(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners from Siberia gathered at a beautiful scenic spot near the Angara River in Irkutsk to celebrate Dafa’s founder Master Li Hongzhi’s birthday and World Falun Dafa Day in May 2021. Practitioners also introduced Falun Dafa to locals and exposed the ongoing persecution of the practice by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). 

During the event, several practitioners shared their personal stories about practicing Falun Dafa.

Falun Dafa practitioners from Siberia celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Practitioners demonstrate the Falun Dafa exercises in Irkutsk.

“I Know the True Meaning of Life After Cultivation”

Olga from Irkutsk shared, “I needed to undergo gallbladder surgery 17 years ago, before I began practicing Falun Dafa. The doctors also told me that I had very serious knee problems that might result in my being unable to walk when I got older. I tried all sorts of medication but nothing helped. I am now 67 years old, and by cultivating Falun Dafa, not only did I not need surgery, I can now walk normally and enjoy good health. I also recovered from my kidney problems.”

Olga from Irkutsk understands the true meaning of life after she began cultivation practice in Falun Dafa. 

Olga continued, “My moral values and perspective on the world changed after studying Master Li Hongzhi’s lectures. I understood why humans existed in the world, and the relationships between the universe and humans. If people could put emphasis on moral values, their lives would change for the better. I understand that people are suffering, and for that I feel sorry for them.”

“I have a very strong personality and get agitated very easily. Working as a supervisor at an architectural company before my retirement made me even more confident. I understood that I had to cultivate by searching within, and not interfere with the lives of my children. I would no longer give orders to my husband and my relationship with my relatives became better.” 

“I Enjoy Good Health and a Harmonious Family”

Ludmila from Irkutsk said, “I had gastrointestinal problems, gastric ulcers and a herniated disc. I was not able to do any housework. It was even hard for me to walk, sit, bend over, or even lie down. When a colleague of mine introduced me to Falun Dafa, I decided to give it a try, without holding any hopes of recovery from my illnesses.”

She continued, “I was able to do some gardening after cultivating for seven months. In the months to follow, I became healthier and was even able to do all the household chores and gardening. I’d also became more tolerant of my husband’s bad habits. We would fight a lot in the past, but I now understand that a practitioner should not fight. My husband was against Falun Dafa, but when he saw how I’ve changed for the better, he suggested that his friends also cultivate.”

Ludmila from Irkutsk benefited from Dafa by having a healthier body and a harmonious family. 

“My Personality and Attitude Toward Life Changed After Cultivating in Dafa”

Lyuba from Irkutsk shared, “I obtained the Fa in 2006, and I am very grateful to my parents for this. It is unimaginable for me think of my life without Dafa. Not only did I recover from many of my illnesses, such as degenerative disc change, uterine myoma, breast mastopathy, and headaches, most importantly, my personality and attitude toward life also changed.”

Lyuba from Irkutsk said that her personality and attitude toward life changed after she started cultivating according to Falun Dafa’s teachings.

She continued, “I easily got agitated before I practiced Dafa. It was also difficult for me to accept criticism, and I wanted to gain fame and make a profit. Due to my state of mind, I would often feel weak and indifferent. After cultivating, I became more tolerant of others, and tried not to have conflicts. Even if I got reprimanded by someone, I would not fight back. I am truly fortunate to abide by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Thank you Master!”

“Dafa Has Enriched My Life”

Aysan from Irkutsk, Russia

Aysan, 14 years old, also shared her experiences with practicing Falun Dafa. “I started cultivating Dafa from birth and I was never sick. Dafa has made my life very happy and interesting because I am able to see things in other dimension at times. My grades at school are very good, and I’d often take part ind my school’s academic decathlon. My grades would not be this good if it weren’t for Dafa."

Aysan added, “Not long ago, I realize that I get depressed if I don’t distribute truth-clarification fliers. When I can participate in saving sentient beings, I smile more often.”

“Dafa Has Changed My Life”

Olga a Falun Dafa practitioner from Cheremkhovo

“I used to question why am I living in this world,” said Olga, “and why there seemed to be poor and rich people. I did not find an answer, and instead I held grudges. I became more isolated but still wished to obtain the best things in life. When my older sister introduced Falun Dafa to me, I started to practice it. When I started cultivation, I found answers to the problems in my life. I no longer held grudges or blamed others for my life, and my personality also changed for the better. I tried to also think of others’ needs first. Whether it’s at home or at my workplace, I would no longer be bothered when facing anything unpleasant. I work in a very large company, and because I practice Falun Dafa, I have taken no sick leave. My supervisors have advised other employees to also practice Falun Dafa.”

Olga concluded, “Master Li Hongzhi taught me how to treat the problems in my life with a calm mind. I cannot live without Falun Dafa.”

“Thank You, Master, for Giving Me an Opportunity to Become a Falun Dafa Practitioner”

Alexandra from Irkutsk expresses her gratitude to Master. 

“I was diagnosed with depression because of my bad grades, and my parents’ divorce. I lost my vitality and would often be in tears. My mother encouraged me to practice Falun Dafa when I was in high school. After I started cultivation practice, my depression disappeared and my grades improved. I didn’t really have any major health issues, because I knew Master was purifying my body.”

Alexandra continued, “I’ve learned to look inward under Dafa’s guidance and I became more calm and had more self-esteem. I still have many shortcomings, and at times, Master’s lectures appear in my mind. I know that this is Master’s way of reminding me to eliminate my attachments.”

Alexandra stated with gratitude, “Dafa has revealed to me the true meaning of life. Thank you, Master, for giving me the opportunity to become a Falun Dafa practitioner!”

“I Am Very Fortunate to Become Your Disciple!”

Nadezhda, a Falun Dafa practitioner from Irkutsk.

Nadezhda from Irkutsk said, “I started to cultivate 20 years ago. I accepted a position in a preschool last year. I encounter different types of children, and some of them are quite challenging. However as a cultivator, I try my best to think of the children’s interest, look at their positive sides, and treat them with compassion. When I encounter a problem at work, I immediately look within. I try my best to also put myself in the other’s place, and show empathy.

“The preschool wanted to issue me an acknowledgment of my work. I know that this was all possible because I practice Falun Dafa. There was another time when a child made me a birthday card and it said ‘To my kindest teacher.’”

Nadezhda said with gratitude, “Thank you Master! I am very fortunate to be your disciple!”