(Minghui.org) With the New Year fast approaching, Falun Dafa practitioners gathered at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley in Orange County, California on the morning on December 17, 2023 to wish their founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, a Happy New Year. 

They pressed their palms together and exclaimed in unison, “Happy New Year, Master,” “Thank You, Master,” “Falun Dafa Is Good,” “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance Is Good.” 

Practitioners gathered at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley in Orange County, California on the morning on December 17, 2023 to wish Mr. Li Hongzhi a Happy New Year. 

The morning sky was bright and sunny as practitioners demonstrated the five sets of Falun Dafa exercises to the tranquil music. Some practitioners distributed information and told passersby about Falun Dafa, the principles, and the health benefits of the practice. 

Practitioners did the Falun Dafa exercises 

Nedjma came to the park with her parents for a walk. She was drawn to the serene and soothing atmosphere as practitioners did the exercises and said, “The music is relaxing and nice.” 

Several practitioners shared their experiences and expressed their gratitude to Master. 

Practicing Falun Dafa Makes Me a Better Person

Jeniffer Garcia

Before she began practicing Falun Dafa, Jeniffer Garcia felt something was missing in her life but she doubted there was a real faith anywhere. She said that people live in a time filled with uncertainty and most people feel stressed out or have lost their faith. She believes that Falun Dafa brings people real hope. “Practicing Falun Dafa makes me a better person. When I live by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, things really change at home, work, and society,” she said, “Falun Dafa gives me a lot of energy to face the stress and challenges in life.” 

Garcia said that she once had a conflict with a coworker. When she examined herself and tried to find what prevented her from working smoothly with her coworker, she realized she misjudged her. After she eliminated her negative thoughts, the friction between them disappeared. “Master taught us to always keep a kind and compassionate heart. If we treat one another sincerely, we will work together happily and get the work done.” 

Introducing Falun Dafa to People

Kien Pham

Kien Pham works in a restaurant and has to stand and walk for hours every day, especially during the holidays. His work left him with chronic pain in his heels and he had a hard time walking. “After I learned the Falun Dafa exercises, my heels stopped hurting. I used to have a crooked spine, but like a miracle it straightened by itself.” 

Kien Pham said that his parents began to practice Falun Dafa after seeing his physical changes. His practice did not just rid him of illnesses, “My temperament became milder and I was no longer anxious. Now I know how to be considerate of others,” he said. 

“I want more people to benefit from Falun Dafa like I do,” he said. Every day he introduces Falun Dafa to his customers. He tells them Falun Dafa has been embraced by people in over 100 countries and areas, and over 100 million people have benefited physically and mentally from the practice. He also tells his customers about the ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa in China, and that it should be stopped immediately. 

Kien Pham has never seen Master Li in person but he’d like to express his gratitude, “I thank Master and wish Him a Happy New Year.” 

Most Important Thing in Life 

Eike Oyang 

Eike Oyang recounted how his family began practicing Falun Dafa. “My mother, who was in Germany at the time, saw the propaganda news from China which defamed Falun Dafa. She did not like it, and sought Falun Dafa books to read. She decided to start practicing, and two years later my father joined her.” 

His father was severely injured and the doctor said that he’d have difficulties for the rest of his life. Two weeks later the doctor discharged his father, saying that he recovered. “I saw a miracle happen to my father,” said Oyang. 

“When I was 17 years old I had to decide what to do with my life, and what I really wanted, work or family,” he said. “It felt like someone struck me on the back, and I realized that practicing Falun Dafa was the most important.” 

Having a clear life goal gave Oyang a lot of motivation to move forward. Even though there have been challenges and conflicts, he is glad he has Falun Dafa to guide him. “Following Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance improves my morality. The Falun Dafa teachings remind me to look for my own shortcomings and improve myself, and become a better person.” He thanked Master and said, “Cultivation allows me to become more peaceful and healthy.”