(Minghui.org) I am in my 70s and began to practice Falun Dafa in 1996. Before Falun Dafa, I suffered from many diseases and looked for cures throughout China. I tried many different Chinese medicines, which were ineffective. My health became even worse, and a doctor suggested I try qigong. I learned many qigong practices, which also did not help me.

My retired neighbor gave me two tickets in November of 1995 to attend a nine-day qigong video lecture series. I was reluctant to keep trying qigong since none of the practices I had tried had given me any relief.

My neighbor saw that I was hesitant and explained: “This is a practice from the Buddha School, called 'Falun Dafa' and it has been effective in curing diseases. Those who practice Falun Dafa improve their character and learn to be good people. Attend the class and see if it is something you want to try.”

Her intention was good, I had nothing to lose, so I agreed to go to the lecture. After I watched the video on the first day, I felt that Master Li, the founder and teacher of Falun Dafa, was kind. Master Li said that what he taught was not a common qigong, but was a way to guide people to higher realms.

After the nine lectures, I felt that Falun Dafa really was different; it is a true cultivation way. My mother could not read, so she wanted me to read Zhuan Falun, the main book of Falun Dafa, to her. I learned the five exercises and taught her, but I was not yet steadfast.

After a few months, I realized that I should take up Falun Dafa. I found a group practice location near my home in June 1996, and became diligent.

Our Group Practice Site Was Pure

Our group practice site was located in an urban government building. We had a diverse group of about 30. In our group were government officials and former officials, teachers, manual workers, and some unemployed people. Every morning we performed the five exercises at 3:50 a.m. We read a lecture of Zhuan Falun in the evening. I always felt good when I was able to attend. We encouraged one another to share cultivation experiences and to look within whenever we encountered tribulations. We all did well and improved as a group.

Whenever a practitioner had trouble, everyone helped. When new books and videos arrived, the practitioners who worked in government always bought extras to give to practitioners who had financial difficulties. Everyone was thinking about how to help others. The mindsets in a normal company, such as fighting for benefits and positions, or deceiving others, were never present in our group. We only focused on cultivation, and we did not discuss what was popular in society. We all had good relationships with one another, which fostered a close and supportive environment.

I had worked in government departments since the 1970's, and knew how interpersonally complex the work environments in China can be. However, at our group practice site, the atmosphere was pure and peaceful.

I Would Not Be This Way if it Not for Falun Dafa

Every evening we had Fa study for about two hours. We read one lecture of Zhuan Falun, we each took turns reading a paragraph. Some practitioners decided to start memorizing Zhuan Falun. Through our Fa study, we enlightened to the true meaning of life, what diseases really were and how to avoid them. We improved quickly.

A practitioner was promoted to be a group leader in her organization. A car and a driver were assigned for her daily commute. The distance between her home and work was not much, so she decided to walk to work instead.

Her organization was also building apartments for employees, and the leaders had the first choice. She selected and paid for a luxury unit. Just after she moved in, she heard that a retired group leader very much liked her unit. She thought that the retiree had greatly contributed to the organization for many years, and she had only worked there for a few years. Therefore, she moved out and let the retired leader purchase the unit.

One person told her, “That was stupid. You are a leader now – why did you give up the apartment?”

“I am a Falun Dafa practitioner,” she replied. “Our teacher asks us to always think of others first.”

That person replied, “The standards for practitioners are high. I admire you all!”

She said, “It is our Teacher you should admire. I would not be this way if I did not practice Falun Dafa.”

Physical and Mental Health Improves

Several of our practitioners in the group had practiced other qigong practices, but did not get over their illnesses. After practicing Falun Dafa, their diseases vanished without any relapses. A 64-year-old lady was cured of lupus and her bad temper. She is now always pleasant and smiles often.

Another woman in her 30s was unable to conceive a child. After practicing Falun Dafa, she got pregnant and had a healthy baby boy. She rides the bus with her son and tells many people her story.

The persecution against Falun Dafa had already begun, and some people were afraid to talk to her. She said to them, “Don't be scared. Even a policeman in my neighborhood told me, 'There is nothing wrong with cultivating Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Sooner or later, the persecution of Falun Dafa will be overturned. Jiang Zemin the former Chinese leader only knows to bully good people. He does not allow people to practice or appeal for Falun Dafa. Therefore, practitioners spread the truth by any means they can.'”

After hearing this, the people in the bus were no longer afraid.

This Site Is Not An Ordinary Site

Many had many amazing occurrences at our group practice site. I chose this one to share.

A practitioner worked in the police system. His brother delivered Falun Dafa materials to our group practice site one day. He told us about a red light shining in the corridor of the building where we practiced. He said, “It's true! When I arrived here, I saw what Master described:”

…above the exercise site is a shield on which there is a big Falun. A large fashen guards the site above the shield. This site is not an ordinary site, and neither is it a site for an ordinary qigong practice: It is a site for cultivation practice. Many of our practitioners with supernormal abilities have seen that this Falun Dafa site is shielded with red light, and it is red all over. (Zhuan Falun)

The persecution against Falun Dafa started on July 20, 1999. Our group practice site had to close. Soon after, some people in our group gave up the practice. Others have persisted. We had many other amazing experiences during the three years the site was open. It really was a pure site and a peaceful group. Thank you Master, and thank you fellow practitioners!