun Gong practitioner in her 80's, at a detention center. One day, Mei’s son, about 50 or 60 years old, came to the detention center to rescue his mother.

“My mother is over 80 and she can hardly read,” the man held the arrest warrant and asked the police. “It’s funny that you accuse her of ‘subverting state power.’”

The officers also knew this was absurd, but one of them answered seriously. “Your mother is not an ordinary person,” she replied. “From her place, we found lots of DVDs with Falun Gong information, along with a computer and printer. She is very capable.”

“Are you sure she did all this? Even I do not use computers much,” the man argued.

“We did not believe it either,” the officer continued. “But when we asked where those materials came from, she said she made them herself. She even showed us how to burn the DVDs.”

The son knew his mother showed it to the police to avoid turning in other practitioners, but he continued. “This shows that Falun Gong is good – many women in their 80s have problems walking and my mother is so healthy because of practicing Falun Gong. She can even make DVDs!”

“You are right. My mother is over 80 and she has to lie in bed. Falun Gong is indeed pretty awesome,” replied one officer. Everyone in the room found this amusing and laughed.

Still, Mei was later sentenced to prison. However, the officer did know that Falun Gong was good and asked some practitioners to teach him the practice. When Mei was in prison, some guards contacted practitioners in private, asking if Falun Gong could help their family members who were ill.

Why Make and Distribute Materials?

One may wonder why practitioners spend their money and risk their lives to make and distribute Falun Gong materials. A practitioner named Xu explained her experience.

Before beginning to practice Falun Gong, Xu had many illnesses in her 50s, including neurosis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, stomachache, eye problems, and gynecological issues. All these made her upset almost all the time.

“I guess you feel pain everywhere except for your hair,” her husband once asked.

“Not really,” Xu replied. “When my hair is pulled, the hair roots also hurt – just like the rest of my body.”

In 1996, Xu began to practice Falun Gong at a friend’s recommendation. With all her health problems gone, she became more open-minded and happier by following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Her family is supportive and she is also very thankful since Falun Gong gave her a second life.

But the CCP nonetheless started to persecute Falun Gong in July 1999 and it continues to this day. To prevent people from being poisoned by the defamatory propaganda, Xu not only practices regularly, but also finds time to prepare materials and distribute them.

Now 81, Xu does the Falun Gong exercises and studies the teachings every day. She does not need help from others and takes care of herself. In fact, she often cleans her face and feet with cold water. Her children are very impressed with her fine skin, without using skin care products.

Like Mei mentioned above, Xu also prints and provides materials to other practitioners. Despite her elderly age, she often goes out putting up banners and posters to debunk hate propaganda from the CCP. She does not feel tired and enjoys it. “I am happy that people can learn the facts about the practice and hope they can benefit from Falun Gong as well,” she explained.

Where Is Our Society Going?

In many cultures, especially in ancient China, the elderly are well respected. However, under the totalitarian persecution based on their faith, these elderly practitioners are not spared. Of the 55 sentencing cases reported in September 2023, 35 of the practitioners were 60 or older at the time of their convictions, including 17 in their 60's, 14 in their 70's, and four in their 80's.

The date of October 23, 2023 (September 9 according to the Chinese lunar calendar) was the Double Ninth Festival, a tradition of respecting the elderly. We hope more people can know the facts about Falun Gong and break away from the lies of the CCP. This way, elderly practitioners like Mei could enjoy a peaceful life and practice their belief freely.

Had the CCP not persecuted Falun Gong, more people would have improved their physical health and mind nature because of Falun Gong. By suppressing the practice with brutality and going against the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance with lies, the CCP is undermining the future of our society.