(Clearwisdom.net) May 13, 2011 was a very special day for Falun Gong practitioners around the world. On this day nineteen years ago, Master Li Hongzhi introduced this wonderful practice the public. Since then, millions of people began following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and regained new lives. Therefore, many practitioners regard this day as their real birthday. This year also marks Master Li’s sixtieth birthday. Practitioners around the world celebrated with various festivities, saying, "Happy Birthday, Master!"
On the evening of May 13, practitioners in Copenhagen, Denmark, got together to read Falun Gong books, send forth righteous thoughts, and share cultivation experiences.
Practitioners in Denmark celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and Master's sixtieth birthday in downtown Copenhagen
On the afternoon of May 14, practitioners from Denmark and Sweden gathered in downtown Copenhagen to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. The weather forecast called for rain, but it turned out to be sunny. The busiest pedestrian high street was full of people and very lively.
Practitioners in Denmark speak with people about Falun Gong
Practitioners in Denmark speak with people about Falun Gong
In the spirit of sharing the benefits of Falun Dafa with others and raising awareness to stop the persecution, practitioners put up a poster exhibit and display boards, distributed flyers and performed exercise demonstrations. Numerous people stopped to learn more about Falun Dafa.
Spectators take photos
Passersby follow along with the exercise movements
Mother and daughter viewing display boards about the persecution
People want to learn about about Falun Gong
A Norwegian man who is a practitioner of Chinese medicine walked up to a practitioner and asked: “I heard that Falun Gong practitioners in China suffer brutal persecution.” He really could not understand why. After the practitioner explained in depth the nature of the evil CCP, what Falun Gong is and how quickly the practice grew in numbers in China, he was very understanding and receptive, saying that he would definitely read Falun Gong books. When he left he put his palms together and bowed to say “thank you.”
Eighty-three-year-old Powell was the first western Falun Gong practitioner in Denmark.
Eighty-three-year-old Powell was the first western Falun Gong practitioner in Denmark. He started practicing Falun Gong in early 1999. Within a short period of time, the illness that plagued him all his life miraculously disappeared. Now, he is still as healthy as a youth. Since the CCP started the persecution of Falun Gong twelve years ago, Powell has not stopped participating in efforts to stop the persecution. For ten years he has been continuing to protest against the persecution in front of the Chinese embassy.
Practitioner Stephen and his family joyfully celebrate World Falun Dafa Day
Under the introduction of her husband Stephen, a western practitioner in Denmark, Ms. Lu started cultivation in 2006. Today, the couple came here with their two children to celebrate the World Falun Dafa Day. She said: "In the past I did not know the meaning of life. I felt life was empty and boring. At that time I thought life was just about making more money and buying better things. But somehow I still felt insecure. Now, I understand the purpose of life is returning to one’s original, true self, acting and thinking in accordance with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I’m living an enriched life. ”
Her husband, Stephen, said: "My family came here today to celebrate the World Falun Dafa Day, to show people the beauty of Falun Gong, and the brutality of the persecution that is happening in China. Following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is what our world needs most, and most desperately "
Gisela is interviewed by NTDTV
Gisela, a Swedish national currently living in Denmark, said: "May 13 is the most important day of the year to me. Since 1999 when I started practicing Falun Gong, my life has undergone enormous changes. Because of multiple complications resulting from a kidney disease, I almost became disabled. But after I practiced Falun Gong for two to three months, I was completely cured and was able to go to college, which was unthinkable in the past! However, health improvement was not my biggest gain. When I read the book and decided to practice Falun Gong, I did not think about healing at all, but rather was attracted by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, which brings peace and goodness to this chaotic world. ” According to Gisela, on Christmas day many Swedish people send relatives greetings via SMS text. Yesterday, she sent all the relatives in her family a text message: "Happy World Falun Dafa Day!"
Emily Zhang is a young Chinese practitioner. Having received her Ph.D. in Denmark, she is now an Associate Professor at the University of Aarhus. Today she made a special trip from Aarhus, the second largest city in Denmark to attend the World Falun Dafa Day celebration. Since she first read the book Zhuan Falun in 2006, her life changed dramatically. She said: “I did not have any illness before cultivation, however I gained a better understanding of the purpose of life and its many mysteries. Life feels especially meaningful."
Emily said with emotion, "Since I started cultivation, whenever I met with tribulations, whether in my personal life or at work, I was no longer worried like before. I would calm down and go with the flow. No matter how busy or how confused, I would continue to read the Falun Dafa teachings and do the exercises as usual. After passing this test, I would for sure see 'After passing the shady willow trees, there will be bright flowers and another village ahead!' (quote from the book Zhuan Falun). It works every time without fail. I feel it is Master who is looking after me. "
Practitioners participating in the event wish revered Master Happy Birthday
At the end, all Falun Gong practitioners participating in the event put their palms together to wish Master Li a Happy Birthday from afar.
