(Minghui.org) I am an educator. Living in China, which is ruled by the Communist Party, I had been thoroughly brainwashed by communist propaganda. I never believed in higher beings and I disliked all belief systems. I made judgments based on my own views.
When the persecution of Falun Gong was launched in 1999, I was brainwashed again, this time against colleagues who were Falun Gong practitioners. I was afraid of them and treated them badly.
Thinking for myself
As time went by, however, I discovered they were not anything like the propaganda wanted me to believe. Some were sick before they practiced, but afterwards appeared to be very healthy and energetic. Some were selfish and became very generous and kind. No matter how people mistreated them, they treated others well. They worked very hard and were respected by students and parents alike.
That made me reflect on why the persecution was happening. I wanted to know what Falun Gong was all about. I talked with practitioners and they told me how wonderful Falun Gong is, how it was being attacked, and the real reasons for the persecution.
I compared what practitioners said with their actions. Then I observed what members of the communist party said and compared it to what they did. I soon realized how badly I had been deceived.
When they defended their belief, practitioners were threatened to have their salaries suspended or lost their jobs. Some were forced to divorce and leave their home. Despite their suffering, they never reacted with violence or anger. I was amazed by their tolerance and kindness.
One day I asked each of my superiors, “As a member of the communist party, you believe in communism. Would you be willing to give up your life for your belief?” They all said no. It was totally different from Falun Gong practitioners.
At that moment, I had a great desire to read the Falun Gong books. I really wanted to know what made practitioners so fearless and steadfast in their belief.
Becoming a Practitioner
I borrowed Zhuan Falun from a colleague. After I read it, I was amazed. It is completely different from what the communist propaganda claimed. It teaches us how to be good. I had never read anything like this. I felt physically and mentally purified. After that first reading I could not put the book down and started to practice.
Like other practitioners, I studied the Fa and did the exercises. My high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, cystitis, and other ailments disappeared. I have never been so healthy.
More importantly, I have changed the way I treat others. I put myself in their shoes and look inside whenever I encounter a conflict. I have become more tolerant and work harder and better.
I really do not understand why Jiang Zemin launched the persecution and suppressed Falun Gong. From my personal experience, I have also filed a lawsuit against Jiang.
