By an Overseas Practitioner

(Clearwisdom.net) From the Clearwisdom website, I learned that two Chinese Falun Gong practitioners, Mr. Lin Chengtao and Mr. Liu Xiao, have been detained in a forced labor camp since September 2001. The brutal torture continues despite the mental trauma it has caused them. Mr. Lin's wife Zhang Xiaojie has been detained in another labor camp and their three-year-old daughter has lost the loving care of her parents. Reading this shocking and upsetting news, my heart sank.

While I enjoy a peaceful life and the freedom to practice Falun Gong, they are suffering in labor camps and have been deprived of their rights.

Who caused this tragedy? Who separated one happy family after another? Who made so many children lose their parents? Who put young people who believe in 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance' into prison? Who denied their rights as human beings? As a friend of these three people, I realized that I should not keep silent any more!

I got to know Lin Chengtao in early 1996. At that time he had completed Master's degree and worked at the Peking Union Medical College. In his spare time, he was a voluntary assistant at a Falun Gong practice site near his work unit. He carried a cassette player every day and helped fellow practitioners in many ways. Lin was often commended for his sincerity and sense of responsibility by his colleagues and fellow practitioners. Lin looked inward whenever conflicts took place and he was tolerant of other people's faults. He often shared his cultivation experience with me and helped me when I had difficulties. As an outstanding researcher, it was easy for Lin to go abroad to get a better-paid job. However he chose to stay in the Union Medical College and completed his five-year-contract. He was willing to continue his contribution to the college, but this young scholar was forced to stop his work because he thought Falun Gong was good.

Lin's wife Zhang Xiaojie was an excellent music teacher in a middle school. She looked after a practice site in Beijing in her free time. She voluntarily taught a group of school children to practice Falun Gong and read the Falun Gong books. Xiaojie is a sincere person. She behaved according to 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance'. Comparing myself with her, I found many shortcomings in myself.

As for Mr. Liu Xiao, I had heard many favorable comments about him before we met in a study session. He was gentle, polite, warm and smart. He was dedicated to his work and cultivation of Falun Gong. He even memorized the whole book Falun Gong. Liu Xiao always shared with us his understandings of cultivation at study sessions. His wisdom and humor was inspiring to us all.

Recalling my years of cultivation in China, I realize how valuable the past was. A group of young people strived forward side by side on the journey to 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.' What a beautiful period of time we shared! How can I forget your smiles, encouragement and friendship? Can you hear my voice from the bottom of my heart? All kind-hearted people, with our conscience let us make the right choice between right and wrong. Please stretch out your hand and lend your support.

Posting date: 12/18/2002
Original article date: 12/18/2002
Category: Eye Witness Accounts
Chinese version available at http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2002/12/11/40785.html

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