Correspondent from Minghui.org
(Clearwisdom.net) May 13, 2005 marked the 13th anniversary
of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public. On May 14, Saturday, practitioners
in San Francisco area gathered at the Union Square and celebrated this holiday
in a different way than usual. Some practitioners demonstrated the five sets of
exercises, some narrated their cultivation stories. Many passers by felt the
peaceful energy field and learned the exercises with practitioners. The
atmosphere was enthusiastic. In the end, practitioners gave elegant dance
performance which pushed the celebration to a climax.
 
Exercise demonstration |
A western practitioner demonstrating the exercises |
At 9 am, practitioners' large-scale group practice opened the celebration.
Colorful balloons were hung on the handrails around the Union Square. Banners
that read, "Truthfulness, Compassion , Forbearance" and "Falun
Dafa is great" were unfurled on both sides. Auspicious, peaceful and joyful
atmosphere was filled in the square.
Then practitioners related their own experiences of benefiting from the
practice of Falun Dafa to celebrate this holiday.
People wishing to learn about the truth |
People wishing to learn about the truth |
Ivan, a western practitioner from San Francisco bay area said when sharing
his stories about cultivating Falun Dafa, "Whenever I recall my past, I
feel how fortunate I am to be able to cultivate Falun Gong. Previously, I often
read books in spiritual field and always felt that something is missing in my
life, but I did not have a answer."
Ivan said that until January 2003, when he was taking a walk in the morning,
he saw a group people of different nationalities were doing some yoga-like slow
and elegant movements, he was immediately attracted by the peaceful scene. He
said that he noticed these people were very serene and peaceful and their faces
shone pure and auspicious light.
Ivan stated, "After I practiced Falun Dafa, I found that the principles
of Dafa are so profound. I finally find the direction of my life. I can now
happily merge Truth-Compassion-Forbearance into my life. The two and half year
cultivation has brought me endless happiness."
However, when Ivan learned about the persecution experienced by Falun Gong
practitioners in China, he felt very sorrow. He said, "I could not
understand why so many good people are suffering the persecution simply because
of their practice of Falun Gong in China. Gradually, I understood. All these
unimaginable persecution and torture are due to the evil nature of the Communist
Party. I hate the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda. I made up my mind to
help people to learn about the truth."
Alice, a San Francisco resident told this reporter that she was deeply moved
by practitioners' peaceful group practice. Prior to this, what she heard about
Falun Gong was all from the CCP's deceptive propaganda. Today, she saw the real
Falun Gong practitioners and they are totally different from what the CCP
described. She said, "Today, I see Falun Gong with my own eyes. Falun Gong
practitioners believe in Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerances and they are
very peaceful. They are totally different from the propaganda. I'm really happy
to be able to learn about the truth."
A lady named Patrinella said that usually she would not accept any flyers
handed out to her. But when she was in New York, she saw Falun Gong
practitioners' anti-torture exhibit, and saw some practitioner was confined in a
small cage and her face showed marks of being beaten and tortured. The scene
moved her and she accepted the truth-clarifying video CD and booklet. She said,
"I watched the video when I got home. The video talked about Truthfulness,
Compassion and Forbearance as well as the practice of cultivation. I like it
very much. Today, I see you practicing Falun Gong here in San Francisco. Now I
can learn the exercise from you!"
|
Young practitioners performing colorful ribbon dance
|
Mr. Bian, 65 years old, has practiced Falun Gong for 9 years. He said that
today is the 13th anniversary of the public introduction of Falun
Dafa. Before the persecution began in 1999, Falun Dafa was warmly received in
Mainland China. At that time, a hundred million people practiced Falun Dafa.
People's moral standard improved in a great deal, they obtained good health and
the society was also stable as a result. Falun Gong brought Chinese people and
the country a great number of benefits.
Mr. Bian said, "Such a good practice has been unfortunately persecuted
since 1999. I've experienced the entire process from April 25 to July 20, 1999.
After I went abroad, my freedoms of practicing the exercises and belief are
ensured. In the world, Falun Gong is now practiced in more than 70
countries."
Mr. Bian considered that the CCP's evil nature completely departs from
Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance. The Nine Commentaries on the Communist
Party exposed the vicious nature of the party. I believe that in the near
future, we will be able to celebrate this World Falun Dafa Day with
practitioners from Mainland China."
