Joshua Hurwit

September 13, 2003 Saturday

Yu Chen: Computer analyst at the state Health Department's Wadsworth Center.

Background: 33, Chinese citizen. Lives in Albany with her husband, Ron, and their new son, Jeffrey. Bachelor's degree in computer science from Beijing University of Information Technology. Master's in computer science from the University at Albany. Outspoken critic of Chinese persecution of Falun Gong; working for the release of Charles Li, an American citizen imprisoned in China for spreading the teachings of Falun Gong.

Falun Gong is a meditation system that teaches truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. It emphasizes the cultivation of one's heart and mind, and has five sets of gentle physical movements that harmonize the body with the outside universe. We have spiritual beliefs and feel a deep faith in the teachings of Falun Gong. But unlike Western religions, there are no dues, no worship and no temple.

It's rooted in ancient China, and has been passed down secretly for thousands of years, from master to disciple. Tai Chi has a similar origin, but through its transmission, the cultivation aspect has been lost. What remains today is solely the exercise part. About 10 years ago in China, Li Hongzhi decided to make Falun Gong public. It became tremendously popular, and vastly improved people's mental and physical health. We now believe there are between 70 million and 100 million people practicing Falun Gong in China.

You have met Dr. Charles Li. Who is he?

I met Dr. Li, a Chinese-American physician from California, in Boston in 1999. When he traveled to China earlier this year to publicize Falun Gong, he was arrested and subsequently sentenced Jan. 24 to three years in prison. It was shocking.

Why did the Chinese government arrest him?

In 1999, (former Chinese leader) [Jiang] Zemin began [persecuting] Falun Gong practitioners overnight. He initiated an anti-Falun Gong campaign in the schools, and the broadcast and print media. It became his goal to turn the country against Falun Gong. I may ultimately seek American citizenship because I am afraid that if I return to China, I will be persecuted.

With other Falun Gong practitioners, I've circulated petitions and been in contact with elected officials. Congressman Michael McNulty and state Sen. Neil Breslin have both been very supportive of our efforts.

Sept. 11 is a result of hatred and a lack of tolerance, compassion and kindness toward other people. I think if more and more people come to recognize these values, then the world will become more peaceful and harmonious.

Posting date: 2/1/2004
Original article date: 1/31/2004
Category: News & Media Reports

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