What I Know about Falun Gong Practitioner Xie

I came to know Xie when I renovated my house two years ago. When I talked to the contractors, I found a young man among them who was different, someone who had very good manners. After he learnt that I surfed the Internet, he showed great interest. I was impressed by his eagerness to learn new things and so I shared with him some knowledge of web-surfing and computer applications in daily life, encouraging him to learn more. The business of renovation needs to keep up with the latest developments in skills and techniques. Many new designs and techniques need to be developed on computers. Xie said that learning to use the computer was inconceivable to him. Since he grew up in a poor family in a rural area, he did not have much schooling. Then he told me something of his past.

"I used to have a bad temper and blamed others when I was in trouble. Later when I got a chance to read the books of Falun Gong, I was deeply moved by the profound principles. Where does one's life come from? What is the purpose of life? I found answers to those questions. I decided to take on the path of cultivation. In the practise, I did change my bad habits and learnt tolerance in dealing with others. I quit drinking and smoking, and I learnt forbearance during hard times. Although there are quite a lot of profound ideas beyond my comprehension, I have benefited greatly from those I understand. I just could not understand why the Chinese government suppressed Falun Gong starting on July 20th, 1999. So I went to appeal in Beijing. I was arrested and put in jail, later transferred to Mianyang Forced Labour Camp. I suffered all sorts of hardships in the labour camp and could not bear the mental and physical torture. Under such circumstances, I gave in. I promised not to practise Falun Gong and finally was released. When I returned home, my wife had divorced me and left. So I am living with my elderly father now."

Hearing his story, I said, "Life is short. If you have to suffer with a clear mind, why not just live a blind, but safe life." He said, "It is just because life is short that I want to look for something eternal."

The next time I met Xie was last July by Binghe Riverside. He said, "I saved some money and purchased a secondhand computer, and I planned to ask you to teach me." I was glad and said, "That's good. I am retired and have nothing particular to do at home. I can teach you for free." He was upset and said, "When I went to a friend's wedding, the police ransacked the room I rent, confiscated my computer, cash and account book which had about 2000 yuan, and my cell phone."

I said, "Why did they do that?" He said, "I had been to the police department several times with other Falun Gong practitioners, asking them to release the detained practitioners." I was surprised, "How come?" He said, "I didn't do well in the past and I regret giving in under pressure. When Jesus came down to the world to save people, his disciples had the goal of going to heaven through cultivation. Yet the Romans initiated a heartless persecution against Jesus and his disciples. Afterwards, the Romans suffered several serious epidemics. People who were involved in the persecution with the Roman rulers went through great pain. Isn't China today similar to Rome in the past? Our Teacher said that we as cultivators have no enemies. We are kind to all people." I said, "No matter what, you cannot throw yourself in front of such dire danger." He said, "As long as we cultivators behave righteously, I don't mind going to the police station to clarify the truth to them. I will go and ask them to return my things." Hearing that, I felt I had nothing to say.

On the morning of July 7th, when I passed by the police department, I heard someone say that a young man was handcuffed by the police. He called out "Falun Dafa is good" and was thrown to the ground, then dragged into a police van. Hearing that, I felt my head begin to swell. Could it be that Xie has fallen in their hands again? Later on, I learnt that he was detained at the Custody Centre and was on a hunger strike for over ten days. He was transferred to the Mianyang Labour Camp and sentenced to two years of imprisonment.

It is hard for the people to know clearly what's happening in the society right now. Having experienced so many political movements, especially the Cultural Revolution, old people like me will not criticise, nor will we want to follow others. Who is right and who is wrong? We will wait and see. Although I cannot fully understand the principles Xie has enlightened to, as I have been living a numb and blind life for a long time, I think highly of him. He does not have a degree, but is eager to learn. Born to a poor family, he was well brought up. When being ill-treated, he does not complain or get angry and is only saddened for those who commit evil. As a young man, he has such a broad mind. Isn't it precious?

He has no personal or political agenda, only to search for the truth of life. Facing the hardships and tribulations in life, he keeps on walking along the path of his choice and is firm in his belief. That is some spirit that is far beyond the ordinary, and I think it comes from the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance that he is cultivating.