Zhuan Falun, My Constant Companion

My name is Manu Huwyler, and I am from Switzerland

Before I became acquainted with Falun Gong, I was interested in different esoteric practices and had spent a lot of money looking for an answer to my many questions. Over time, I had begun to notice more and more that these meditation techniques were not satisfactory, and I had the feeling that I was not evolving anymore. I eventually distanced myself from all those practices, and I ended up feeling very empty and in search of a real profound meditation practice.

On a cold autumn day in 1997, I waited, as I did each Friday, at the railway station for the train, which would take me to Zurich. To pass the time, I browsed through a magazine called "Esotera" at the kiosk nearby. An article about Falun Gong in China caught my attention. Although I only skimmed the first pages, it was immediately clear to me that I had to buy this magazine. With great interest, I read the article about Falun Gong and it touched me deeply. When I gave the article to my friend (now my husband) for reading, he was immediately enthused. After trying to make contact with some Falun Gong practitioners in Switzerland, we received an address in the city of Zurich where the exercises were being taught--free of charge. I still remember that the practitioner explained all the exercises so patiently. At this time, I lived further away from the practice site so my friend went there and learned the exercises. On the weekends, he showed me the exercises at home. In support of myself, I copied all pictures of the exercises from the first book Falun Gong. Then I glued the different pictures according to the sequence on a large piece of paper, which I then used at home. When I practiced the exercises alone, I was now able to read off the positions from the paper repeatedly and was able to correct my movements accordingly.

When I received the book Zhuan Falun, I was so excited and wanted to read it each free minute. I had this strong feeling that I had finally found the greatest treasure. No sentence seemed to be strange to me although I had never read about some of these topics. It simply made sense to me. This clarity expressed in Zhuan Falun has been a large blessing for me and naturally, I am always noticing more clearly how much obstinacy I still have. Yet, I know that the book Zhuan Falun simply solves many questions. The more often I read the book, the more I notice that I simply run over the pages, and only after multiple readings, do I receive one of those moments of clarity and understanding. This is the inner drive that urges me to read the book again and again. Each time I am surprised when my perception has changed. This confirms for me that my awareness increases gradually.

Through the mirror of my working colleagues, acquaintances, and my husband, I recognize more and more where my gaps are regarding the three cosmic principles of Falun Dafa: Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance. The more often I read the book Zhuan Falun, the more I must admit that my understandings are still quite limited. Therefore, a saying crosses my mind: "One cannot jump twice into the same river!" There was once a period where I no longer wanted to read the book and it was a discomfort to do so. Now, however, I know how precious this book is. It reveals to me new insights bit by bit.

In September of 1998, I had the great fortune to meet our compassionate Master, Li Hongzhi - the founder of Falun Gong in Geneva and listen to his words. I remember clearly that I was deeply moved, so much so that I cried, my heart was full of gratitude. I knew that finally I had found what my heart was longing for and many of my questions just vanished.

For some time I began to memorize Zhuan Falun. First, I began with Lunyu. Rote learning was not easy for me. t took me quite a long time until I could recite the entire Lunyu by heart. Now this memory is my permanent companion: be it while hiking with my husband in the mountains, waiting for the train, distributing materials about the persecution of Falun Gong or on other occasions. While reciting Lunyu, I notice that in this moment I have only a few thoughts, which can disturb me. My consciousness is then completely connected with the Falun Gong teachings. In addition, I realized that I could move forward easily and perceive no tiredness while hiking or walking. I have had similar experiences as well with sending forth righteous thoughts. If my concentration is strong, my heart feels at ease.

Through a conversation with a Chinese practitioner, I was encouraged to memorize Zhuan Falun. Each morning, I memorize Zhuan Falun while travelling on my 35-minute train trip to work. Through rote learning, I discovered that there were many words that I had not internalized at all before, but are significant in the context. Moreover, I noticed that rote learning is not a question of age, but rather of personal will.

My heart is full of gratitude to be in this period with Falun Dafa on this earth. I thank our Honoured Master and all the Falun Dafa disciples, that support and accompany me on my way, and I hope that I will do the three things better and better.

If certain statements do not correspond to the principles layed out in Falun Gong, I ask for your benevolent corrections.