(Minghui.org) Dr. Irina Davis, is an American physician originally from Peru. She, her husband, her son, and her daughter all practice Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong). She said, “Falun Gong has given my family and me so very much!”
The following is Dr. Davis' account of what practicing Falun Gong has meant to her.
How I Became a Practitioner
I was born into a Catholic family in Lima, the capital of Peru. From the time I was very young, I went to church with my parents, read the Bible, and was always very receptive to what I learned in the holy books.
In 1993, I moved to the United States.
For a long time, I had been searching for books that could truly help me improve my ethical standards. In 1999, a Chinese colleague introduced me to Falun Gong and recommended that I read Zhuan Falun, saying this book could truly guide people to high levels of morality. She also told me that she was a practitioner and that she found Falun Gong to be undoubtedly good. She encouraged me to give it a try.
I was tempted, so I bought the English version of Zhuan Falun and an exercise-instruction video.
Very soon, I ran into difficulties. There are so many Chinese words and terms in the book that I could not understand. On top of that, English is not my native language.
So I put the book aside and never found time to pick it up again.
In 2000, our family moved to California, where I had the good fortune to meet several Falun Gong practitioners and attend one of their free classes. That was when I learned the five exercises.
Meanwhile, the Spanish version of Zhuan Falun was published online. I printed out a copy and, for the first time, was able to read this book from beginning to end.
From 2001 to 2007, I practiced Falun Gong on and off because of the busy life I was leading. At the time, I was working as a hospital intern. I was also busy preparing for the physician's license exam. At home, I had to take care of my two young children. So, it was only when I had an occasional free moment that I remembered to study a little of the teaching and do a few exercises.
In the summer of 2007, I landed my first real job, but that required me to move to New York by myself.
At first, I was happy and excited to be gainfully employed, but the novelty soon wore off. I kept feeling something was lacking in my life, but I had no idea what it was or how to go about resolving the problem.
I went to the Catholic Church to seek advice from a priest, but he could not offer me any satisfactory guidance.
Disappointed, I returned to my temporary residence. Without any conscious thought, I took out my Spanish edition of Zhuan Falun and decided to give it a good read through.
I always had this book with me. No matter where I went, somehow I had to bring it along. I was convinced that, because the person who introduced Zhuan Falun to me was such a good person, the book had to be good.
The next two months, whenever I had the time, I read Zhuan Falun, over and over again.
Through the Internet, I found and joined a local practice site and a study group. Fellow practitioners’ selfless exchanges helped me a lot.
Slowly, I decided this wonderful practice was the true path that I had always been looking for.
Falun Gong Has Given My Family and Me So Very Much
For more than a decade, I had hypothyroidism and had to depend on medication for maintenance. I also suffered from severe depression and would often feel anxious for no reason. That was accompanied by periodic headaches. I also needed sleeping pills for a good night’s sleep.
After took up Falun Gong and started doing the exercises, these health problems disappeared. Since then, I have not taken any drugs or pills and have remained in good health. I feel my whole body is fresh and full of energy.
In my daily life, I am careful to follow the tenets of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. If I run into conflicts, I always look inward first. This is contrary to the “tit for tat” that I used to resort to.
In addition, I actively strive to rid myself of my attachments to jealousy and showing off. With my character elevated, I am able to truly treat others with generosity.
My two children joined me in studying the teachings and doing the exercises. Later, my husband did, too. We are all Dafa practitioners.
At home, we all strive to be better, as a wife, husband, son, and daughter. We adults work hard at our separate jobs, and our children study hard in their different schools. We always put the needs of others first.
I hope that more people learn about and practice Falun Dafa, so that our world becomes a better place.
Jiang Zemin initiated his persecution of Falun Gong, putting many Chinese practitioners and their families through enormous suffering. His manufactured lies have also extended to the rest of the world.
I, as a Peruvian living in the United States, also feel the pressure.
Sometimes when I participate in community activities and meet up with Chinese people, I can sense from their eyes and demeanor that they are not very kindly disposed towards me, just because I am a Falun Gong practitioner.
When I learn about fellow practitioners in China being persecuted and tortured, my heart aches.
Jiang Zemin’s persecution is a violation of China's laws. It is also a violation of international human rights laws. This 16-year persecution should end immediately, and Jiang Zemin should be subjected to severe legal sanctions.
Although I’m not a Chinese citizen, I hope that China can truly change for the better. I hope that Chinese people can live more dignified lives, just like people in other countries. And, just like people in other countries, I hope they will be able to freely practice Falun Dafa.
Views expressed in this article represent the author's own opinions or understandings. All content published on this website are copyrighted by Minghui.org. Minghui will produce compilations of its online content regularly and on special occasions.
