I am a 24-year-old man who once lost his way. I was lucky to learn about Falun Dafa when I was released from the reeducation center last May. I was awakened, convinced and determined to cultivate myself following the guidance of Falun Dafa. It has been over five months now and I have changed into a completely different person and found my way again.

I remember when I was being reeducated, despite the persuasions from many officers and the hard work that was imposed on me, my heart remained wild even though I agreed to listen to the government and be a changed person when released. I thought I would not do any illegal activities anymore, however, I would devote myself to making more money and compensating for my lost youth. My brain was full of ideas on how to make a fortune. My heart was in great pain after I read Master Li's books on Falun Dafa. I regretted all the bad things I did and all the bad karma that I have added to myself daily. I realized that I was a bad person going against the fundamental principles of the universe: Truthfulness, Benevolence and Forbearance. My family and government were trying to make me a better person, but I did not see the incentives and thought being a bad person would be more beneficial. Consequently, I never wanted to be good. Master Li reveals the reasons why one should be a good person by discussing the universal principles, human nature, moral standards and the existence and development of the human society. It made me realize what kind of a person one wants to become is a crucial issue of whether or not one can be saved and enlightened. I am determined to be a disciple of Master Li, start to be a good person, assimilate myself to "Truthfulness, Benevolence and Forbearance", the universal principles, and return to my true nature.

The difficulties in cultivation, however, are from many aspects. Similar to every other practitioner, the first conflict comes from his or her own family. I am a young man, but it is very difficult for me to find work since I was only a middle school graduate and the experience in reeducation center did not help either. Nobody in my family likes the fact that I only stay home and do not work. In addition, I read Master Li's book and also do the movements at home, which family members cannot understand nor accept. I was always scolded for no reason. I treated these as obstacles that I have to overcome and opportunities for me to improve my Xinxing. I set out to be a good son at home and be a good person in the society. No matter how bad other people treat me, I always look into my own heart to find my shortcomings, measure all things using the standards of Falun Dafa and act as it requires. After I started cultivation, I volunteered to do all the housework and cultivate my Xinxing through studying Falun Dafa. I gradually got rid of many bad habits that could not be abandoned during my reeducation. Nowadays my family is no longer irritated much by me anymore and is much more pleasant. Even though I still have many aspects that need to be improved, I have changed a great deal from inside and have become a real person. I am also more energetic.

There is one more story I would like to share. There was a big flood last year at my hometown in July. My family was remodeling our house. We bought some sand and placed it downstairs. After the flood, some people who lived nearby came over and planned to steal the sand. My dad tried to stop them but nobody listened. When I found out, I rushed down to reason with them before I gave any thought to the matter. Even though the whole thing did not escalate, I did say some bad things such as " I am a person not afraid of death" to scare them off. They all know my past and did not dare to proceed. I regretted a great deal after this incident, my competitiveness was revealed. I realized that I did not pass this test. Of course, I do not yell at nor hit people like before anymore. If it was the old me, I would have seriously beat them up if I was taken advantage of, not to mention they are stealing sand from my house. In the past, people who lived in our building were afraid and also hated me, often rolled their eyes and gave me dirty looks. When I was sent to the reeducation center, everybody smiled and felt relieved. When I came back, they all thought that the troublemaker was back and disasters were going to happen. Their opinions completely changed after I started cultivation in Falun Dafa. For instance, during the flood, I voluntarily made a boat and traveled 2 miles to obtain clean water for everybody to use with a few other young men. The sun was baking hot and the water was cold and dirty. The ground was burning hot and my feet grew blisters. I did not complain, I felt that I am a practitioner of Falun Dafa, this is something I ought to do. I also helped people from other buildings to move. I swam out to buy food and drinks for everybody. The actions are far better than words. Everybody complemented me and smiled.

Of course making people treat me nice was not my intention. Cultivation in Falun Dafa, however, has generated this positive effect. I would not have done so if not for Falun Dafa. Indeed I have changed. My morals have improved. I am more determined to cultivate. No matter what obstacles I will encounter in the future, I will use Falun Dafa as my mirror and teacher, discipline myself and upgrade my whole self. I will reach the criteria of a true Falun Dafa practitioner, and project my image as a good person and contribute to the society.

(Translated Mar. 22, 2000)