(Minghui.org) My name is Maria and I am from Austria. I was often unhappy as a child. I could not get along with others, I was shy and quiet, and I was isolated because of my introverted personality. I had very few friends.

When I grew older, I started to look for something but I did not know what I was looking for. I was interested in spiritual beliefs and I learned about qigong and Buddhism. My brother Frances told me that he had found Falun Gong on the Internet and he and his wife were both practicing.

I got a copy of Zhuan Falun from Frances, but I did not read it at first. I would occasionally accompany Frances and his wife to the park to do the Falun Gong exercises. I took care of my goddaughter Ava, when they did their exercises. One day at the park, I noticed that they were completely immersed in the exercises. Their movements were smooth and relaxing, especially while they were doing the fifth exercise. They sat in the full lotus position and were completely tranquil. The music also sounded very pleasing. I was deeply moved by this peaceful atmosphere. After they finished the exercises, they looked very relaxed and happy. Their calm and peace convinced me to start practicing Falun Gong.

I learned that Falun Dafa does wonders for one's health, and also improves one's character. After this I became determined to be a better person. I wanted to practice Falun Gong and adhere to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

I always had a difficult time getting along with female coworkers. There were often arguments and the atmosphere at work was terrible. Many of the conflicts were because of me. I did not want to get angry with my coworkers, but I could not keep from it. Through studying Falun Dafa and the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, I realized I was very selfish at work. I worked in the service industry and was a diligent worker, however, I also expect my coworkers to do the same. I wanted everything to be done my way.

Falun Dafa is a study of the Buddha La. By studying the Fa, I learned put aside my selfish thoughts and improve my patience and compassion toward others. It really is magical. Now I feel very positive things inside of me. My uncle said that I surprised him because I was still such a humble and helpful person, while the morality of society continues to degrade. I knew that practicing Falun Dafa brought this out in me.

Falun Dafa has become an essential part of my life. I have been practicing Dafa for eleven years and I take Fa study and doing the exercises seriously. I practice Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in my daily life and they give me strength.

A year ago, my goddaughter, Ava, asked me what has given me the greatest happiness in life. I answered: “Practicing Falun Dafa.” I have grown to understand the meaning of life.

The Chinese Communist regime has brutally persecuted Falun Dafa practitioners in China since 1999. One of the main reasons for the persecution is that Falun Dafa is the truth of the universe, while the Chinese Communist Party is atheistic. They are jealous of Falun Gong and afraid of losing their power.

I see my mission in life as helping people to recognize the lies of the CCP and expose the injustice toward Falun Dafa practitioners in China. People who want to be good people should enjoy freedom of belief.

From the Call for Submissions to Commemorate the Twentieth Anniversary of Falun Dafa’s Introduction