Gaining New Life Through Practicing Falun Gong — New York Practitioners Share Their Gratitude on Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving arrives, Falun Gong practitioners in New York express their heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, and also thank the U.S. government and the American people for their acceptance and kindness. (New Tang Dynasty Television)

[People News] On November 27, Americans celebrated the important traditional holiday of Thanksgiving. For Americans, this day is a time for reunion, sharing, and above all, giving thanks. Every year at this time, Falun Gong practitioners express their heartfelt gratitude to their Master—Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa.

According to a report by Wong Lafei of The Epoch Times in New York, on November 24 several Falun Gong practitioners—who were persecuted in China and now reside in the United States—shared their stories of benefiting from their practice and expressed gratitude to Mr. Li. They said that practicing Falun Dafa brought profound changes to their bodies, minds, and values, and helped them find the strength to persevere in the face of persecution and hardship.

Spending Thanksgiving in a foreign land, they also expressed gratitude that the United States has given former Falun Gong practitioners who fled CCP persecution a place of refuge and the basic human right of freedom of belief.

Mary Li: Grateful to America for Giving Me a Free Environment

Mary Li immigrated to the United States in 2008. She had been a top student, but felt increasingly confused and lost amid human indifference and academic pressure. In 1995, while preparing for her PhD exam in Beijing, she happened to buy a Falun Gong book, began practicing, and found the answers she had long been seeking.

She said that practicing transformed her temper, elevated her moral character, and helped her remain calm during conflicts. Once, a coworker threatened her with a martial arts sword because she insisted on practicing. She calmly replied, “If this will eliminate your resentment, I don’t mind.” The conflict then dissolved.

When she first arrived in the U.S., she was misunderstood, but chose to let go of resentment and treat others kindly.

“Cultivation made me worry-free, with a calm and peaceful heart,” Mary said. She is also grateful that America provides a free environment. “In China I was persecuted for my faith, but the U.S. accepted me and gave me true freedom.”

Li Qiong: Crushed Hand Healed in Three Days — “Thank You, Master”

Li Qiong, from Guangdong, began practicing in 1997 and later suffered years of persecution. Once, while riding a bicycle, her raincoat got caught in the wheel and she fell. A truck rolled over her hand, crushing the bones. Doctors estimated it would take 100 days to recover, but the swelling disappeared in three days, and the bone fully healed within a week. She said these were miracles that happened after she began practicing Falun Dafa. On the eve of Thanksgiving, she said tearfully, “Master gave me the life I have today.”

Li Qiong said that her steadfast belief in Falun Dafa benefited her physically and mentally and helped her endure the CCP’s suppression.

“To live freely is something I would never have dared to imagine in China,” she said. “I am also grateful to the American people for accepting us.”

Li Jian’e: Reciting the Nine-Character Phrase Helped Her Avoid a Car Accident — “Grateful to Master”

Li Jian’e began practicing in 1995. She had long suffered from stomach issues and headaches, but after practicing Falun Gong, her health was restored.

She explained that on a business trip, she took a taxi to a client’s company while it was drizzling. A large truck lost control due to the slippery road and headed straight toward her taxi. At the critical moment, she told the driver to steer right and keep steady, and she loudly recited, “Falun Dafa is good, Truthfulness–Compassion–Forbearance is good.”

The out-of-control truck suddenly skidded sideways about 10 meters before reaching their taxi and came to a stable stop without hitting them, as if some force had changed its direction. Witnesses called it a miracle. The taxi driver was shocked and became interested in learning more about Falun Gong.

Having just arrived in the U.S. this year, Li Jian’e said that on the eve of Thanksgiving, what she most wanted to say was “Grateful to Master.” She also wanted to thank the United States: “I have been accepted and treated kindly here. I will do my best to help more people learn about the goodness of Falun Dafa so that many Americans can also benefit.”

Liu Na: Persisting in Cultivation Amid Hardship — Blessings to the American People

In 1996, Liu Na first read Zhuan Falun, the main text of Falun Gong, and soon began practicing. But after the CCP launched its persecution, she persisted but found it difficult to remain in China.

On the eve of Thanksgiving, Liu Na said emotionally, “When I was most helpless, America welcomed me like family. Again, I sincerely offer my blessings to the American people.” She added, “I am also deeply grateful to Master, who preserved my whole family.”

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