(Minghui.org) On the occasion of World Falun Dafa Day and the 31st anniversary of its introduction to the world, practitioners in Kaohsiung expressed their gratitude to Falun Dafa’s founder, Master Li Hongzhi, for changing their lives for the better. Some shared stories about how they benefited, physically and mentally, after practicing Falun Dafa.

Practitioners in Southern Taiwan gathered to celebrate in Pingtung Millennium Park. They took a group photo and wished Master Li happy birthday.

Company Director: Finding the Path Back Home

Wu Shumei thanks Master for saving her life.

Wu Shumei, director for a customs brokerage company in Kaohsiung, started practicing Falun Dafa more than 20 years ago. She says the practice completely changed her outlook on life and revitalized her health.

Her mother passed away 30 years ago, when she was just a young girl. Her sudden death left Wu Shumei extremely depressed and ill. She began searching for the true meaning of life, seeking a refuge from the world. “An ex-high school classmate told me about Falun Dafa and invited me to visit a Fa study site in Pingtung.”

“As soon as I entered the room, I felt enveloped by warmth and energy. When I saw Master Li’s portrait and a plaque with the words 'Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,' I felt an inexplicable sense of joy, as though I had finally found my home.” After reading the teachings and practicing the fifth exercise, Shumei decided, “I want to practice Falun Dafa.”

Severe Insomnia Gone After Attending a Nine-Day Workshop

After returning to Kaohsiung, Shumei joined an online nine-day Falun Dafa workshop. On the workshop’s last day, Shumei asked for the location and starting time for a nearby practice site, only to find they did the exercises at 4 o’clock each morning. “I thought I would not be able to attend, because of my chronic insomnia. My hyperactive mind refused to calm down at night, plaguing me with vivid dreams that affected my quality of sleep.”

Unexpectedly, she slept soundly that night and managed to arrive at the practice site on time the following morning. “My quality of sleep improved from November 11, 2001, and my severe insomnia vanished. Now I’m energetic throughout the day.”

Over the past 10 years, Shumei has attended the nine-day workshop held every month. “Adhering to the Falun Dafa teachings has brought happiness and hope to my daily life. When I encounter negative situations or have conflicts with others, I immediately think of the teachings, hold myself to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and try to meet the criteria of a true practitioner.”

Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis Cured

Shumei used to suffer from severe rheumatoid arthritis. From the age of seventeen, her joints would ache a week in advance whenever the weather turned windy or rainy. “I practiced yoga in an attempt to cure my condition but had limited success. After practicing Falun Dafa, my rheumatoid arthritis flared up for a week. Although my entire body was sore, I did not seek medical treatment or take my steroid medication. I endured the pain, did the exercises and read the Fa every day. After a week, the pain vanished, and I was fine. My symptoms have not recurred for over 20 years.

“Practicing Falun Dafa cured my grief and depression, and gave me a new lease on life. I am determined to continue practicing and improving myself. Thank you, Master Li, for your compassionate salvation.”

Engineer: Fortunate Encounter with Dafa Benefited His Whole Family

Engineer Xu Tianlin and his wife have practiced Falun Dafa for more than ten years. The couple wish Master Li good health and Happy World Falun Dafa Day!

Xu Tianlin is an employee at Taiwan’s largest steel company. In 2006, he saw a post introducing Falun Dafa on the company’s electronic bulletin board and felt the practice was worth looking into. After work, he visited a bookstore and purchased a copy of Falun Dafa’s main book, Zhuan Falun. After reading the book, he decided to practice Falun Dafa. Each day after work, he and several colleagues practiced the exercises on the company’s premises.

Xu Tianlin said that practicing Falun Dafa benefited his body and mind. His stamina increased and colleagues began commenting on his rosy complexion and black hair.

Xu Tianlin practices the exercises for half an hour to an hour each morning before heading to work. “Practicing the exercises before work boosts my stamina and ability to stay focused throughout the day, especially when making critical decisions or solving difficult problems. The practice helps me think clearly. Conversely, missing my morning practice sessions reduces my reaction speed and stamina.”

At first, his wife did not approve of him practicing Falun Dafa. The couple had just welcomed their second child, and his wife found herself overwhelmed. “I spend my days while you are at work caring for our children. It is exhausting, so can you take over after you finish work?” As Dafa practitioners are taught to place others before themselves and strive to be a good people, Xu Tianlin adjusted his schedule and started practicing at an exercise site near his home each morning. This allowed him to return home immediately after work and take care of household matters.

Impressed with the changes she saw in her husband, Xu Tianlin’s wife started reading Zhuan Falun and eventually began practicing. Now, Xu Tianlin’s entire family practices Falun Dafa, and living harmoniously guided by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

“This annual World Falun Dafa Day, I wish Master Li good health, and hope more people can learn about Falun Dafa, take up cultivation and gain physical, mental and spiritual health.”

Young Practitioner: Walking on Falun Dafa’s Cultivation Path

Xu Jingxin is dressed as a heavenly fairy. On the occasion of World Falun Dafa Day, she wishes Master Li a Happy Birthday.

High school student Xu Jingxin often observed her parents doing the Falun Dafa when she was young. Before she was able to read, her mother read Zhuan Falun to her. This built a solid foundation for her eventual practice when she was older. By the time she was in sixth grade, she always had a copy of Zhuan Falun with her, and read the book whenever she had spare time.

“After I entered high school, I became busy with schoolwork, so I slacked off in cultivation. In my second year of high school, I suddenly fell ill with fever and sore throat. Sent to recuperate at home, I was struck with a sudden yearning to listen to Master Li’s lectures. I spent the day listening to an audio recording of Master Li’s Guangzhou lectures. I alternated between sleeping and being awake. I practiced the fifth set of exercises, although my throat and legs hurt badly. After gritting my teeth and persisting to the end, my fever vanished, and my body was back to normal. From then on, I made up my mind to practice diligently.

“In our third year of high school, every student faces pressure to obtain a good grade and secure a university placement. This strains the body, and many students took sick leave. Studying the Fa and practicing the exercises keeps me fit year-round, allowing me to maintain a full attendance record this year. Cultivating allows me to maintain a peaceful state of mind. Whether at home or at school, I always think of others first, stepping in to help without considering my gains and losses. When I’m faced with conflicts, I try to take a step back and consider the problem. Each time I do, the outcome is always good.

“I am grateful to Master Li for giving me the opportunity to practice Falun Dafa. In this confusing world, I know the road to take to return to my true self.”

About Falun Dafa Day

World Falun Dafa Day was first designated on May 13, 2000, to celebrate the Falun Dafa spiritual discipline and its positive impact on the health and spirit of millions around the world. The occasion also highlights practitioners' efforts to uphold their freedom of belief in the face of brutal persecution by the Chinese communist regime. May 13 marks both the anniversary of Falun Dafa's public introduction and the birthday of its founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi.