(Minghui.org) Time passes fast, and soon it will be the 30th anniversary of Master Li’s lecture in Houston. Whenever I recall those two days that Master gave his teachings in Houston, the memories of that sacred and precious opportunity are still so vivid. I am always full of gratitude toward Master.
October 12, 1996, is a special, unforgettable date. When Master gave that lecture, it was a peaceful, sunny day. The Fahui (Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference) was held at the Houston Culture Center. Falun Dafa practitioners from the US and other countries attended the conference.
Before the Fahui began, a proclamation from the Mayor of Houston was read out. When Master stepped onto the stage, everyone stood up and applauded warmly. An assistant to the Mayor of Houston presented two proclamations to Master Li. One was for being an “Honorary Citizen and Goodwill Ambassador,” and the other declared October 12, 1996, as “Li Hong Zhi Day.”
Practitioners listened attentively while Master lectured during the Fahui. My husband and I attended the conference, which was solemn and peaceful. I stayed focused while listening to Master’s lecture, and gained a deeper understanding of the Fa. My husband and I felt a strong energy during the conference.
After the lecture, Master answered questions from practitioners. When a practitioner asked a question very quietly, Master asked him to stand up and for a microphone to be passed to him. I was deeply moved to see Master’s care for practitioners. Later, this method of asking questions was changed to submitting them in writing.
We attended a small gathering at a hotel in the evening, and practitioners listened to another teaching from Master. Although it was hot in Houston at the time, the temperature at the venue was pleasant. A group photo was taken there of Master with practitioners.
Several dozen of us went to the Culture Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston the next morning. In the conference room, practitioners sat around Master while he answered questions that we practitioners faced in cultivation.
After the gathering, a group photo was taken of Master and practitioners outside the center, with Master smiling. Being with most revered Master filled practitioners with joy and happiness.
Master was always compassionate, approachable, and kind toward disciples during his visit to Houston, despite the tight schedule. While lecturing for hours during the Fahui, he did not drink any water or even touch the water bottle provided on stage. During the intermission, Master was surrounded by practitioners who respectfully asked for his signature on their Dafa books. Master fulfilled their requests.
Before Master arrived in Houston, the Beijing Falun Dafa Association shared a message from Master that everything for the trip should be kept simple. Master had no special requirements, and did not accept any invitations to dine in restaurants. Only a few practitioners accompanied him. A local practitioner commented, “Considering the high cost of flights, I sent a check to Master to cover the trip. But Master returned the check.” Master kept a low profile and did not want to burden local practitioners. Master’s words and actions set an example for disciples.
Few people were aware of Dafa in Houston before Master’s lecture there. We thought that if we invited Master to lecture in Houston, more people would come to learn about the practice by listening to Master’s teaching in person. Our wish came true! Practitioners who had already obtained the Fa were excited, and finally had the chance to meet Master and listen to his teachings.
Master cares deeply about his disciples’ cultivation. Shortly after the conference, Master conveyed a message to the Houston practitioners through the Beijing Falun Dafa Association, letting them know they could submit their cultivation insights and experiences to him.
After the event, practitioners started to hold group Fa study, do the exercises together in parks, and have regular Fahuis. They began introducing the practice to the local area in various ways, and they also played a big role in opposing the persecution in China later.
I have benefited a lot from practicing Dafa. I appreciate Master’s compassionate salvation!
(Selected submission from in celebration of 2026 World Falun Dafa Day on Minghui.org)