(Minghui.org) In Melbourne, May ushers in the full colors of autumn. The warm sun mingles with cool breezes, creating a season rich with poetic beauty. May is also a time for gratitude and celebration. Two Falun Gong practitioners in Melbourne shared how their connection with Falun Dafa has purified their bodies and minds, elevated their spirits, and brought inner peace and hope to their lives.

“No One Would Guess I’m 73”

On May 9, 2026, at Melbourne’s World Falun Dafa Day celebration, Amy shone throughout the nearly hour-and-a-half city parade and multiple performances afterward. As a member of the waist drum troupe, she always exudes vitality and joy, her bright, lively eyes expressing warmth and friendliness.

Coordinating seamlessly with her teammates, Amy’s performances, along with the troupe’s golden costumes and powerful drumming, drew the attention and admiration of festival-goers.

“I’m not tired at all,” she said happily. “Many people say they can’t tell I’m 73. Carrying the waist drum makes me feel young again. Everyone gives their best to showcase traditional Chinese culture and the spirit of Dafa practitioners. For each performance, we bring our best energy.”

Amy (center) performing with the waist drum troupe during Melbourne’s World Falun Dafa Day celebration on May 9, 2026. (Minghui)

Amy’s agile movements and her healthy, rosy complexion today are a striking contrast to a decade ago, when she was worn down by chronic illnesses, burdened by family tragedies, and felt hopeless enough to consider ending her life.

“Those days before cultivation were like a nightmare,” Amy recalled. “I suffered from five or six chronic conditions, including Ménière’s disease, chronic hepatitis, gynecological issues, cervical spondylosis, and colitis. I didn’t know when the suffering would end. It was so difficult to live.” Despite Australia’s excellent medical care, modern medicine could do nothing for her deeply entrenched ailments.

“As if that weren’t enough, in 2012 my family experienced a major upheaval. I felt that my world collapsed, I was in despair and even considered ending my life. But in August of that year, by a stroke of good fortune, I began practicing Falun Dafa. It was like being reborn, with my long-suffering illnesses miraculously healed,” Amy shared, her joy and gratitude evident in her voice.

“Through practicing Dafa, my moral character also improved. Guided by Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance in my cultivation, by studying the teachings and practicing the exercises, I finally understood the purpose of life. I feel younger and more energetic every day. My spirit is vibrant, just like a young person’s.”

Indeed, on that day, Amy marched alongside peers two decades her junior for the entire parade route, including long uphill stretches. Over the years, Amy and the waist drum troupe have appeared at numerous community festivals in Melbourne and nearby cities, sharing the beauty and blessings of Falun Dafa with people from all different backgrounds in Australia.

She expressed her gratitude to Master Li: “Words cannot convey my thanks to Master. Master gave me a second life. I will continue to cultivate diligently and strive for greater progress.”

Finding the Answer to Life, Filled with Hope

Tang, a network engineer born in Hong Kong who immigrated to Australia as a youth, was fortunate to encounter Falun Dafa while studying at university in Melbourne. Fascinated by supernatural phenomena displayed by Qigong masters, he eagerly accepted his aunt’s introduction to the Falun Gong exercises and decided to give it a try.

“I have always been interested in Qigong and when my Aunty introduced me to Falun Dafa she gave me the book China Falun Gong, which resonated with my cultural background. I was invited to watch Master Li’s nine lectures and I learned the exercises. The concepts of Falun Dafa were very familiar to me so I was happy to embrace the practice,” Tang recalled vividly, even after 28 years.

“Master Li explains how the world and life work. I had many questions, which were explained in his book Zhuan Falun. My true purpose, and life’s questions were answered. That is what resonated with me. I was in my early 20s attending university at that time and I had been searching for the purpose of life. I was very fortunate to find it in Falun Dafa.”

Cultivation not only gave young Tang a new perspective but also calmed his restless heart. Relatives soon noticed his changed demeanor; he no longer argued with his parents as he once had.

“People in my family used to think I was rebellious. Before cultivation, I never saw myself that way. Through studying the Fa teachings, I learned to view things from different perspectives. Dafa explains why events occur, even why life sometimes seems unfair,” he recounted with a smile. “The teachings are profound. A practitioner gains wisdom and responsibility, and understands the deeper meaning behind each event. Dafa provides a simple yet complete answer.”

Today, Tang is the proud father of two daughters. Inspired by his example, his wife began practicing Falun Gong more than a decade ago. The whole family has greatly benefited from Dafa. Reflecting on his journey, he recognizes the wondrous arrangement of fate, “I understand that many events occurred so that I could encounter Dafa.”

Network engineer Tang Yong expresses his gratitude to Master Li. (Minghui)

On World Falun Dafa Day, Tang offered his heartfelt birthday wishes to Master Li, thankful for the opportunity to practice this noble cultivation system.

“Master presents the teachings in a way that is both simple and profound. I am grateful to understand the meaning of life through cultivation. Falun Dafa has made me a better person, aligned with Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, to return to my true self. Even when facing choices or uncertainty, I feel no fear, guided by Master’s teachings. Dafa brings us peace and faith, and hope for the future. Before I found Falun Dafa, I never wanted to bring my children into a world full of suffering. Now, as a parent, I can raise them according to the moral principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, for which I am deeply thankful.”