Fa-Study Weekend in Queensland, Australia

On the weekend of December 1-2, 2001, over 50 practitioners from around Queensland and northern New South Wales gathered on the Gold Coast for an intensive Fa study and experience sharing. The main focus was to study the Teacher's latest articles in order to help everyone upgrade his understanding as to what practitioners now need to do in this late stage of Fa rectification. One of the practitioners from Melbourne, Kate Douglass, who was one of the four Australian practitioners at Tiananmen Square on November 20, came especially to share with us. Kate had previously lived on the Gold Coast and wanted to be present to share her experiences in China and at Tiananmen Square.

As the weather was quite warm, most of the activities were held outdoors at the Broadbeach practice site. This is a very good venue as many Mainland Chinese tourists come here to see the ocean, porpoises and occasional whales. During our two days of activities, many Mainland Chinese witnessed the freedom that the practitioners have outside of China to practice Falun Gong. We had many large photos and posters out clarifying the brutal persecution of Jiang Zemin and also the truth and peacefulness of the practice itself. The Chinese practitioners present handed out much truth-clarifying material and had lengthy talks with some of the tourists. Many Mainland Chinese are very reticent to be seen taking Falun Gong material, but if even one takes the material the others usually read it as well. Sometimes as one of the Chinese would pick up something to read, the tour leader would come over and tear it out of that person's hand and throw it back on the display. It was sad to see how such people were positioning themselves against the Fa. It was also clear to see how amazed the Mainland Chinese were to see us all there publicly doing the exercises, reading and sharing so openly and in such a peaceful way.

Kate shared her experience of going to Tiananmen Square with a number of practitioners in the "Blue House", a Falun Dafa meeting place owned by two of the practitioners. Everyone was enthralled as Kate's account unfolded. Her discussion of the tribulations and cultivation opportunities they all went through was very inspiring for everyone present. The significance of this action was readily apparent to everyone by the end of Kate's account.

Saturday night, we held a candlelight vigil on the esplanade in Surfers Paradise that attracted many people, including Chinese locals and tourists. Many flyers were handed out and many people had the true facts of the persecution clarified to them. We have found these vigils to be an excellent way to educate the public as we display many photos and posters and distribute much literature.

The weekend flew by and all those present wished they could continue longer. We all realised how important these study and sharing events are during this crucial time of Fa-rectification. Practitioners became more resolute and determined to study the Fa well and clarify the truth to all those souls who have yet to learn about Falun Dafa and the horrific persecution of practitioners by Jiang Zemin and his cohorts in China.

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