A Senior Citizen: It's Wonderful to be Free of Pain

My name is Zheng Shijie. I am 74 years old, and reside in Taiwan. Due to my age, I suffered from numerous diseases all over my body before I practised Falun Gong. I developed gout after leaving the military in 1977 and had to undergo surgery in 1998 at Taichung Veterans General Hospital after suffering a heart attack . In 1999, due to arthritis, both of my knees swelled up, and it was painful to walk. I was then admitted twice to the Taoyuan General Hospital Department of Health and stayed there for a total of 25 days. As a result of taking various medications for the illnesses mentioned above, my kidney function began to deteriorate rapidly. I also developed constipation and insomnia. These ailments caused a great deal of discomfort, and my life was miserable beyond words.

One day, I found a pamphlet in my mailbox about Falun Gong. After reading it carefully, I was so glad to have come across this wonderful practice. I immediately contacted a local assistant, and began doing the exercises and studying the teachings on November 15, 2000.

After participating in the nine-day seminar, my body went through an obvious transformation. Right now, I am able to walk confidently, and get up and down stairs with ease. After practising for half a year, the gout, which had bothered me for years, vanished without a trace. I was on a strict diet in the past, but I am now able to eat anything I wish.

I had heart surgery before I practised Falun Gong, and my physician specifically warned me never to stop my heart medication. Following his directions, I continued to take medication. On May 25, 2004, I forgot to take the medicine after lunch and dinner, and woke up to find myself more clear headed and bright eyed the next day. I tried not taking the medicine for one more day, and found my heart to be more comfortable than before. I then decided to stop the medication. It has been nearly five months, and my body is much healthier and more comfortable.

On the way back home from a morning group exercise about three months ago, I was knocked down from my bike by a speeding vehicle. My right knee hit the ground hard, yet it was miraculously not injured. My skin was scraped and bled only a little bit, about ten centimetres below my knee.

The illnesses I once had completely vanished, and I finally experienced how wonderful it is to be free of pain and sickness. Not only has my health improved, my spirit has also lifted. I am now happier and more optimistic than ever before, and I owe this all to Teacher.

I tried my best to put my experiences down on paper. I truly hope more people can join the path of cultivation and experience for themselves the greatness of Falun Gong.