(Minghui.org) I live in a county town and began practicing Falun Dafa in 1998. I’m now 87 years old.
I have three sons, and my oldest was involved in agricultural technology after he graduated from university. He got a job in the United States in 1994. He told us about Falun Dafa when it was first introduced.
He saw information about Falun Dafa posted on a wall in a restaurant, about how the practice actually started in China. He was very impressed and he began practicing.
Because of his experiences he was convinced that Falun Dafa is good. In 1996, he called us and encouraged us to practice—he explained that Falun Dafa is a practice of the Buddha school, and this is a rare opportunity. He said it’s very hard to come across a true Master who teaches the righteous Fa in today’s world.
At the time, my husband and I didn’t really understand what he was saying, so we missed the precious opportunity to obtain the Fa earlier. It was not until the spring of 1997, when my husband’s friends urged him to join them doing the exercises at a local practice site, that he began practicing. My husband did the exercises every morning and in the evening he went to the military retirement home to watch videos of Master’s Fa-lectures.
At that time, apart from doing household chores, I spent most of my spare time playing cards with friends and didn’t get home until it was dark. My husband asked me to make dinner earlier so that he wouldn’t be late to watch the videos.
I always respected my husband and thought that he was doing something wonderful, so I made sure that I came home early to get dinner ready for him every day.
I Begin Practicing
My husband fell a number of times after he started practicing, but each time he recovered quickly. He later understood that those falls were arranged by Master to help him eliminate his karma.
One morning in the spring of 1998, I was taking a walk in a park and saw a lady meditating with her grandson, who was very cute and looked about ten years old. They told me they were practicing Falun Dafa. I was interested, so I sat down next to them and I tried to learn the sitting meditation.
I joined my husband and I started doing the exercises at a public square. There were many people and they formed layers of circles. We did the exercises to beautiful music, and atmosphere was very peaceful. It attracted many onlookers, and many of them begin practicing with us.
I was greatly encouraged and I meditated in the full lotus position (both legs crossed). I was soon able to meditate for half an hour.
My education consisted of one year of evening school, so I had trouble recognizing many characters in Zhuan Falun. At group Fa study, I listened carefully when others read, and I was gradually able to read with them.
Connection with Our Oldest Son Overseas
Our oldest son came back home in May 1999 to introduce Falun Dafa here, and he encouraged us to cherish the opportunity to cultivate. He only stayed five days before he returned to the U.S.
That was 26 years ago. He hasn’t been able to come home since then, due to the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution, not even when his father passed away.
My son used to call his former classmate, and told him how sad he was that he couldn’t see me due to the persecution. His former classmate came to see me on his behalf.
Another classmate of his is a journalist. My son also contacted him and he came to see me. Due to the severe persecution, we didn’t talk about Falun Dafa.
As a mom, I was naturally concerned for my son, wondering if he was coping well, so far away from home. As I continued cultivating, I came to understand that, although we have a mother-son relationship in this lifetime, we are fellow practitioners and we share a sacred affinity with Dafa. With Master’s protection, I have nothing to worry about.
I was taken to a brainwashing center by officers from the 610 Office because I clarified the truth to people about Falun Dafa. My case was considered major in our local area, and the CCP wanted to imprison me.
Before I was taken away, my husband suffered some serious injuries in a car accident and he was unable to take care of himself. When my son called him, my husband broke down in tears and told my son that he felt very lonely and helpless. My son also wept.
My son tried very hard to rescue me, traveling between New York and Toronto, sharing with practitioners, and holding news conferences in front of the Chinese Consulate to expose the persecution. He also called our local police station, urging them to unconditionally release me.
Many practitioners in China also tried to rescue me through various channels, and some local people also talked to the police, asking them to release me. I went home four months later.
My oldest son’s wife also practices Falun Dafa. They have three children, but I haven’t been able to meet the two younger ones. Although we are far apart in distance, our hearts are closely connected. We have the same wish: To assist Master in Fa-rectification and to save more sentient beings.
Now, 26 years have passed and my heart’s wish for my son is that he always safeguards the Fa. All Dafa practitioners, both in China and overseas, study the same book, practice the same exercises, and we are truly one body.
I believe that my son will be able to come home one day. I’m determined to cultivate myself well, and I look forward to the day when we can welcome Master back to China. At the same time, I’d like welcome my son back by my side to continue our sacred bond.
I’ve Learned to Not Rely on My Children
My husband passed away over ten years ago, so I have been living on my own all this time. With the help of local practitioners, I bought a computer and printer, and I learned how to make beautiful informational materials to help people understand the truth. I make them every day and, thanks to Master’s arrangements, many people in our local area have learned that Falun Dafa is good.
One day in March 2024, I suddenly felt very weak all over and couldn’t eat. I went to the bathroom and found it hard to stand up. Later, I managed to get to bed, and I lay in bed for a few days, without eating anything.
One day, when I couldn’t take any more, I called my second son, and said that I hadn’t eaten for a few days. He took me to his place, and arranged for me to live in a renovated storeroom downstairs. They brought me food.
During the Dragon Boast Festival, my youngest son brought his family over for a get-together. At lunch time, I overheard discussing if there was enough rice.
I heard them say, “The old one [referring to me] doesn’t eat much.” So, they didn’t bother to cook more rice. Besides, they all drank, and ate more dishes than rice.
At lunch time, no one brought me any food, and I felt a bit sad since it was a traditional Chinese festival. Just then I remembered what Master taught us,
“Whatever you experience during your cultivation—whether good or bad—is good, for it comes about only because you are cultivating.”(“To the Chicago Fa Conference” The Essentials of Diligent Progress III)
I quickly overcame my feeling of sadness, and felt no resentment to my sons and daughters-in-law. On the contrary, I realized I should thank them for the opportunity to improve myself. I made up my mind that I wouldn’t rely on my children, but would pull through my tribulation as soon as possible.
In the evening, I made myself a simple dinner. Since then, I have always cooked my own meals, and tried my best not to give my children any trouble.
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