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[Minghui 8/24/2000]
At present, for
every disciple both inside and outside of China, clarifying the truth of
Falun Gong to people around the world is the most important task in "assisting
the teacher in the human world".
Toronto Practitioners’ Press Statement in Falun Dafa Week (8/24/00)
We are proud to celebrate Falun Dafa Week from August 21st to 27th throughout
Canada. Not only for us, Falun Dafa practitioners, but also for all Canadians.
As the Hon. Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage expressed in her
greetings: "Falun Dafa is rooted in ancient Chinese traditions and promotes
the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion
and Tolerance, which, as Canadians, we all share and appreciate."
More significantly, it is really a pleasant and memorable week for all
members of Falun Dafa Association of Canada because the practice of Falun
Dafa has benefited our neighborhoods and the whole society as well as ourselves
both physically and spiritually. Also, we received greetings from the Right
Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, who is glad to
witness that "the exercises and meditation they practice are more than
just techniques they are learning to master: they are the means that allow
them to progress and develop as people."
In Canada, an award or recognition from the Governor General is traditionally
considered as one of the highest honors one can acquire. Just as our teacher,
Mr. Li Hongzhi said in June 1999 when he was awarded by the State of Illinois
and when the City of Chicago proclaimed Master Li Hongzhi Day, " A practitioner
takes worldly fame lightly. The award has no special meaning to myself;
but to Falun Dafa, the meaning of the award is profound. It represents
the understanding and recognition of Falun Dafa by people and society."
Mr. Li hopes that more kind-hearted people will join us in practicing Falun
Dafa, very gentle, peaceful exercises of body and mind. Once again, we
would like to pass this message to all Canadians through the mass media,
which has made efforts in introducing Falun Dafa to more people in Canada
as well as in other parts of the world.
Moreover, Falun Dafa transcends cultural and racial boundaries. It resonates
the universal truth to every corner of the earth and bridges the gap between
east and west. From our Falun Dafa Week events, we believe that every Canadian
will confirm his or her previous impression that Falun Dafa belongs to
everyone, every culture, denomination and every nationality in the world.
So far, we have received greetings from more than 20 MPs, Senators premiers
and city mayors across Canada. In Ontario, the City of Stratford has proclaimed
August 19, 2000 as Falun Dafa Day. More remarkably, greetings and best
wishes also come from various political parties including MP. Deborah Grey,
Leader of the Opposition in the parliament.
We are grateful for all the support and recognition we have received;
We are also grateful for all those who help us in all ways and by all means
and for those who have signed the petition letters for us. We are encouraged
that the international community and the Canadian people in particular
have extended increasing aid and assistance for the concerns and human
rights of Falun Gong practitioners in China. You might have been aware
that one year ago, the Chinese government declared the practice of Falun
Gong to be illegal. Since then, thousands of practitioners in China were
arrested, beaten and even tortured to death just because they did not want
to stop their belief in Falun Dafa. We are lucky to be in Canada, where
we enjoy the freedom of belief, and the freedom to organize events like
today. Meanwhile, we appeal to the Canadian government and all Canadians
for further support of human rights and spiritual freedom for Falun Dafa
so that a peaceful way will be found to help practitioners in China to
resume their quiet and noble practice, and their goal of becoming better
people and better citizens as they follow the universal principles of Truthfulness,
Compassion and Tolerance.
Thank you.
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