(Minghui.org) I am fortunate that I started on my cultivation path of Falun Dafa in 1997.
I joined the Chinese army in 1966, was selected soon after as a model squad leader, and became a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
When my father was framed as a spy during a political movement launched by the CCP, our family was affected because of the CCP's guilty by association policy. I was discharged from the army and returned to my hometown. My younger sister was expelled from her work unit and became unemployed.
I eventually found a job as a warehouse guard. However, at the age of 30, I became a pathological gambler. My addiction not only caused problems with my wife and children, but also at work. Occasionally I felt guilt pangs, however they did not last very long.
By being addicted to gambling, I lost not only money, but also the love of my family and friends. I also lost my dignity.
A colleague of my wife told her that Falun Dafa taught people to cultivate the mind and body, and could be remarkably effective in curing illnesses.
Without hesitation my wife went with her friend to a Falun Dafa practice site. That day she embarked on her cultivation path. She told me that she was destined to obtain the Fa and practice Falun Dafa, and that she had never felt so light as when doing the Falun Dafa exercises and listening to the exercise music.
I developed a serious skin condition in 1997. My face was very swollen and blood oozed from different parts of my face and body. I spent a lot of money for medical treatment at our local hospital, but the problem was not cured.
Eventually, my wife gave me two options: either go to Harbin to see a doctor or join her in practicing Falun Dafa – I chose the latter.
After four days of doing the Falun Dafa exercises my skin began to peel, and on the sixth day I had recovered from my skin condition. I witnessed the tremendous healing power of Falun Dafa without spending a penny or taking any medication.
Through Fa study, I understood why I should be a good person and aspire to reach a higher spiritual realm. I learned a lot about cultivation from Zhuan Falun, including the concept of karmic retribution. I quit gambling and smoking and noticed a radical change in myself.
I tried to follow the Falun Dafa principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, and treated kindly not only my wife and children, but also everyone around me. At long last laughter filled our home, and we experienced a harmonious environment.
My wife and I started a mini grocery store in the neighborhood. Every day a lot of customers, including children and adults, came to our store to buy their daily necessities. Everyone who knew me understood that it was Falun Dafa that had cured my gambling addiction, had changed me, and brought this wonderful new life to my family.
When the unlawful persecution of Falun Dafa was launched by the CCP in 1999, my wife and I traveled with other practitioners to the provincial government offices in Beijing, where we appealed for the right to practice Falun Dafa.
We have been arrested and persecuted by the CCP agents many times these past 17 years. Also, some people from my workplace came to my home. They read a document announcing that I had been expelled from the CCP for not obeying the rules, and asked me to sign it. I did so without hesitation.
I told them how Falun Dafa had taught me to be a good person and had granted me a new life. I firmly said that no words could express my gratitude to Falun Dafa and I was very pleased to disassociate myself from the evil CCP.
Like hundreds of millions of Falun Dafa practitioners, my wife and I were ready to defend Falun Dafa.
I’m well aware that if I had not practiced Falun Dafa, my life would have been wasted. I would have been drowning in evil and moral corruption. Falun Dafa not only cured my illnesses but also saved my soul.