When Nothing Works We Should Rely on Our Conscience

(Minghui.org) It was very cold in China recently. In Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia, the temperature fell to -40 C (-40 F). Added to the economic recession and high unemployment rate, it made people’s lives even more difficult.

But in this cold environment, a spark of decency has returned, offering hope and human warmth.

Before this recent cold wave, some people were already spending the night in fast food restaurants and other places. Those who stay in 24-hour McDonalds are called McRefugees. This includes some young people who have been laid off from their jobs or have family issues.

On social media, some items are labeled “free.” Most of those items are used, so the owners, who could not sell them for a reasonable price, decided to help those in need. On Goofish (xianyu), the largest second-hand goods trade platform, there were about 40% more free items in 2025 than there were in 2024.

In major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou as well as some areas in Sichuan Province, some small family-owned restaurants display a sign that says, “Come in for a Free Meal.” Although some of these businesses are struggling themselves, their owners know many people are experiencing financial hardship.

Pursuing a Calm Mind

This kindness has nothing to do with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In fact, the government-operated Red Cross has done little to help people. The CCP claims it is building “a community with a common destiny.” But after they’ve repeatedly been deceived, people know that, while the Party shares its problems with ordinary citizens, it does not share material possessions or the truth.

After they’ve been repeatedly misled and had their dreams shattered, many people have realized that pursuing wealth is not that important. Instead, they’ve begun pondering the meaning of life.

One example are posts on the social media Weibo which show the keywords: “getting rich quick,” “annual salary,” and “financial freedom” have dropped by 40%. In contrast, the frequency of “mental exhaustion,” “mutual support,” “minimalist lifestyle,” and “stability” have increased by about 60%.

A group of “spiritual influencers” appeared on social media in 2025. Instead of teaching people how to make money, they discuss how to cope with life, disappointment, and failure. By posting stories of how people have helped each during famines, wars, and other difficult times, they offer advice on how to maintain a balanced mind.

A book about Wang Yangming sold 1.2 million copies in 2025, which was quite unusual given the current, sluggish market for books in China. Wang was a government official, military general, and philosopher in the Ming Dynasty. People say they hope to gain wisdom from his example.

The Importance of Conscience

I’m not surprised by this recent social trend. Throughout history, after experiencing ups and downs in their lives, many people turn to spirituality—such as Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, and others.

I recommend Falun Dafa, which improves one’s body and mind by doing five simple exercises and following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Many people benefited from it after it was introduced in 1992. Falun Dafa’s tenets are consistent with China’s traditional culture, and practitioners say it helps them achieve inner peace, a pure mind, and more.

A recent article on Minghui.org shared a touching story. A family that owns a hotel in Hebei Province treats every guest well. When their guests want to prepare their own food, the owner provides them with a stove, cookware, and seasonings. Some guests have said they feel like they’re home when they stay there. A man from Anhui Province only had 20 yuan so the other hotels refused to accommodate him. The owner of this hotel only charged him 10 yuan and he stayed for several days. Because the man had no money to buy food, the owner fed him.

In another article on Minghui, a woman said Falun Dafa gave her good health and she did not need to spend a penny on medical expenses. She worked for a state-owned bank and turned down many opportunities to earn “gray income” from business loans. She even gave back an apartment her employer offered her because she said other coworkers needed it.

In an article celebrating World Falun Dafa Day that Minghui received in 2022, a practitioner was to be given a new apartment from her school. But the principal was having a difficult time since there were not enough apartments for those who were eligible. The practitioner offered her apartment to her coworkers, explaining that Falun Dafa’s founder, Master Li, taught her to be considerate of others. The principal was very moved by her selflessness.

Better Citizens Despite Challenges

When he realized the number of Falun Dafa practitioners exceeded CCP members, former CCP leader Jiang Zemin started to suppress the group in July 1999. But practitioners continued to adhere to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance to become better citizens.

The author of one article on Minghui, wrote about her coworker, Amy, who initially did not know the facts about Falun Dafa. After she understood the true situation, she wrote in a letter to school officials:

“When I first met her [the author], I was scared and checked with officials several times. I later felt fortunate for the opportunity to meet her. She does not fight for anything, really. She just wants to be a good person. I now understand why so many intellectuals, including college professors, would not give up practicing Falun Dafa even when they’re jailed. It is because the teachings in Zhuan Falun are part of their character. That is why she is excellent. She treats students and others so well, and her child is so outstanding.”

Because the police sometimes harassed the author at work, Amy did not understand at first: “I used to think she [the author] was a spy. But a spy puts material interest above all else, while she is always considerate of others. When buying tofu, she bought the one that was almost sour, thinking otherwise it could not be sold; when harmed, she stayed calm and was able to look within. She’s helped everyone except herself—I think only saints can do things like this. That is why I am always moved by her.”

Such positive behavior has a ripple effect on society. One of the articles that celebrated the 2025 World Falun Dafa Day was “A Village Once in Turmoil Completely Changed.” This mountain village in northeast China was notorious. The farmers stole produce from others, and their crops in turn were stolen. Street vendors had to hire people to guard against theft. Even the nearby villages were affected by the rampant crime, and people called this village a “Den of thieves.”

“This village was a headache in the past. People fought and stole a lot—no one could do anything about it,” explained one village officer. “Everything changed after Falun Dafa was introduced here. When we collected fees, practitioners always paid first; when we looked for volunteers, practitioners were the first to respond; when it was time to share benefits among villagers, practitioners came last and just walked away if nothing was left. They are great.” Over time, this village became one of the most civilized places in the area.

These are just a few examples. Over the past more than 20 years, Minghui has collected numerous stories that document Falun Dafa practitioners’ experiences. Like the warmth in early spring, their kindness and selflessness can melt the cold in peoples’ hearts, awaken their consciences, and help them look forward to a prosperous spring filled with hope.

Related Articles in Chinese:

https://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2026/1/18/504885.htmlhttps://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2000/5/11/4241.html