The Times Union (Albany, NY): FACES OF FAITH
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. You've been practicing Falun Gong for six years. What is it? 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. What have you done to help secure Dr. Li's release? 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. As a Falun Gong practitioner, how do seek to understand the events like Sept.
11 and its aftermath? 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.
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