(Minghui.org) I grew up an only child in a prestigious family. I did well in school and seemed to be on the fast track to success. My family loved me, and I had lots of friends. I grew up being admired and the center of the attention.
Lost in the Modern World
In the 1980s, China opened its doors to the world, and vices flooded in. As a teenager, I got lost. I began to smoke and drink, joined a gang, and got into fights. I worried my parents to death. Tears or fists, nothing worked on me. I broke their hearts and I did not care.
I had a group of die-hard friends, I did well in school, my family was wealthy, and everyone liked to hang out with me. I enjoyed being pampered, cared about, and admired.
But at the same time, I felt empty inside. What was I living for? What was the meaning of life?
I Found the Answer!
I found a copy of Zhuan Falun when I was 20 years old. All my questions were answered, and my heart was awakened. It was a shock wave that ran through me from head to toe; the feeling was beyond words.
I knew that I could no longer live the way I was living. I willingly and wholeheartedly wanted to abide by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The person who nobody was able to discipline began to discipline herself.
A Path Full of Challenges
My cultivation path has not been an easy one. After the persecution began, I was threatened and reported. With Master's protection, I was able to escape danger each time. My family also suffered tremendously on my behalf.
My father was summoned to our local police station in June 2005. He was warned and threatened because I practiced Falun Dafa. He worried constantly about my safety, and the stress took its toll on him. He passed away in October of that year from a massive heart attack.
My husband divorced me in 2013, no longer able to handle the pressure either.
My mother was terrified after witnessing the massive arrests of local Falun Dafa practitioners, and she passed away in 2015.
The Fa Guides Me Through the Most Difficult Times
Even though I was approaching 40, my ability to handle stress was very limited. I had been taken care of from the time I was a child—I always had someone to lean on, to count on, to depend on. All of a sudden I was all alone, and it was overwhelming. I did not know how to carry on.
After my father passed away, the family business declined and was eventually reduced to nothing. Those who had flattered and admired me turned their backs on me: they mocked and laughed at me.
When I could not sleep at night, every minute was agony, and I felt that I had reached the limit of my endurance. As I was crying, Master's words touched me: “When it’s difficult to endure, you can endure it. When it’s impossible to do, you can do it.” (Zhuan Falun)
I kept repeating the words over and over, and I calmed down.
My parents were gone: No matter how much I grieved over my loss, I could not bring them back. My marriage was over: No matter how sentimental I was, that predestined relationship was settled, and I should not entangle myself anymore. People had turned their backs on me: That was only a reflection of who they really were, so why should I get upset?
I still had so much to accomplish as a Falun Dafa practitioner, and I realized that I wanted to focus my energy on carrying out my duty.
I remembered something else Master said: “After passing the shady willow trees, there will be bright flowers and another village ahead!” ((Zhuan Falun)
I saw the light in my life. I felt that every sentence in Zhuan Falun gave me the hope and courage to let go of my attachments and entanglements. No matter what you encounter, how surmountable it might appear, your fears, your concerns, and your worries will be dissolved with a deeper understanding of the Fa teachings.
Truly Growing, Maturing, and Elevating
After experiencing so much loss, I finally realized that everything in the human world is fragile and illusory. Be it money, reputation, or a happy family, they can all disappear in a flash. Nobody can guarantee that your life will be a smooth and carefree ride.
As for a cultivator, true happiness in the human world is peace and contentment. No matter how wealthy or how powerful you are, you can take it lightly and choose not to be burdened by it. No matter how much you are beaten down or derailed by life’s unpredictable events, you can handle it calmly and carry on. You still, after all, have Zhuan Falun and can firmly cultivate.
Someone asked me, “Why do you believe in Falun Dafa?” I asked myself the same question in the past. Now I am going to tell you the answer: You may as well ask me why I breathe. I believe it is the innate nature of a being, a basic instinct, to pursue Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Having weathered life’s ups and downs and trials and tribulations, Falun Dafa guided me to a bright place, made me upbeat and positive, and encouraged me to face the future with courage and endurance!
