In San Francisco Bay Area, Mr. Xu Xiaoyi, a well-respected figure among his acquaintances, is known for being a medical doctor and an outstanding talent in the United States. His harmonious family life and successful children make him a true winner in life.
Receiving numerous praises, Mr. Xu Xiaoyi humbly states, “I am just an ordinary Falun Gong practitioner, indifferent to fame and fortune, finding contentment within myself, and filled with gratitude towards Master Li Hongzhi.”
Recently, a reporter from Epoch Times interviewed Mr. Xu Xiaoyi, listening to him narrate the story of an “ordinary person” on the path of cultivation. Here is Mr. Xu Xiaoyi sharing his cultivation journey:
In the spring of 1994, I was studying at university. One day, a good friend came to our school with exciting news: “Falun Gong will hold a 10-day teaching class from April 29 to May 8 at the Mingfang Palace in Jilin University. Let’s go together!”
Without hesitation, I agreed, “Sure!”
My friend explained, “This is the 7th session of Falun Gong learning class held by Master Li Hongzhi in Changchun. It’s divided into day and evening classes, and we will join the evening session.”
Luck seemed to be on my side as I had the privilege to attend Master Li Hongzhi’s final lecture in Changchun, as if it was predestined.
The auditorium, capable of accommodating 1,600 people, was packed with eager listeners. Master Li stood tall, with a benevolent expression, looking remarkably young. Despite sitting towards the back, I could hear every word clearly.
It was my first time attending a qigong class, but it didn’t feel unfamiliar with Falun Gong. Just the thought of listening to Master Li’s teachings in the evening filled me with indescribable joy.
On the last day of the class, Master Li encouraged everyone to think about their own illnesses or family members who needed healing. I thought of my father, who had suffered from lumbar muscle strain for many years. Miraculously, after that day, my father’s back pain significantly alleviated.
After the class, we had the opportunity to take a photo with Master Li. I sensed his decisiveness, simplicity, and immense compassion, paired with dignity in his actions.
Since then, I have lived by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. My family noticed a significant change in me. Previously, I would often clash with my sister at home, but now I always consider the well-being of my parents and sister, not minding any personal losses.
I said, “I resonate with the principles taught by Master Li in Falun Gong, strive to improve myself according to the requirements of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and be a kind, tolerant, and considerate person.”
Despite working hard in my studies, my academic performance was only average. However, after practicing Falun Gong, I felt my mind and wisdom expanding, making studying easier, and my exam results significantly improved.
Once, a classmate asked me to take a test for him. I believed that cheating did not align with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, so I explained my thoughts to him. Instead of getting angry, he admired my integrity, saying, “In a society where deceit and plagiarism are rampant, you stand firm in upholding ethical standards and not following unethical practices.”
Upon graduating from university, I was assigned to work at a local hospital in Changchun, specializing in oncology. Once, I encountered a lung cancer patient from a forest area who could only afford 500 RMB for treatment. He said, “This is all my savings, please treat me with this!”
Just one dose of chemotherapy for a tumor patient costs over 500 RMB. How could he expect treatment with just 500 RMB? Understanding his pain and financial troubles, I promised to do my best to help him. Grateful and amazed, he exclaimed that he had met a good person!
“In medicine lies benevolence,” ancient physicians healed the world, often providing free treatment for the poor. But under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the values have deviated: doctors prescribe expensive drugs to earn higher bonuses, while some accept bribes to quickly accumulate wealth. Departing from traditional morals, societal ethics have deteriorated.
Yet, I held myself to a higher standard, never engaging in such practices. Despite the hardships of surgical procedures and night shifts in healthcare, I never accepted red envelopes from patients!
When there were opportunities for further education at the hospital, colleagues fiercely competed for them. Though I also desired to enhance my medical skills, I chose not to compete and willingly gave up the chance for others. Perhaps it was a test, and I passed.
Not long after, I unexpectedly learned that I qualified to pursue a postgraduate degree. Filled with excitement and gratitude, I couldn’t help but admire, “As Master Li mentioned, what belongs to you will not be lost, and what is meant to be, will naturally happen.”
Prior to the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong, countless people in Changchun practiced Falun Gong, with every public park in the city hosting exercise sites. People gathered in the morning for group exercises and studied the teachings in the evening, sharing experiences and insights. During those days, I felt a sense of brotherhood among all people!
In sharing cultivation experiences, we primarily focused on our personal insights, such as the benefits of consistent morning exercises, letting go of greed for money, showing tolerance to others, stepping back in conflicts for a broader perspective, and how individual cultivation can benefit entire families. Our hearts were brimming with gratitude towards Master Li!
In 1999, after the CCP initiated the persecution of Falun Gong, memories resurfaced, revealing the premeditated plan of the CCP to persecute practitioners.
In 1996, Jilin Provincial TV aired a drama featuring a scene where a person committed suicide with a picture of Falun Gong’s founder, Master Li Hongzhi, placed in front.
Falun Gong practitioners found this portrayal inaccurate and defamatory. Because in “Zhuan Falun,” it is clearly stated that Falun Gong practitioners do not harm others, let alone commit suicide.
We voluntarily approached the government to convey the truth, highlighting that the provincial TV’s actions violated the policy established by former General Secretary of the CCP Hu Yaobang in 1982, which prohibited debate, publicity, and criticism of human body science and qigong research. Eventually, the provincial TV discreetly ceased broadcasting.
Two to three years before the persecution of Falun Gong by the CCP, someone “infiltrated” our study group. I recall a person working at the provincial Public Security Bureau attending the study group. Initially, we thought he was also a practitioner because of his insightful discussions. After the persecution began, several Falun Gong practitioners were gradually arrested, yet he not only remained unscathed but also received a promotion! Only then did we realize he was an undercover agent sent by the Public Security Bureau.
On April 25, 1999, Falun Gong practitioners peacefully petitioned in Tiananmen Square, demanding the release of illegally detained practitioners and seeking a lawful environment for cultivation. At the time, while pursuing my postgraduate studies, I sensed an impending storm as the CCP-controlled media started to incite and prepare propaganda. Many around me predicted that based on the CCP’s history of various movements, the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, and the subsequent reprisals, the signs indicated that the Communist Party was preparing to suppress Falun Gong practitioners.
On July 20, 1999, the CCP commenced its persecution of Falun Gong… The CCP exerted national-level physical, financial, and violent resources to carry out the persecution. Their lies, framing, and inhumane actions were appalling and abhorrent, plunging people into a tragic fate.
It is widely known that Falun Gong practitioners, being peaceful civilians, practice for health benefits and savings on medical expenses. Genuine cultivators adhere to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, refraining from engaging in illegal activities, let alone suicide or murder! Thus, the “Tiananmen Square Self-immolation” incident and the so-called 1,400 cases were entirely fabricated by the CCP to justify its crackdown on Falun Gong.
In February 2000, after careful consideration, I decided to go to Beijing to clarify the true situation of Falun Gong and inform the public: “Falun Gong teaches moral values, uplifts morality, and carries no political agenda, benefiting individuals, society, and the nation in every aspect.” At that time, I was prepared for the worst outcome: even if I were arrested, beaten, or lost my life, I was determined to speak up for Falun Gong! I have no regrets!
Once in Tiananmen Square, I shared my personal benefits from practicing Falun Gong with two individuals before starting to meditate. Soon after, police forcefully approached, attempting to kick me with their shoes and then kidnapped me to Tiananmen Square police station. There, I encountered a familiar face—the same person I had spoken to at Tiananmen Square was no passerby but an undercover police officer! Shortly after, I was taken to Changchun City Public Security Bureau. Eventually, with the help of my family, I returned home.
Compelled by secret orders from the CCP, the school unjustifiably mandated that I cease my studies, forcing me to participate in “brainwashing and transformation” sessions. I unequivocally refused. The head of the department questioned, “You are such a kind person, why practice Falun Gong?” I responded, “Chief, it is precisely through practicing Falun Gong that I have become a good person!”
A department director hurled insults and insults at me, to which I calmly replied, “Director, despite your treatment, I hold no resentment towards you.” I noticed tears welling up in his eyes. From then on, he never bothered me again.
Another department director stated, “I truly admire you! I’ll make friends with Falun Gong practitioners in the future.”
A different department director privately told me, “I will do my best to protect you.” Years later, I learned that despite exceeding the retirement age, this director remained healthy and continued his research work in the lab, with his children also succeeding in their careers.
In 2006, after obtaining my Ph.D., I applied for a research fund established by the South Korean government. Consequently, I left mainland China and went to South Korea, embarking on postdoctoral research projects.
In 2012, I received an opportunity to conduct research at Stanford University and moved with my family to California, United States.
After leaving mainland China, I found myself in a free environment for cultivation with “religious freedom.”
I heard that “In modern mainland China, no one dares to help when an elder falls.” This reality made me lament the CCP’s authoritarian rule, complete with lies, misconduct, destroying traditional culture and morals, corroding societal values, blurring lines between right and wrong. Without shedding the CCP’s dictatorial rule, the people cannot return to tradition, and our nation will have no future, no hope!
Time flies by, and I have practiced Falun Gong for nearly thirty years, while my youngest child has grown into an adult. I remember in 2000, when I went to Tiananmen Square to speak the truth, my son was just a month old, and now he is a graduate student.
When studying in high school, my son attended a school in Palo Alto. The academic pressure and competition were intense, leading to cases of depression and suicide among students. During his freshman year, influenced by the school environment, he would often come home talking about classmates suffering from depression and students committing suicide.
I told my child: “Palo Alto is a beautiful city known for its affluent residents, where even a small house costs over a million dollars. Although we may be an average family in material wealth, our spiritual faith is our fortune. After practicing ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance,’ my state of mind has become serene, focused on contributing to society rather than pursuing fame and wealth. Over the years, I view every blessing as a gift from the divine with immense gratitude.”
Inspired by these teachings, my son began to internalize them. He learned to face academic pressures with a calm mind. His childhood dream was to become a pilot. Living in the United States reinforced his determination. He studied diligently, engaged in mainstream activities, maintained a disciplined lifestyle, retiring before 10 p.m. every night, never indulging in video games. Recently, he obtained a commercial pilot’s license, becoming a pilot while simultaneously pursuing a postgraduate degree.
My son mentioned that if he were in China, he would never have the opportunity to realize his dream of becoming a pilot. He expressed profound gratitude to his parents for instilling traditional moral values, teaching him filial piety, kindness towards others, self-discipline, self-confidence, thriftiness, and a resilient outlook on life.
He said, “Now as a graduate student and one of the few Asian pilots in my class, surrounded by mostly white colleagues, I am thankful to my father for introducing me to the principles of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.’ These teachings helped shape me into a broad-minded, determined individual, filling my heart with gratitude!”
After sharing his cultivation journey, Mr. Xu Xiaoyi concluded with a profound statement to the writer, “If a doctor cures a patient’s terminal illness, that patient will be grateful for life; if a teacher imparts wisdom, I will respect and honor them forever; Master Li Hongzhi taught me the essence of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance,’ benefiting me and my family endlessly, instilling deep gratitude in my heart!”
Responsibility Editor: Wang Hongsheng #