(Minghui.org) May 13, 1992, marks the day Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, was introduced to the public. For 33 years, the practice has spread to over 100 countries around the world, including New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere. In May 2025, as people around the world celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, Western practitioners in New Zealand express their deep gratitude to their founder, Master Li, for his compassionate salvation. They say Falun Dafa helped them understand the true meaning of life, and the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance guide their journey of returning to their true selves.

“Falun Dafa completely changed me.”

Margarita Waamu wishes Master a happy birthday.

Margarita Waamu, a native Māori in New Zealand, said, “For many years, I felt depressed, insecure, and full of self-doubt. One day, I came across an introduction to Falun Dafa on social media. I found a practitioner and began to learn the exercises. It has been just one year since I started practicing, and I feel like my life has never been better.”

She continued, “I was unemployed and felt lost. I did many things I regret, for example, drinking heavily and using drugs. I completely lost myself. I didn’t like who I was. After I started practicing Falun Dafa, I changed completely. I feel like a new person. Every time I do the exercises I feel a deep sense of joy and peace. When I read the teachings, I feel my life becoming richer and more fulfilled. I’ve regained my confidence.”

She also described a near-miss experience. “One time, I was riding my bike across the street when I suddenly felt a strong force pull me and my bike back. In that instant, a car sped by right in front of me. I knew Master protected me. Things like this happened several times, but I was always safe.”

On World Falun Dafa Day, she wants to tell Master Li, “Thank you so much for bringing Falun Dafa to us. I have great respect for you and for Falun Dafa. I study the teachings every day, and I can feel myself improving constantly. I truly believe every word Master says. I can feel it all so clearly. Since I started practicing, my surroundings have also changed quietly. People are more drawn to me and want to be friends. Everything in my life is getting better.”

Practicing Falun Dafa Made Me Strong and Confident

Judy Shakespeare wishes Master Li a happy birthday.

Judy Shakespeare began practicing Falun Dafa more than 15 years ago. She was raised in the Roman Catholic faith, which she appreciated. In her early twenties, she began exploring Eastern philosophies to deepen her spiritual life. The desire to express herself spiritually had always been a constant thread in her life. Over the next three decades, she explored many paths, but none brought lasting fulfillment.

About six years ago, Judy’s children began practicing Falun Dafa, and she witnessed how they overcame bad habits.

Inspired by their changes, Judy began practicing as well. She noticed changes in her health, which were subtle at first. But a few years later, the severe migraine headaches that kept her bedridden for 12 hours at a time, accompanied by vomiting, completely disappeared. She said, “This made me deeply grateful to Master. I used to suffer from hypoglycemia, but that hasn’t troubled me for a long time now. I also have great flexibility, which is very helpful at 74, especially with preschool-aged grandchildren.

“I no longer feel the need to have the last word. I’m more able to accept people as they are and allow them to express themselves. My patience is growing, although still a work in progress. Practicing Falun Dafa helped me develop mental resilience, which was very useful at work and continues to be so in Dafa projects. Through reading the Fa, I’ve learned to look inward when things go wrong. The time it takes me to ‘get it’ is much shorter now. I’ve discovered the power of looking within, truly one of the most valuable tools in the Dafa toolbox. After much soul-searching, I’ve begun letting go of a lifelong habit of selfishness. While deeper layers still remain, I’m beginning to truly understand the value of putting others first.”

With deep gratitude, Judy said, “First and foremost, thank you, Master. Your compassion is immeasurable. Attending three New York Fa Conferences in your presence has been a blessing that continues to inspire me. Living through these troubled times is not lost on me. I understand that I’ve gone through many lifetimes to arrive at today. You cleared away the mists of ignorance and showed me that I can access my inner wisdom. Each step forward strengthens my faith in the Fa. No matter what storms or challenges arise, the Fa is my rock. It keeps me grounded and inspires me to do the three things well. Thank you, Master.”

Falun Dafa Made My Life More Peaceful and Fulfilling

Jayjay Smith wishes Master Li a happy birthday.

Jayjay Smith began practicing Falun Dafa seven years ago after seeing an advertisement in a local newspaper. She had never heard of Falun Dafa before and was initially drawn by the idea of learning some gentle exercises. She learned about the teachings and was deeply impressed by how they answered all her questions about life.

Jayjay said, “I’ve received so many benefits. I was able to stop searching because Falun Dafa fulfilled my spiritual needs. It grounded me and helped bring emotional balance. I used to live with anxiety, but Falun Dafa has helped me move beyond that.”

She continued, “The practice has changed me. I’m now able to flow more easily with life. I used to tightly control everything around me to feel safe. It was an exhausting way to live. Now, I can rise above inner dramas and conflicts with others, which has brought a more peaceful and richer life. I’m in good health, and I don’t need any vitamins or supplements.”

Jayjay expressed her gratitude, “I sincerely thank Master for the wisdom he has shared, his boundless compassion, and unwavering patience. No words can fully express my gratitude for the freedom he has given me.”