(Minghui.org) Practitioners in Russia celebrated the New Year by gathering to read the Fa (teachings) and exchange cultivation experiences. They talked about how they followed Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, to overcome obstacles in their lives, and elevate their minds. While many of them recently started practicing Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong), others practiced for more than 20 years. Young or old, veteran or new, the practitioners all share the same wish—to improve themselves via cultivation.
Russian Falun Dafa practitioners held a group practice in early January 2024.
Dmitry from St. Petersburg said, “I try to keep a calm and friendly attitude at all times. Everyone knows that I do not lose my temper easily. After practicing Dafa, my ability to withstand stress and my work efficiency have improved. I’m now more capable of handling complex and unusual tasks well, especially after meditating, my mind is very clear.”
Dmitry from St. Petersburg
“Before I practiced the exercises, I had serious back problems: Cervical osteochondrosis and instability of three cervical vertebrae,” Dmitry said. “When I rode the public transportation, it felt like my neck was about to fall off. I couldn’t pick up anything from the supermarket. The anterior disc herniation in my waist made it impossible for me to live a normal life. After going to a store and returning home, I had to rest for three hours. After taking up Falun Dafa, I gradually recovered and the pain in my back disappeared. Through practicing Falun Dafa, I gained health and wisdom. I’ve practiced for ten years.”
Ekaterina, who has practiced for 12 years, said that after practicing, she felt physically and mentally relaxed and felt positive energy while participating in group activities. She also saw her own shortcomings and deficiencies.
Ekaterina
“During this meeting we talked about dissatisfaction and guilt,” said Ekaterina. “Have you ever thought how these emotions can ruin our lives? Sometimes, I just don’t notice how my dissatisfaction affected me. It can have a negative impact on the happiness and mood of your loved ones. Ongoing guilt is harder to deal with. You may spend years worrying about an irreparable action, thereby destroying your own health. It’s very difficult to live with such emotions. It’s difficult, like carrying a big bag on your back. Instead of always criticizing everyone and only seeing the negative side, it’s better to look for people’s good sides. Exchanges like today are very productive.”
Olga has practiced Falun Dafa for about 21 years. She often does the exercises outdoors, rain or shine. She said, “I was diagnosed with incurable arachnoiditis when I was fifteen years old. I lived with the disease for about thirty years, and the doctor said I would suffer for the rest of my life. At that time, to confirm the diagnosis, I had a puncture in the hospital, which involves extracting cerebrospinal fluid from the spine with a syringe and a needle in the size of a knitting needle. When my mother knew I was going to do this surgery, she fainted. It was a dangerous procedure. Some people became paralyzed from it. I lost my vision temporarily and my headaches worsened.”
Olga said she became healthy after practicing Dafa.
Olga was in great pain, and she had to undergo a course of injections every six months. Doctors did not allow her to lift more than a kilogram, or to be hot or cold. She had to wear sunglasses whether it was winter or summer.
“Everything changed when I met Falun Dafa practitioners,” Olga said. “In the two months since I started practicing, I still had symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and splitting headaches. Usually I would lie down all day and squeeze my head with a handkerchief, which seemed to make it easier to endure the pain. I would play the recording of the lecture of Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, attentively. The pain gradually disappeared, and I almost forgot that I was in agony.”
Irina said, “I feel happy when what I think, say, and do are in harmony. In other words, to be happy, you must realize your values and act in accordance with them. I believe that we must first change ourselves and strive to practice the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and then we can help others.”
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Category: Improving Oneself
