Practitioners Expressed Gratitude with Music Festival as World Falun Dafa Day Approached

(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners worldwide held various activities to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, as May 13 fast approached. Practitioners in northwestern Taiwan held a music festival in front of the Confucius Temple in Hsinchu City on May 10, 2024, to celebrate the special day. This year, May 13 marks the 33rd anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Dafa. The day is also the birthday of Master Li Hongzhi.

Despite rain that morning, the practitioners went ahead with their plans. They demonstrated the exercises together, and took a group photo to wish Master Li a happy birthday. Later, they performed a series of music programs on stage, which included presentations from the Falun Dafa Flag Drum Team and Waist Drum Team, Chinese classical dance, young practitioners reciting poems, and singing.

Practitioners demonstrated the exercises together to celebrate the 26^th World Falun Dafa Day.

Practitioners conjoined their hands and wished Master Li a happy birthday.

Performance from Falun Dafa Flag Drum Team

Chinese Classical dance performance

Young practitioners danced while reciting poems from the book Hong Yin.

Performance from the Falun Dafa Waist Drum Team

Singing

Three-person chorus

The practitioners displayed posters showing that the practice is embraced by people worldwide.

In addition to the activities, three practitioners shared stories about their cultivation journeys, and how their health and perspective on life has improved.

Life Becomes Bright and Beautiful

Ms. Hu Yaling became a practitioner in October 2001. She said that the best thing that happened to her was becoming a Falun Dafa practitioner. “I got a new lease on life, and my life became more bright and beautiful,” she said.

Falun Dafa practitioner Ms. Hu Yaling

Ms. Hu grew up in a loving family and excelled in her studies. She considered a romantic relationship as the most important thing in life. Despite her family’s disapproval, she dated a man whom her family did not accept. However, after several years he abandoned her, leaving her heartbroken.

After the man deserted her, she felt that life was not worth living, and attempted suicide. She purposely lived an unhealthy lifestyle and became addicted to alcohol. She fainted several times at work, and had to be rushed to the hospital.

As things seemed to reach their lowest point, a thought suddenly emerged, “I can’t continue this way. I must find a way to save my life, and be responsible for myself.” Soon after, a coworker approached her and said, “Your health is terrible at such a young age. What will happen when you get older? I recommend that you practice a kind of qigong that is easy and free of charge. I happened to have two books here that you can borrow.”

As she read Zhuan Falun and The Great Way of Spiritual Perfection, she decided to find out more about Falun Dafa online. She became motivated and encouraged herself to go out and exercise with other practitioners. Fortunately, she discovered a group close by.

She looked forward to going to the park every day to start her day in a calm, peaceful, and joyful activity, enjoying the fresh air and the sound of birds chirping.

As she studied the books more, she began to understand why she came to this world and how to connect with others. She also recognized that all her suffering stemmed from her own attachments and desires. “My questions were answered and my attachments relinquished. It felt like a weight had been taken off my shoulders. I am happy and like what I see every day,” she said.

She measures her actions against the teachings of the practice: Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, so that she can become a better and kinder person. She also hopes that more people can practice Falun Dafa, benefiting them and their families.

Young Practitioner Understands the Preciousness of Falun Dafa

Falun Dafa practitioner Mr. Li Chenglin

Mr. Li Chenglin’s parents are both practitioners of Falun Dafa. He began practicing in 2004 when he was in the first grade. He later became busy with school and stopped practicing.

Twenty years later, he resumed the practice and realized how precious it is. He initially still suffered from stomachaches, despite doing the exercises and studying the teachings, and realized that he needed to let go of his focus on healing his illnesses, and instead pay attention to what the teachings required of him. Eventually, his stomachaches went away.

Mr. Li and his parents are getting along better every day because they abide by the principles of Falun Dafa. He used to put off tasks whenever he could, and always finished things at the last minute. Falun Dafa taught him to be considerate of others. He realized that, “My parents also get tired when they have to do a lot of chores.” From then on, he took the initiative to do housework without delay.

While interacting with his girlfriend, he learned how to control his temper during conflicts. Instead of arguing, he began reflecting on his own mistakes by looking within. Sometimes his attitude or his tone would irritate her. He tried to be more considerate when he knew she wasn’t feeling well. Whenever he was able to think from her standpoint, the conflicts passed quickly. “It feels good to cultivate,” he said.

He gets along with his coworkers at work, and often volunteers to go on business trips for his coworkers because they are married with children. They are very grateful for what he does, and often help him with other matters.

Getting Wisdom From Falun Dafa Teachings

Ms. Li Yirui started practicing Falun Dafa with her parents when she was in middle school, seventeen years ago. She is grateful for Master Li’s help in many aspects of her life.

Falun Dafa practitioner Ms. Li Yirui

The teachings of Falun Dafa gave Ms. Li the peace and wisdom she needed while in school and in the workplace. Through constantly studying the teachings, she was able to be a good person in every stage of her life. When she faced troubles, the teachings gave her a bigger heart and clear logic to deal with them. She knew that everything happens for a reason, and they are good opportunities for her to improve her character.

Ms. Li has majored in art design, but also has to help out in her parents’ restaurant as well. When she designs artwork, she needs to stay focused, but at the restaurant she has to multitask, as she has to interact with the customers and prepare food in the kitchen. Falun Dafa’s wisdom allows her to switch her mindset and perform well in these different environments.

She feels very fortunate to have learned Falun Dafa when she was younger. The practice taught her the meaning of life, and encouraged her to treat the people around her with gratitude, honesty, and kindness.