There's a chinese song that goes: "Nothing is more beautiful than the sunset glow, warm and unhurried. The sunset is a late-blooming flower, the sunset is aged wine..." This reminds me of a past I would rather forget. Just as I was about to enter my twilight years and enjoy the most beautiful sunset glow, I was enticed by the fallacies of Falun Gong, nearly tarnishing my reputation in old age and leaving a psychological shadow that lingers to this day.
Deceived by the Cult Due to Illness
My name is Wu Qiyu (pseudonym), born in August 1960, formerly an elementary school teacher in Xushui District, Baoding City, Hebei Province. In March 1999, suffering from chronic illnesses like goiter and tuberculosis that were resistant to treatment, I heard that practicing Falun Gong could not only strengthen the body and ward off diseases but also, if practiced well, lead to a heavenly kingdom free from the pains of birth, aging, sickness, and death—a life where one could have whatever they desired without labor. Honestly, I didn't believe or yearn for such a divine life, but the claims of health benefits appealed to me, so I joined the practice with a trial mindset.
I immersed myself in Falun Gong practices, attending daily gatherings to share experiences with fellow followers, and spending my evenings meditating, reading Falun Gong texts, or watching related DVDs. After a few months of this routine and ongoing psychological reinforcement, I felt more energized, and my health appeared to improve. I even experienced a sense of spiritual elevation. Convinced of its supposed benefits, I began leveraging my role as a teacher to earn others' trust and ultimately recruited more than a dozen people into Falun Gong. I went so far as to fund and establish a practice site in a busy part of the village, where I served as the local instructor, actively promoting Falun Gong to everyone I encountered.
Deeply Entrenched and Harmed
In July 1999, after the Chinese government legally banned Falun Gong, my fellow practitioners and I were perplexed and found it hard to accept. We received directives to organize protests and continue public practice. Entrenched in the belief, I resolved to continue practicing Falun Gong to the end.
I gradually neglected my teaching duties and household chores, dedicating almost all my time and energy to Falun Gong. As a dedicated educator, I began to disregard my profession, barely preparing lessons, and neglecting student assignments. My husband, concerned about the changes in me, gently urged me to return to my usual routines. But I was so deeply immersed in the cult’s ideology that I no longer recognized myself. I handed over all household tasks to him and dismissed the worries of our family and colleagues, seeing their concerns as mere tests from the “Master.” I believed I had successfully overcome the trials of emotions and fame.
In June 2008, I was imprisoned for disturbing public order. Still unrepentant, I secretly continued practicing Falun Gong, viewing the correctional officers as so-called "demons" sent to test my faith. I even went on hunger strikes, convinced it was a form of spiritual resistance. When my husband and children brought my frail mother to visit and plead with me to abandon Falun Gong, I stubbornly refused. My husband, exasperated, left with my mother, saying, "Let her live with 'Falun Gong' then!" Watching them leave, I felt heartbroken but still clung to the “master” and the Dafa, heartlessly severing the most precious familial bonds.
Awakening and Leaving the Cult
Despite my obstinance, my country and government never gave up on me. Anti-cult volunteers visited my home to patiently explain how Falun Gong deceived people, its main harms, and the supportive policies for former practitioners. Their sincere efforts deeply moved me.
With support from all sectors of society and the guidance of national policies, I slowly began to realize the importance of turning back and reconnecting with my true self. Breaking free from the spiritual chains of Falun Gong, I came to understand that without eradicating cults, neither our country nor families could find peace. Inspired by this realization, I made the decision to share my personal experiences, exposing the deceptive and harmful nature of Li Hongzhi and his Falun Gong cult organization.
Enjoying the Most Beautiful Sunset Years
As the Chinese saying goes, "To return from a mistaken path is true virtue; a prodigal who comes home is worth more than gold." The Party and government's efforts saved me. I resolved to live well and express my gratitude through actions. I resumed diligent work, took on household chores, and helped neighbors solve problems. I also shared my experiences with those still trapped in the Falun Gong, helping them recognize its reactionary nature. Gradually, I regained harmonious relationships with neighbors and became respected and welcomed once more. Now, my spouse and I have returned to our loving life. Family and friends now frequently visit our home again—a stark contrast to the isolation we experienced during our estrangement. Life improves when we stay true to ourselves.
Life's most beautiful sunset years are now mine to enjoy, free from the cult and living a happy old age. Today, I share my story in hopes that those still enamored with the Falun Gong cult can learn from my experience, break free from the cult, and enjoy a beautiful life.
