Falun Gong practitioners hold a meditation protest outside a police station in Hong Kong in March. REUTERS/Bobby Yip
Voices of Justice
Celebration of Falun Dafa's 10th Anniversary
Media Reports
Practitioners Exchange Experiences
News and Activities around the World
News From China
(Clearwisdom.net) Since the beginning of this April, more and more Dafa disciples all over the world have realized, based on the Fa principles, the momentous significance of sending forth righteous thoughts to directly eliminate the factors in other dimensions controlling the head of the evil. In order to completely break through the arrangements of the old forces, in order to create a peaceful time period before the force of Fa-rectification begins weeding out unsalvageable, wicked beings on a large scale, in order to give more innocent beings the chance to hear the truth of Dafa and thus find salvation in a peaceful, just environment, during the time when the head of the evil scurried from place to place overseas, many overseas Dafa disciples and Mainland Dafa disciples simultaneously sent forth righteous thoughts at the top of each hour as well as in close proximity, clearing away large numbers of demons that were controlling the head of the evil to do bad deeds. At present, this activity of sending forth righteous thoughts to eliminate the evil factors that control the head of the evil is still ongoing in Mainland China and all over the world. In order to concentrate our forces to eliminate the factors in other dimensions controlling the head of the evil using righteous thoughts while studying the Fa well and clarifying the truth in a deeper, more refined way, Dafa disciples all over the world will be increasing the frequency of sending forth righteous thoughts together on a global scale and fully utilizing the advantageous situation of sending forth righteous thoughts in close proximity.
From the day this article is published, in addition to previously established times for sending forth righteous thoughts on a global scale once a week, four times daily Dafa disciples all over the world will at set times be sending forth righteous thoughts to clear away all of the evil in the cosmos that is damaging Dafa, and to eliminate the demons that are controlling the head of the evil and the head of the wicked "610 Office" to commit crimes against Dafa disciples.
Starting on May 8 Beijing time, every day at 6 a.m and 6 p.m., plus every day at noon and midnight, at the top of each of these four hours, each time for 5 to 10 minutes, all Dafa disciples from all over the world, including those who are illegally imprisoned in Mainland China, will collectively think in their minds: eliminate all evil that damages Dafa, encompassing it all and leaving out none; eliminate the factors in other dimensions controlling the head of the evil. With a calm heart, silently recite Master's Fa-rectification formulas: "Fa Zheng Qian Kun, Xie e Quan Mie" and "Fa Zheng Tian Di, Xian Shi Xian Bao." ("The Fa rectifies the cosmos, the Evil is completely eliminated" and "The Fa rectifies heaven and earth, immediate retribution in this lifetime") [Editor's note: Formulas should always be recited with their original words/sound in order for them to have the proper effect.] When sending forth righteous thoughts, the two formulas can be used with the two hand gestures at will. After reciting the formula once silently, it is best if one can maintain righteous thoughts within a state of tranquility. When the righteous thoughts are not stable, repeat the formula again to focus one's energies. The calmer one's mind is, the greater the power will be. In addition, each time before sending forth righteous thoughts to eliminate the evil, we should first calm down for 5 minutes and clean out the bad thoughts and ideas, karma, and bad notions or external interference in our minds.
This can be done in any setting -- even if you are walking, eating, or working, and it is not absolutely necessary to sit in the meditation position and use hand gestures. You should send forth righteous thoughts. When sending forth righteous thoughts, imagine that you are like a god that is as tall as the heavens and incomparably noble, with an enormous body. Focus your efforts on your thinking, and send forth the purest and most determined righteous thoughts.
The abovementioned sending forth righteous thoughts activities at fixed times will be carried out four times every day at the above set times and all Dafa disciples around the world will participate simultaneously. The simultaneous sending forth righteous thoughts every Sunday morning at 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 Beijing time will continue.
When our righteous thoughts are pure and upright, regardless of where they are sent from, they are unstoppable and enormously powerful. When we cannot achieve that level of purity and righteousness, sending forth righteous thoughts in close proximity can have the excellent effect of making up for it and display special power. Therefore, while continuing to study the Fa well and clarify the truth, those Dafa disciples who are able to select locations where the head of the evil is or places close to where the evil gathers as the place for sending forth righteous thoughts and increase the frequency of sending forth righteous thoughts; meanwhile, Dafa disciples from other geographic locations should also not let up. While continuously purifying and elevating yourselves, together with those Dafa disciples who peacefully appeal to the head of the evil, with one heart and virtue, send forth the purest, most determined righteous thoughts. In the process of fully utilizing the advantage of sending forth righteous thoughts in close proximity and fully displaying the power of Dafa disciples as a whole, let us use righteous thoughts to eliminate all of the evil that damages Dafa, the demons that control the head of the evil, and the head of the evil "610 Office" to commit crimes against Dafa disciples.
Handle everything with rationality. None of the three important matters of studying the Fa well, clarifying the truth and sending forth righteous thoughts should be overemphasized at the expense of the other two.
(Clearwisdom.net) The application for the founding of "Asociacion Civil Estudio de Falun Dafa" (Civil Falun Dafa Study Association) was turned in about one year ago. However, during the past year, because continuous government strikes took place in the Argentine government, the processing of all applications was delayed. On April 16, 2002, the association was officially approved.
The purpose of the Falun Dafa Association is to encourage "Truth-Compassion-Forbearance" in society and promote Falun Dafa free of charge. The association's activities include voluntary group exercise teaching, discussion, introductory seminars and producing materials that promote "Truth-Compassion-Forbearance." The discussions and seminars can increase the participants' knowledge and understanding of "Truth-Compassion-Forbearance."
Fri May 10, 2002
BEIJING (Reuters) - Defiant members of the banned Falun Gong spiritual group [tapped into] the airwaves of a second northeastern Chinese city in April to show footage protesting against a government crackdown on their faith, witnesses said on Friday.
Falun Gong practitioners hold a meditation protest outside a police station in Hong Kong in March. REUTERS/Bobby Yip
Images touting the virtues of Falun Gong were broadcast on thousands of television sets in a district of the industrial hub of Harbin on the night of April 21, a TV repairman told Reuters.
"I heard it went on for about five minutes," said the worker in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province which borders Russia. "Other sub-districts in the city were not affected."
A local broadcast bureau official confirmed the incident had taken place but would give no details. Police and government officials declined comment.
The move was the latest in a string of high profile attempts by Falun Gong to try and convince the public that adherents suffer wrongful persecution by a Communist government which is trying to crush it.
Falun Gong [tapped] into a cable television broadcast in the northeastern city of Changchun on March 5 to show a similar film.
The airings have been among the group's most daring actions since it was banned in 1999 [...].
"EVOLVING METHODS"
[...] The New York-based Falun Dafa Information Centre said earlier in a statement the group had [tapped into] the airways of large Chinese cable networks five times in the past three months. This could not be independently verified.
Police have arrested more than 20 Falun Gong members for the March 5 incident. They could face prison terms of up to 15 years, according to Chinese officials.
The New York centre also said that Falun Gong's methods of trying to bring an end to persecution in China were evolving but the message remained the same.
"No longer appealing just in Beijing, practitioners and supporters of Falun Gong clarify the truth about the persecution on thousands of street corners, sign-posts, highway overpasses and increasingly, on millions of televisions throughout China," it said.
China's campaign against Falun Gong has drawn sharp criticism from some U.S. rights groups who maintain the International Olympic Committee overlooked human rights considerations in the world's most populous country.
Some rights groups hope the 2008 Beijing Olympics will encourage greater scrutiny of China's rights record and be a catalyst for change for the better.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020510/wl_asia_nm/asi a_104347_1
(Clearwisdom.net)
In order to expose the Jiang regime's illegal persecution of Falun Gong, Dafa practitioners from all over the world have been mailing relevant materials to the United Nations on a regular basis. Falun Dafa practitioners also prepared a special Human Rights Report for 2000 - 2001 for the United Nations Human Rights Committee to raise awareness within the international community.
After analyzing the workings of the international human rights community and contacting many international human rights organizations and their attorneys, overseas Falun Dafa practitioners began to submit Falun Gong human rights violation cases to the United Nations in a standard format and procedure. In this past year alone, we have submitted several thousand cases to eleven different Human Rights Organizations of the United Nations.
From these human rights violations we selected the most representative examples and compiled a book entitled "The Falun Gong Report." The book was printed in a very short time and brought to the 2002 Annual Meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva.
Because of its detailed information, stunning pictures, professional editing, and fine printing quality, the book received immediate attention from the conference attendees. Due to the limited quantity, we were only able to distribute books to the representatives from member countries of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, to the officials of the Human Rights Organizations of the United Nations, and to some non-governmental organizations who had paid close attention to Falun Gong cases. Even so, the two hundred copies of the first shipment were gone in two days.
In addition to distributing the book, Falun Gong practitioners gave speeches to expose the state terrorism of Jiang's regime at different Human Rights Conference meetings. With the evidence in the book "The Falun Gong Report," these speeches effectively exposed Jiang Zemin's lie of this being the "Best Human Rights Period" in China's history.
One officer at the United Nations from a Southeast Asian country read our book and said, "(The book is) great! I have been looking for Falun Gong for a long time." He also asked us for two more books for his colleagues.
One country's government has a good relationship with the Chinese ruling Party and has often given our practitioners a difficult time. When we talked to the representative to the United Nations from that country, he asked us, "Do you want to hear my personal opinion or do you want me to talk as an official representative?" We said, "We'd like to hear your true, personal ideas." He immediately replied, "Falun Gong is good. Falun Gong practitioners ought to have their freedom of belief and practice. They should not be persecuted." We were very happy that he positioned himself correctly.
One representative from an African country always voted to support Jiang's Regime. The first day, we gave him "The Falun Gong Report." The next day when we met him again he said, "If you don't mind, I'd like to have one more book."
Some representatives from several Asian and African countries said to us, "You know that we are friends of China's government." We told them, "Because you are friends of China, your advice is perhaps more effective. We wish you could tell the Chinese government not to persecute its own people. If you truly love China, you ought to help the Chinese people." These representatives confirmed to us, "We will read the book carefully and tell the Chinese government whether or not it is dealing fairly with the Chinese people over the issue of Falun Gong."
The books and speeches had good responses in the United Nations. After reading the book, many people deliberately came out to find our practitioners to tell us, "We want to tell you that this book is well edited and printed, and distributing it here is a very good idea. You have done a good job! We support you. Continue with your efforts!"
Wed, 8 May 2002
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) 2002 annual report on China [published in February, 2002] declares that the Chinese government has "continued to commit severe violations of freedom of religion and belief and to discriminate against individuals on the basis of their religion or belief."
In response, the Commission recommends that U.S. policy in general should encourage the Chinese government to: end its current abusive crackdown on religious and spiritual groups in China; substantially reform its repressive system of laws, policies, and practices that govern religious and spiritual organizations and activities; affirm the universality of religious freedom and ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and initiate and foster a culture of respect for human rights in China.
In particular, the Commission advises the President of the United States to:
-- ensure that efforts to promote religious freedom in China are integrated into the mechanisms of dialogue and cooperation with the Chinese government at all levels, across all departments of the U.S. government, and on all issues;
-- obtain assurances that freedom of religion and belief will be included as a prominent agenda item for presidential discussions, prior to any state visit by himself to China, or of the president of China to the United States;
-- take further steps to promote religious freedom in his activities during any state visit to China (e.g. address the Chinese people directly by live, uncensored broadcast of a major speech on human rights);
-- invite the Commission and the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom to participate in any presidential delegation to China;
-- personally express his support for a renewed U.S.-China human rights dialogue; and
-- invite Chinese officials, religious leaders, scholars, and others concerned with religious freedom to visit the United States and seek opportunities for American counterparts to visit China.
The Commission also recommends that the Department of State should:
-- expand efforts to monitor the status of individuals who have been arrested or detained in China in violation of their human rights;
-- articulate regional and local variations in the protection of the right to freedom of religion and belief, and identify specific individuals and/or entities that commit violations of this right in State Department reporting on conditions of religious freedom in China; and
-- consider the record of provincial and local officials in protecting freedom of religion and belief when deciding whether to deepen cultural and economic cooperation between the United States and China.
In addition, the Commission urges the U.S. government to, among other things:
[...]
-- expand its efforts to promote and protect human rights, including freedom of religion and belief, in China through foreign assistance, visitor exchanges, and other public diplomacy programs;
-- require any U.S. or foreign issuer of securities that is doing business in China to disclose certain information in any registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for any new offering of securities; and
[...]
"The deteriorating conditions of the human rights[...] over the last year, especially since the attacks in the U.S. of September 11, makes it particularly important for the U.S. government to document these abuses and raise concerns about them with the Chinese government," the Commission report states.
http://lists.state.gov/SCRIPTS/WA-USIAINFO.EXE?A2=ind0205b&L=us-china&D=1&H=1&O=D&F=&S=&P=72
For USCIRF Annual Report, please visit: http://www.uscirf.gov/reports/13Feb02/China.pdf
WHEREAS Falun Dafa practitioners are joyously celebrating the 10th anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public on May 13, 2002, with festivals and events to be held across Canada and worldwide; and
WHEREAS Falun Dafa is a traditional meditation practice of body, mind and spirit which emphasizes the assimilation of the universal principles of "Truth-Compassion-Forbearance; and
WHEREAS Falun Dafa has benefited our neighborhoods and the whole society by helping over 100 million practitioners worldwide improve their physical and mental health, improve their moral standard and deepen their understanding of life, humanity and the universe; and
WHEREAS Falun Dafa's contribution to society has been widely recognized and honored around the world since Mr. Li Hongzhi introduced it to the public in 1992: and
WHEREAS Falun Dafa transcends cultural and racial boundaries and contributes to the universal dream of a peaceful, tolerant, and more compassionate society; and
WHEREAS Falun Dafa practitioners' determination and courage to stand up for Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance under the most severe environment reminds us of the value of life and the preciousness of human dignity;
NOW THEREFORE I, Jerry Oglow, Mayor of the City of Armstrong, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2002, as
"Falun Dafa Month Honoring Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance"
in the City of Armstrong
Dated at City of Armstrong British Columbia, this 22nd day of April, 2OO2
SIGNATURE
G.W. Jerry Oglow, Mayor
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa is a system of mind and body which has historical roots in ancient Chinese culture; it's teachings have helped over 100 million people improve their health, elevate their mind, uplift their spirit, and deepen their understanding of life, humanity, and the universe; and
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa practitioners practice the principle of Truthfulness- Compassion-Forbearance and incorporate it into their daily lives, striving to become better people in all environments and situations. In addition, they cultivate their bodies by practicing smooth and tranquil exercises that can improve their overall physical health; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa is to be commended and publicly recognized for his commitment to promoting better health and moral living throughout the world, and
WHEREAS, transcending culture and racial boundaries, Falun Dafa has touched the lives of countless people in more than 53 countries, including many people in Canada, of different ages, professions, and racial backgrounds. All Falun Dafa activities, including classes and practices are offered by volunteers and are open to the public free of charge.
NOW, THEREFORE, I Ralph Drew, Mayor of the Village of Belcarra, do hereby proclaim May 2002 as
"Falun Dafa Month"
in the province of British Columbia.
Dated this 22nd day of April, 2002
Signature
Mayor
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
JULIA F. MACDONALD
APRIL 23, 2002
Dear Miss (name withheld),
The City acknowledges receipt of your request for the proclamation of "Falun Dafa Month Honoring Truth-Compassion-Forbearance" for the month of May 2002 in our municipality.
I am pleased to advise that the month of May 2002 is hereby proclaimed "Falun Dafa Month Honoring Truth-Compassion-Forbearance" in the City of Parksville.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish your organization much success with this important public awareness campaign.
Yours very truly,
Signature
JULIA F. MACDONALD
MAYOR
WHEREAS World Falun Dafa Day is being celebrated on May 13, 2002, and offers people from all social backgrounds, races, and religions, an assessable system of cultivation practice that results in remarkable improvements of body, mind, and spirit; and
WHEREAS Falun Dafa is based on the universe's characteristic, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, that serves to guide people toward higher spiritual levels. As well a complete set of five exercises, bestow peace and tranquility, while improving morality and integrity, thus bringing positive influence to all society; and
WHEREAS over 100 million people in over 53 countries have benefited tremendously through learning Falun Dafa, manifesting the finest qualities of human nature, and improving morality and integrity, thus bringing positive influence to all society; and
NOW, THEREFORE I, Ross Priest, Mayor of the City of Cranbrook do hereby proclaim May, 2002 as
"Falun Dafa Month"
á
in Cranbrook, British Columbia
Signature
Mayor
Dated this 29th Day of April, 2002
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa is a system of mind and body which has historical roots in ancient Chinese culture; it's teachings have helped over 100 million people improve their health, elevate their mind, uplift their spirit, and deepen their understanding of life, humanity, and the universe; and
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa practitioners practice the principle of Truthfulness- Compassion-Forbearance and incorporate it into their daily lives, striving to become better people in all environments and situations. In addition, they cultivate their bodies by practicing smooth and tranquil exercises that can improve their overall physical health; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa is to be commended and publicly recognized for his commitment to promoting better health and moral living throughout the world, and
WHEREAS, transcending culture and racial boundaries, Falun Dafa has touched the lives of countless people in more than 53 countries, including many people in Canada, of different ages, professions, and racial backgrounds. All Falun Dafa activities, including classes and practices are offered by volunteers and are open to the public free of charge.
NOW, THEREFORE, I William Moncrief of the Village of Cumberland, do hereby proclaim May 2002 as
"Falun Dafa Month Honoring Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance."
IN THE village of Cumberland, British Columbia
Signature
Mayor
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa promotes the cultivation of body, mind, and spirit through gentle exercise, and has inspired and benefited millions of people since it was brought to the public in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa practitioners are joyously celebrating the 10th anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public on May 13, 2002, with festivals and events to be held across Canada and worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa practitioners incorporate the principle of Truthfulness, Benevolence, and Forbearance into their daily lives, and strive to become better people in all environments; and
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa bridges the gap between different races and cultures and embraces people of all ages, from all walks of life and religious affiliations; and
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa practitioners' commitment to the peaceful resolution of all conflicts and their volunteer efforts to encourage all people to enjoy a healthy and peaceful life have reminded us of the value of human virtues, and have made this world a more peaceful place to live in;
NOW THEREFORE, I Mayor Michael Coleman, proclaim May 2002 "Falun Dafa Month" in the city of Duncan.
Dated at Duncan, BC THIS 24TH day of April, 2002.
Signature
Michael Coleman
Mayor
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS: Falun Dafa practitioners practice the principle of Zhen-Shan-Ren, Truthfulness, Benevolence, Forbearance -incorporate it into their daily lives, striving to become better people in all environments and situations; and
WHEREAS: Falun Dafa promotes the cultivation of body, mind, and spirit and has inspired millions of people through gentle exercise and efforts to improve their moral standards since it was brought to the public in 1992; and
WHEREAS: Falun Dafa practitioners worldwide are joyously Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public on May 13, 2002; and
WHEREAS: transcending the racial and cultural boundaries, Falun Dafa embraces people of all ages, from all walks of life and religious affiliation; and
WHEREAS: the commitment of Falun Dafa practitioners to the Peaceful resolution of conflicts under the most severe environment and their efforts to encourage people of way of being have touched the heart of every kind-hearted human being; and
NOW, THEREFORE: I, Acting Mayor Bill Given, on behalf of Mayor Wayne Ayling, of the City of Grande Prairie do hereby proclaim
á
May 2002
"FALUN DAFA MONTH HONORING
TRUTHFULNESS-COMPASSION-TOLERANCE
(ZHEN-SHAN-REN) ".
MAYOR WAYNE A YLING
(Clearwisdom.net) With Falun Dafa's 10th anniversary coming up, Pennsylvania State Representative Roy Reinard from the 178th Legislative District issued a certificate on behalf of the House of Representatives to extend their congratulations to Falun Gong practitioners and their supporters. Reinard especially honored our fellow practitioners in China and also wished Falun Dafa many, many more anniversaries in Pennsylvania.
Below is the text:
Roy Reinard, Member
178th Legislative District
130 Buck Road, Suite 202
Holland, PA 18966
Phone: (215) 364-3414
House of Representatives
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg
TO: Bucks County Falun Dafa practitioners and Supporters
On behalf of the House of Representatives, I would like to commend your organization on the practicing and support of Falun Gong in Bucks County, specifically honoring your fellow Chinese Citizens who do not have the same freedom as you do to practice Falun Dafa freely in our Commonwealth.
I would also like to congratulate you on the celebration of your 10th Anniversary on May 13, 2002, as well as celebration of May as "Falun Dafa Month" in Pennsylvania. It is my hope that other citizens of Pennsylvania will recognize the benefits of this practice, which promotes better physical, mental and spiritual happiness and well-being.
Again, on behalf of the House of Representatives, congratulations and may you enjoy many, many more anniversaries here in Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
Signature,
Roy Reinard
State Representative
178th Legislative District
(Clearwisdom.net)
Congratulatory messages for "World Falun Dafa Day"
It will soon be the 10th anniversary of Master's teaching the Fa in the human world. Dafa disciples have been through countless storms and have verified the magnificent wonders and preciousness of the Fa. On this day, when all of the heavens and the earth celebrate together, Dafa practitioners in Mainland China sincerely Heshi [palms together in front of the chest to show respect] to all the practitioners overseas: Fellow practitioners, Happy Anniversary! Let's take each step well, hand in hand in this glorious stage.
Practitioners in Mainland China
May 5, 2002
-----------------------------------------
As Master's birthday is approaching, Hunan Province Dafa practitioners extend our highest respect to our supreme Master. In this tribulation and persecution, no matter how many more difficulties and dangers we may still face, we shall take the Fa as the teacher, firmly keep a righteous mind, eliminate the evil, validate the Fa and offer salvation to the world's people so as to honor our chaste and pure vows and to return home together.
-----------------------------------------
Practitioners from Liangshan, Shandong Province wish Master a Happy Birthday. We miss Master dearly.
-----------------------------------------
As the 10th anniversary of our great compassionate Master's teaching the Fa and Master's birthday approaches, Dafa practitioners from Sichuan Province extend our highest respect to Master! We will take every step well in our cultivation and will accomplish our historical mission bestowed upon us by the Fa to safeguard the Fa and save sentient beings.
(Clearwisdom.net)
Words from Hubei Dafa Disciples
To our great and benevolent Teacher: You have done and endured so much for us. At this great moment when the 10th anniversary of your spreading the universal Dafa and your birthday is coming, we send our highest and purest regards to you.
We will follow your teachings, study the Fa well, and use our righteous thoughts to completely eliminate all the evil that damages Dafa. We will validate Dafa, offer salvation to sentient beings, and fulfill the vow we made in remote history. May all the practitioners around the world have a happy Falun Dafa Day!
Practitioners in Hubei Province
May 8, 2002
--------------------------------------------------
Gansu Dafa Disciples Send Sincere Congratulations on the 10th Anniversary of Teacher's Spreading Dafa
Greetings, great and benevolent Teacher:
With the brilliant and solemn day of the 10th anniversary of your spreading Dafa approaching, all the practitioners here in Gansu Province, thousands of miles away from the U.S., send our highest regards to you!
We hereby once again make our solemn oath to you: No matter how many difficulties and tribulations lie ahead, we will always take the Fa as teacher, and strengthen our righteous thoughts. We will eradicate the evil, offer salvation to sentient beings, and fulfill the sacred vows that we made millions and millions of years ago.
Gansu Dafa Disciples
May 8, 2002
----------------------------------------
Greetings from Jiamusi Dafa Disciples to Teacher
On the day when Dafa has been spread far and wide for 10 years, Dafa disciples in Jiamusi (including those who are being detained and those who have been forced to leave their homes to avoid further persecution) send our greetings to Teacher! We will double our efforts, and anticipate the day when we can gallantly meet Teacher again.
Dafa disciples in Jiamusi City, Heilongjiang Province
--------------------------------------------------------
Disciples in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province Congratulate "World Falun Dafa Day"
With May 13th approaching, we sincerely congratulate Teacher on disseminating Dafa for 10 years and we join the practitioners around the world in celebrating "World Falun Dafa Day."
May 8, 2002
1. Opening Speech
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, family and friends ! On behalf of the Melbourne Falun Dafa Association, we warmly welcome you to this evening's Celebration Dinner which marks 10 years since Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) has been introduced to the public. This event coincides with international World Falun Dafa Day events being held in over 50 countries to celebrate the universal principle of Truthfulness-Compassion- Forbearance.
Falun Gong is an ancient Qigong meditation practice that is deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, however its gentle nature reflects a part of human culture that resonates with people all around the world. Transcending the boundaries of race and culture, people are beginning to rediscover that honesty, kindness, tolerance and endurance are qualities that nurture us as human beings and define our humanity. Many artists, scientists, doctors and educators etc. are beginning to discover the very real and tangible effects that tranquility and benevolence have in their fields of endeavor.
For example, the Pure Insight website has become a successful forum for Falun Dafa practitioners who bring a holistic approach to their areas of research. We, Falun Dafa practitioners are very optimistic that humanity will come to a new understanding about the future and the universe through assimilating to these principles.
Tonight it is our pleasure to share with you a few performances of song and dance that reflect the tranquility and wonder that Chinese culture and Falun Gong have brought out in these performers.
On this occasion, we would also like to give our heart felt thanks to you, our family and friends and all kind-hearted people who have supported us in our efforts to end the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, a persecution which has lasted almost 3 years and affected millions of innocent people. As well, we give thanks to all those who strive to live according to Truth-Compassion-Forbearance at all times and under all circumstances, thus shaping our wonderful future.
We hope you will enjoy tonight's entertainment and delicious dinner. Thank
you!
á
____________________________________
2. Excerpt of Speech at 10th Anniversary Dinner Celebration of Falun Dafa by Democratic Senator Lyn Allison
2002/5/9
I am pleased to have been invited to this dinner to offer my support and thanks to the network of people in Victoria who have assisted the followers and practitioners of the Falun Gong in raising awareness about China's ban on this spiritual movement.
My colleague, Senator Vicki Bourne has been tireless in campaigning on human rights in the Senate and that has included the rights of Falun Gong practitioners.
As a Democrat, I strongly identify with the Falun Gong principles of Truth, Compassion and Forbearance. The Democrats are proud to stand for honesty, tolerance and compassion, which seem to me to mean pretty much the same thing.
Truth can be a threatening thing if it reveals the lies of others. I doubt that China would want to admit to lacking compassion for their fellow humans, and yet the campaign against the Falun Gong does just that. I think it is important to live a life of tolerance and patience with others. Forbearance seems to me to be about how we deal with diversity -- different cultures, different languages, differences in opinion, difference in beliefs.
I am not a practitioner of Falun Gong -- perhaps my health and wellbeing would be improved if I were -- but I defend the right of anyone to follow its beliefs and practices.
[...]
You know about the brutal treatment that has been handed down to the Falun Gong practitioners; that is why you have been moved to be supportive--but let me recap:
Thank you for your efforts in raising awareness of these human rights abuses. For the Chinese practitioners of Falun Gong, supporters worldwide are their only hope.
_________________________________
3. Speech by John Launder, Secretary International Society for Human Rights-Australia, May 9, 2002
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for the invitation to attend this dinner and to say a few words on human rights and how I would see those rights reflected in the stated principles of the Falun Dafa.
As a human rights activist I see the adherence by governments to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a necessary basic precursor to peace in and between communities, in nations and between nations. This process starts with respect for the individual person and the expectation that individuals should act justly and compassionately between themselves.
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights puts it simply:
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
As Falun Dafa adherents have commented, all great religious and philosophic leaders have called for relationships between human beings to be based on such respect, such as
In the secular world there are many organizations who urge their members to lead their lives in a way to benefit all mankind, for example, Rotary of which I am proud to be a member has its 4-Way Test for Rotarians to judge their actions
Therefore the spirit of Falun Dafa as acclaimed by its call for Truth-Compassion-Forbearance is well in accord with the principles of the Universal Charter of Human Rights, such as stated in Article 1 and in the same spirit of the call of the great moral leaders through the ages, and of the universal appeal to men and women of goodwill who wish and strive to see a world of peace and freedom.
In a letter supporting Falun Dafa founder Li Hongzhi for the Nobel Peace prize a prominent scientist stated :
"Peace is the manifestation of compassion in human nature...peace is an ideal of mankind and the optimal state of civilization..."
" ...for the individual ...it is a virtue requiring great compassion for and understanding of others ...and when faced with disputes or conflicts ...requires great inner strength and courage.."
I think all who know of the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China are aware of the inner strength shown by so many ordinary people called upon to show extra-ordinary courage in the face of such oppression.
Let us look at some particular articles of the Universal Declaration and contrast their spirit with the actions of the Mandarins of Beijing who order their minions to oppress the followers of Falun Dafa and all others who seek to bring peace and justice in China.
Article 5
"No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
Article 9
"No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile."
Article 20
What has been the Chinese government's response - since July of 1999 ?
Millions of Falun Dafa practitioners denied their right of peaceful assembly and association;
Tens and thousands of practitioners arrested, tortured, treated cruelly and inhumanely often to the point of death, others have been forced into exile.
It has to be noted that at all times those who have been persecuted and tortured have shown great dignity and treated their torturers with compassion.
These facts supported not only by information and documentation and photographic evidence by Falun Dafa practitioners but by human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
The Mandarins in Beijing have shown by actions how opposite they are in their philosophy to the Falun Dafa.
The actions of the Chinese authorities are also the antithesis of the Universal Declaration of human rights.
But always there is that very strong striving in most human beings for truth, for justice and compassion, which will continue to flower even in the darkness of oppression. The practitioners of Falun Dafa have shown these qualities to a very high order.
I wish you well and know your spirit will help transform Chinese society as well as enrich the lives of millions across all racial and national boundaries.
John Launder, Secretary International Society for Human Rights-Australia, May
9, 2002
________________________________________
4. Calling You
(Composed for the 10th anniversary dinner celebration by Melbourne practitioner J. R.)
The door is open wide
So step in open up your minds
Here the sounds calling you
Hear them say
It is the way
So listen to the people
The ones whose minds are truthful
Let our hearts beat as one
As we fly home to freedom
Hear them say
It is the way
Calling you-calling you-calling you
Feel the rhythms of compassion
Feel the beat within your soul
Let it glow, let it flow
"The door is open"
Calling you-calling you-calling you
So surrender yourselves to the journey
Feel the brightness within yourselves
As endurance brings the lightness
As we fly home to freedom
Hear them say
It is the way
Calling you-calling you-calling you
So listen to your hearts
__________________________________
Feel your hearts within your soul
Calling you, calling you
"The door is open"
Hear the truth-feel compassion-feel forbearance
Calling you
Truth compassion forbearance
Calling you
Hear the whispers calling you
Truth compassion forbearance
Calling you
5. Stand up
(composed for the 10th anniversary dinner celebration by Melbourne practitioner Kate Vereshaka after returning from Tiananmen)
How long before we stand up
Against this suffering
How long must they cry in vain
Before we stand up against this sham
How much darkness
Can we allow in the world
From inside the prison cell
They cry for help
They can not help themselves
The pain and torture is beyond imagination
And even babies and children are beaten
Their lives are taken
Their lives are taken
What is there to fear of kindness
What is a world without truth and forbearance
(Clearwisdom.net) Ottawa Falun Gong practitioner's application to participate in the Flotilla at this year's Tulip Festival was approved on May 3, 2002 after being initially rejected due to the Chinese embassy's influence. Here is a list of the media reports reflecting the development of this event from denial to approval:
On May 3, The Ottawa Citizen newspaper carried a front-page article to report over the denial of the practitioners' application.
On May 3, the Flotilla committee reversed their decision to let the practitioners in.
On May 3, CBC TV ran a very good program with two Dafa practitioners talking to clarify the truth.
On May 4, The Ottawa Citizen reported the new decision of approval from the Flotilla Committee in a prominent position of the paper.
The Ottawa Citizen: Falun Gong barred from Tulipfest flotilla
Group blames China [...]
Zev Singer
Friday, May 03, 2002
The Canadian Tulip Festival has barred Ottawa's Falun Gong practitioners from entering the festival's annual flotilla along the Rideau Canal, scheduled for later this month.
The festival usually takes all comers -- no matter what floats the boat of an entrant. Festival officials say they turned the spiritual group down because last year supporters littered the shoreline and shuttle buses with too many leaflets and drove their boat erratically.
The group, however, claims the festival is keeping it out of the flotilla because of concerns expressed by the Chinese Embassy, a supporter of the festival and an enemy of Falun Gong.
Early last month, Falun Gong leaders received an e-mail from the festival's program manager, Kathy Stuck, informing them that the festival would "not be able to accept" the group's entry into the flotilla.
Two days later, on April 12, Lei, who captained the Falun Gong boat last year, went to the Tulip Festival's office and spoke to Ms. Stuck. He says that he asked Ms. Stuck if his group could participate if they promised not to distribute leaflets during the event and used a professional pilot for their boat -- the captain does admit to some Dow's Lake zig-zagging.
But, Mr. Lei says, Ms. Stuck told him such an arrangement would not solve the problem because the Chinese Embassy had already been told that Falun Gong would not be participating in the Tulip Festival. Ginette D'Aoust-Castonguay, another Falun Gong practitioner who went to Ms. Stuck's office with Mr. Lei, said she also remembers Ms. Stuck giving that explanation.
Ms. Stuck said yesterday that she could not remember what she said during that meeting. But almost two weeks later, she did send an e-mail to Mr. Lei.
"I feel I must apologize," the e-mail said, "for leading you to believe the Chinese Embassy was an influence in our decision to not accept your application for the Flotilla. The Embassy has not played a role in that decision."
Yesterday, the festival's marketing and communications manager, Doug Little said that the Chinese Embassy is not a major supporter of the festival, does not have a boat in the flotilla and was not involved with the festival at all until two months after the decision was made by the festival, independently, to ban Falun Gong from the annual floating parade.
Mr. Little said that decision was made in January, because of the litter and problems in launching and docking of the Falun Gong boat. The embassy, according to Mr. Little, was not approached as a potential supporter until March. At that time, festival organizers asked the embassy to buy a five-foot fiberglass tulip, of the kind which have been painted and are now displayed around the city.
"The embassy was approached to buy one," Mr. Little said. "The embassy asked the question 'Was Falun Gong involved?' We said 'no.' "
The embassy did then buy a tulip, for $750.
Officials at the embassy could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, a history of conflict does exist between China's embassy to Canada and the Ottawa group of Falun Gong practitioners, reflective of the bitter relationship between the Chinese government and the spiritually based practice.
For the last year, the Ottawa branch of the group has been holding daily protests in front of the Patrick Street embassy to spread its message of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance," and to protest the government crackdown against Falun Gong activists in China.
But Mr. Little said that whatever the conversation was in Ms. Stuck's office, and whatever the embassy's motives for asking the question they did, the embassy did not play a part in the decision to decline the Falun Gong boat.
"The Canadian Tulip Festival is a $6-million operation," Mr. Little said. "The sale of one $750 tulip has absolutely no influence on anything. The problem we had with this organization was one of safety and one of litter."
Falun Gong organizers, however, say they still want to participate in the flotilla and can't understand why they can't simply address those concerns and be allowed to float freely once again.
"The fact is, it's very late in the game to try to resolve issues like that," Mr. Little said. He said that while it's true that other groups have been accepted for the flotilla since the time that the Falun Gong group was turned down, the flotilla's committee, made up of volunteers, felt they did not have time to work through Falun Gong's special issues this year but would consider the group for next year.
Kanata Councillor Alex Munter, who intervened on the group's behalf when their city-granted permit to protest the embassy was threatened, yesterday called on the festival's organizers to allow the group to enter their boat.
"Giving in to a foreign regime's desire to stamp out a religious group they don't like should never be considered," he wrote to Joan O'Neill, the festival's president.
"It betrays our country's tradition of respecting freedom of speech and freedom of religion and it undermines the idea of the Tulip Festival as a celebration to bring the community together."
CBC TV: Tulip Festival will run until May 20th (Footage on Tulip Flotilla)
May 3, 2002 CBC News Announcer : Now opening day did have one unexpected controversy. It involves festival organisers, a flotilla and Falun Gong.
Simon Gardener explains : As this years tulip festival was being launched, members of the spiritual movement Falun Gong were accusing the festival organisers of caving in to the Chinese government, which this year is supporting the tulip festival.
Shizhong Lei : It is very evident that the embassy is playing a role.
Simon Gardener : In China, membership in Falun Gong is illegal but Ottawa practitioners regularly protest in front of the Chinese embassy. This latest controversy surrounds the flotilla, which is part of the tulip festival. Falun Gong participated in the event last year but this year they were told to stay away.
Shizhong Lei : Well she said because the Chinese embassy is going to be involved this year your _
Ginette : You can't, she said you can't, that's it.
Simon Gardener : Festival organisers claim the decision has nothing to do with China.
Doug Little (Canadian tulip festival) : Our problem with it came from last year's flotilla where there was a problem with the safety of the boat, the safety of the operator of the boat and also the fact that they were going along with the flotilla handing out flyers along the flotilla route and there was a litter problem along the route and also a litter problem on the free OC transport tulip shuttles.
Simon Gardener : Falun Gong supporters say that those are trumped up charges.
Ginette : I didn't see any flyers, I walked from one end of the Canal-- like Shizhong said, we pay for these flyers so when we see some on the ground we pick them up.
Simon Gardener : The captain of last year says that he did veer close to the bank, but only once.
Shizhong Lei : Some people on the bank said, "Could you guys get closer so we can take some nice pictures?" and to oblige them I veered off course.
Simon Gardener : Late today organisers changed their mind. Falun Gong can participate with several conditions.
Doug Little : We are asking them to make sure there is a proficient operator of the boat. We are asking them to make sure they don't litter and they don't distribute any literature along the flotilla route. And we are also asking them to participate in the flotilla with the theme which is "tulipmania" this year.
Ginette (D'Aoust-Castonguay) : This is what we wanted in the first place, to fix whatever was the problem and to negotiate...
Simon Gardener : The festival is supposed to promote harmony and friendship so organisers hope this compromise will bring an end to the dispute.
Simon Gardener CBC News Ottawa.
The Ottawa Citizen: Tulip Fest to let Falun Dafa float its boat in flotilla
May 4, 2002 Saturday
The Ottawa Tulip Festival is going to let the Falun Dafa Association of Canada float its boat in the annual tulip flotilla after all.
"This is a change in the decision that was taken by the flotilla committee, and one that's endorsed by the committee and the tulip festival board of directors," said Doug Little, the festival's spokesman. Organizers had refused to let the spiritual group into the flotilla this year, officially on the grounds that in last year's floating parade on the Rideau Canal, Falun Dafa members littered the shoreline with leaflets and drove their boat recklessly.
In a letter to the group yesterday, however, the festival agreed to let the group in on three conditions: that their boat captain be "skilled," that they not distribute any literature, and that the boat reflects the "tulipmania" theme of the flotilla.
"These are the conditions that any group that wants to participate has to agree to, and we have no problem with them," said Shawn Li, president of the Falun Dafa association.
The group does, however, have to agree to the terms in writing. Mr. Li said he'd have done so earlier if the festival had given him the chance.
Members of the association said they were worried the festival had been pressured by the Chinese Embassy. China has banned the group and persecuted its members. The mission did buy a fancy $750 tulip as a sponsorship gesture, but festival organizers flatly denied the allegation that that bought the embassy any influence.
Ottawa Citizen: Flotilla issue clarified
May 7, 2002 Tuesday BY: Cindy Chan
Re: Tulip Fest to let Falun Dafa float its boat in flotilla, May 4.
As a Falun Dafa practitioner, I was very happy to learn that the Tulip Festival has approved our participation in the flotilla, not only because it is such an excellent and well-loved event, but also because the festival stands for international friendship and peace, values which are also reflected in the Falun Dafa teachings of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. I would like to clarify two points in your reports about the reasons why the festival's organizers initially refused our application.
First, the concern about the driving of the boat. It is true that last year's captain was inexperienced, but it is not correct to say that recklessness was involved. Safety and responsibility are priorities for Falun Dafa practitioners as well. This year, we will have an experienced captain driving the boat. Having this issue raised helped us look to ourselves to correct shortcomings and make improvements in the future.
Second, I was surprised to hear that littering was an issue, as practitioners are very conscientious about picking up flyers on the ground. As well, some practitioners walked along the flotilla route and stayed later to check for flyers left behind. None reported seeing any littering of our materials.
Cindy Chan,
Saturday, April 27, 2002
Chen practices the Falun Heavenly Circulation movement
(Paris L. Gray/Courier-Post).
Yang of Cherry Hill once struggled with stress and a heavy addiction to tobacco. Though he taught traditional Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and t'ai chi, he could not quit.
Then in 1998, like several of his family members in China, he tried Falun Gong, a self-cultivation practice.
"To my surprise, the first week of practice I forgot to smoke," said Yang, a psychiatry resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. "On the second week, I began to feel sick if I was even thinking about it."
His wife noticed a change, too, the 40-year-old said.
"She found me a much nicer person to be around," Yang recalled. "I wasn't moody, irritable and stressed out."
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, uses a series of exercises and meditation to improve mental and physical wellness. The practice teaches the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance or tolerance.
[...]
Falun Gong was introduced to the public in 1992 by Li Hongzhi, who lectured and held workshops in China. His books became national best-sellers and he attracted millions of followers, who reported improvements in their health and spiritual well-being.
[...]
There is no membership, organization or hierarchy in Falun Gong. Through the spiritual practice, individuals strive to become better people.
Those who teach it do not collect any money for classes. They share their knowledge with others out of compassion.
A Chinese government survey pegged the number of followers there between 70 million and 100 million in 1998.
Yang thought he was the only practitioner in the United States until he checked the Internet and found thousands of people here practice Falun Gong, too.
Because it is an individual practice, Falun Gong can be done alone just about anywhere for any amount of time. Some people do it on their lunch break; others do it for two hours a day. Followers can also meet and practice together.
Three years ago, a group began to meet each Saturday morning at the Cooper River Park in Pennsauken to practice.
Today, about a dozen people regularly attend the two-hour session.
Willem Zuur of Pine Hill is now among them. About five months ago, the 16-year-old was a high school dropout.
"I was a really bad person," Zuur said. "I was a degenerate."
Then, he turned to Falun Gong. It seemed to have the answers he was looking for. He read Hongzhi's book and started to practice the form.
He quit smoking and began attending Camden County College, where he is studying computer graphics.
"The principles were so simple, so rich," he said. "It was very easy to quit and go along the right path."
Chen of Marlton was a skeptic. After the practice tamed her younger brother and improved the health of her parents, her interest was piqued.
A manager at Cendant Mortgage in Mount Laurel, Chen began to read about Falun Gong in 1997, met with practitioners in her homeland and found herself deeply touched by them.
"It was something really righteous, really good," the 34-year-old said. Chen became a follower, too.
In 1999, China banned Falun Gong after a mass silent protest was organized without the government's knowledge.
[...]
This week, 2,000 followers were reportedly detained in the northern city of Changchun for a recent television broadcast attacking the government propaganda against the group.
Since 1999, at least 400 followers have died in police custody.
[...]
Chen's brother was imprisoned in a labor camp for more than 18 months, where he was beaten and tortured. Even now, he lives under watch, his phone tapped, his movements closely monitored.
Chen's parents were also detained and questioned. They have since moved to the United States where they live with Chen.
Last month, Zuur protested the persecution by staging a week-long hunger strike in front of the Chinese Consulate in New York City.
"What is so wrong with practicing meditation and trying to be a better person through examining yourself with truthfulness- compassion-forbearance?" Zuur wrote in a public statement about his campaign. "There is only good with it."
People's spirits are hungry for more than just material wealth, said Yang, and Falun Gong feeds their needs.
Since he focused on the main principles of truth, compassion and tolerance, he added, "everything is better."
Falun Gong exercises
Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline that includes exercises and meditation. It is a form of qigong (pronounced "chee-gong").
There are four standing exercises and one sitting exercise:
Buddha Showing A Thousand Hands. This exercise opens all energy channels in the body, using gentle stretching movements.
Falun Standing Stance. This exercise, composed of four postures that can be held for several minutes each, enhances one's energy level and awakens wisdom.
Penetrating the Two Cosmic Extremes. This exercise purifies the body using energy from the cosmos, using gentle hand-gliding movements.
Falun Heavenly Circulation. By gently tracing the hands over the entire body, front and back, the fourth exercise corrects all abnormal conditions in the body and circulates energy widely.
Way of Strengthening Divine Powers. A seated meditation that refines body and mind through deep tranquility, strengthens divine powers and energy potency.
Falun Gong (also called Falun Dafa)
Practitioners, worldwide: An estimated 100 million in China and in 40 other countries.
History: Introduced to the general public in 1992 by Li Hongzhi. He is often referred to as "Master" or "Teacher."
Spiritual texts: Zhuan Falun, and the beginner's text, Falun Gong, both written by Li Hongzhi.
Basic beliefs: At the heart of the practice are the supreme principles of the universe: Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance (or Tolerance). Through a combination of studying the books and performing the exercises, practitioners strive to become better people by embodying these principles in everything they do.
Notable facts: The Chinese government banned the practice in 1999 because its practitioners outnumbered communist party members. Adherents are subject to torture, jailing, murder and other human rights violations.
Web sites: www.falundafa.org, www.faluninfo.net
Sources: www.falundafa.org
á
http://www.southjerseynews.com/issues/april/f042702a.htm
(Clearwisdom.net)
1. Selfishness Between Practice Sites
Not long ago, a practitioner from another city came to talk to us about a long-term Fa-spreading project, which required considerable time and our joint efforts. As I thought that such a project would affect our own local activities, I felt a bit uneasy about it. To help resolve this, I sat down to study the Fa. As I was reading, my mind gradually became calm. Suddenly I realized the fact that I was only concerned about the Fa-spreading activities at our own practice site, but feeling less concerned about activities in other areas is also a reflection of my own degenerated notions. At the root of the problem was still "selfishness."
2. Selfishness Between Practitioners
Recently, there have been a series of Fa-spreading activities in our local area. However, whenever I put forward any suggestions, there would be disagreement from others. I felt very uncomfortable. Later, I thought that their ideas were not bad either, and I should just do as they said and let go of my competitive mentality. But I still did not feel at ease, thinking, "Why should I always have to give in to them and why couldn't we just do things my own way?" Although I actively went along with what they said on the surface, there was always some unhappiness in my heart. Sometimes I even had bad thoughts, "Well, it is his idea, so let him do it himself. I will not participate." Even though it was only a thought, and I did participate actively, I still felt unhappy deep down in my heart. Isn't it true that I did not really fundamentally change? Participating on the surface while not changing in my heart-- for whom did I do all this? Is this cultivation?
Master said when talking about the old forces, "When they're helping me, at the same time they hide their selfish intention of protecting themselves. They all want to change others but not themselves - no one wants to change himself - and they even try to preserve as much as possible the things they're attached to and won't let go of." (unofficial translation of Touring North America to Teach the Fa). I always wanted others to do things my way. Then, wasn't it true that I only wanted to change others but not myself? Wasn't the uneasiness in my heart hiding my selfishness and protecting myself? Upon realizing this, I deeply felt the degenerated notions of selfishness and egotism, which had permeated into my cultivation and daily life. In fact such degenerated notions have provided a breeding ground for the old forces and nurtured the evil, making it possible for them to still exist and to persecute Dafa practitioners according to their evil arrangements. Only by eliminating our own degenerated notions of selfishness and egoism can we fundamentally break through the old forces' arrangements. Only then can we truly let go of selfishness and melt into the Fa. The only way to discover and clear out the degenerated notions is by studying the Fa with a calm mind, by measuring everything with the Fa and by unconditionally looking within ourselves. Even when we feel that it is very painful, we should still unconditionally look within ourselves.
May 2, 2002
Joan O'Neill, President
Canadian Tulip Festival
106-112 Nelson St.
Ottawa, ON K1N 7R5
Dear Joan:
I was quite chagrined to learn that pressure from the Chinese embassy has apparently led to the exclusion of a boat from the Falun Gong group in this year's Tulip Festival flotilla.
As you know, Falun Gong is an active organization in our community, involving many residents, and they participated in last year's flotilla.
As I understand it, Falun Gong's boat did not carry any political slogans denouncing the human rights abuses of the Chinese government; only the key beliefs of the group, namely "truth, compassion, tolerance".
Exposure to the words "truth, compassion, tolerance" may be enough to throw Chinese embassy officials into fits of discomfort and anxiety, but the comfort of foreign governments should not be your guiding principle. The Tulip Festival is a colourful springtime celebration of our national capital. It is also an opportunity to show off our city to visitors from around the world.
Giving into a foreign regime's desire to stamp out a religious group they don't like should never be considered. It betrays our country's tradition of respecting freedom of speech and freedom of religion and it undermines the idea of the Tulip Festival as a celebration to bring the community together.
I do hope you will reconsider this decision and the dangerous precedent it sets.
Sincerely,
Alex Munter, Councillor
City of Ottawa
(Clearwisdom.net)
On May 4, 2002, Falun Dafa practitioners from Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Arlington joined with Houston practitioners to participate in Houston's Annual Asian/Pacific Heritage Parade. This was the second time Texas Dafa practitioners have taken part in this event. The practitioners' orderly and serene appearance and beautiful exercise demonstration not only pleased thousands of visitors but also won two first prizes.
The parade consisted of dozens of various groups and about twenty decorated floats. The Falun Dafa float was designed and decorated by the practitioners themselves. As the float approached the spectators, their eyes were immediately attracted to the board reading, "Truth, Compassion, Forbearance" in golden colored letters and symbols and a large model of the book Zhuan Falun in the center of a lotus. Surrounding the lotus, practitioners were demonstrating set 5, the meditation exercise. The walking team was composed of practitioners wearing yellow suits or T-shirts and holding banners or small flags. The song "Falun Dafa is Good" was played along the entire parade route. The spectators were moved by the compassion and serenity of the Falun Dafa team.
The Asian/Pacific Heritage Association, which organized the parade, issued two first-place prizes to Falun Dafa. One was for "Best Float Decoration" and the other "Best Entry." When the organizers announced the prize-winners and named the Falun Dafa Association, everyone participating in the parade applauded as cameras filmed the ceremony. Local Chinese media interviewed the practitioners at the site.
Being Falun Dafa practitioners, we do not place a high value high on fame or profit in the human world, but these prizes affirmed the glory of Dafa and reflected kindhearted people's acceptance of Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance. It is just like our great Teacher said in his new poem:
Falun Dafa is good
Gradually entering the human realm
The sentient beings need not worry
Gods and Buddhas are already smiling
(From "Dafa is good" http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2002/4/28/21471.html )
(Clearwisdom.net)
By World Journal
World Journal May 7, 2002: On May 4th, close to 50 Asian ethnic groups and organizations participated the annual Asian/Pacific Heritage Parade in the Southwest Chinatown district in Houston, Texas. The Falun Gong team won first prize for floral floats and the overall championship.
World Journal reported that this was the 7th annual Asian/Pacific Heritage Parade. It was organized by the 10-year-old Houston Asian/Pacific Heritage Association. About 100 Falun Gong practitioners participated in the floral float and the marching troupe. They wore traditional golden yellow Falun Gong exercise uniforms, and held Falun Gong banners. Another team of practitioners sat on top of the floral float, demonstrating the exercises to the song "Falun Dafa Is Good." The group also produced a large model of the book Zhuan Falun, English edition.
Based on the results from a three-judge panel, the Falun Gong group received scores of 17, 7, and 20, making them the first place floral float as well as the overall champion.
(Clearwisdom.net) On May 8, the Women Association of Dudley City, UK invited practitioners to give a Falun Gong seminar. Three practitioners drove more than an hour to Dudley to give the seminar. Nearly 30 people joined the activity with great interest.
A practitioner first introduced the 10 years' development of Falun Dafa since 1992 all over the world, from the more than 700 awards issued by all levels of governments in the world honoring Falun Gong to the Jiang regime's brutal persecution. He also talked about the improvement of physical health through practicing Falun Dafa and the upgrading of moral standards by assimilating to the principle of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Thus the attendees had the chance to have a clear and overall understanding about Falun Dafa. The video of practitioners' graceful exercise movement and the beautiful Dafa music "Pudu" and "Jishi" moved all attendees. After watching a demonstration video, attendees attentively learned the 5 sets of exercises following practitioners' instructions. During the process of learning the exercises, some people, one after another, expressed their feelings of the strong energy field. After having learned the exercises, some attendees bought the exercise-instruction videotapes and expressed their hope of setting up practice sites. After the seminar, a young practitioner gave every attendee a set of Dafa truth-clarification materials and they immediately read them carefully.
On my way home, while listening to Dafa music "Jishi," I felt very somber deep in my heart. On the path of Fa-rectification, time waits for no one. Dafa disciples who carry the mission of rectifying the Fa shoulder heavy responsibilities. We must not let those down who have put infinite hope in us.
(Clearwisdom.net) It is near Mother's Day, the second Sunday in May. More than 50 Falun Gong practitioners in the Longtan area took part in the Parent-Child Fun Competition held by the Longtan Township government at the Longtan Sports Park. They took the opportunity to introduce and spread Falun Dafa to the local people. At the opening ceremony, the head of the township, legislative committee members, and other local celebrities all praised Falun Gong. After viewing a Falun Gong truth-clarifying photo display and the exercise demonstration, the local people were also very complimentary.
Among the guests were teachers and students from ten primary schools of the township and several local officials, including Township Head Mr. Huang Renji and Legislative Committee Member Ms. Zhu Fengzhi.
About 50 local Falun Gong practitioners also took this valuable opportunity to spread Falun Dafa. After 7:00 a.m. practitioners arrived at the park and set up a booth facing the entrance. This position is so conspicuous that people can see it from quite a distance. Practitioners also prepared several dozen large Dafa truth-clarifying picture displays and placed them at the entrance. People were able to gain a deeper understanding of Falun Gong after viewing these pictures.
The opening ceremony was scheduled for 9:00 a.m., but by 8:00 a.m. people from all walks of life had started to arrive at the park. The sponsor invited Falun Gong practitioners to perform the five sets of exercises on the stage at 8:30 a.m. Besides demonstrating the exercises, the practitioners also gave clear explanations, from the gong mechanism to the Fa principle "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance," from the brutal persecution on the Mainland to the worldwide spread of Falun Dafa. People were very interested.
At 9:00 a.m., the opening ceremony began. People from all social strata delivered speeches. Other than some general expressions of gratitude, they all mentioned Falun Gong. Township Head Mr. Huang Renji and Legislative Committee Member Ms. Zhu Fengchi knew of Falun Gong from before, so they expressed their appreciation to Falun Gong and also encouraged people to learn Falun Gong.
After the opening ceremony, a variety of competitive activities followed. The Youth Trade Committee sponsor encouraged everyone to actively join in the activities, and also invited Falun Gong practitioners to participate. Practitioners declined the invitation, because they wanted to introduce and spread Dafa. People were all glad to accept our flyers and learn the truth about Falun Gong. Quite a few people stopped and looked at our large Fa-spreading posters. One person spent more than an hour looking through all the pictures on our posters and then left. When we met him again later, he said he had introduced Falun Gong to one of his friends and had also given him a flyer. We gave him one more flyer, and he left happily. He seemed to have spread Dafa without obtaining Dafa.
Some people still felt puzzled after looking through our truth-clarifying pictures. They said that the Party on the Mainland would certainly be worried with so many people practicing Falun Gong. Practitioners told them, "The large exercise demonstration picture shows that the practitioners performed after being officially invited. Before Jiang mobilized political means to persecute Falun Gong due to his own selfishness, people were encouraged to practice Falun Gong. At the same time, however, other countries' governments around the world constantly issue awards to Falun Gong. Falun Gong practitioners are all good people. How can all the other countries be wrong?" This person had no response except to say that persecuting good people is definitely wrong.
The activity lasted until 11:00 a.m. This Fa-spreading opportunity was successful, with many people and officials highly praising Falun Gong, and many teachers and students able to view such a pure performance of the exercises. The head of the township was also very supportive, giving us many opportunities to conduct the exercises. We hope this Fa-spreading activity will be conducive to spreading the Fa to schools in the Longtan area.
(Clearwisdom.net) On Saturday, May 4, 2002, New York Dafa practitioners participated in the largest street-market of the year. At the annual Spring Street Market held on Atlantis Street in Brooklyn, New York, practitioners introduced Dafa and clarified the truth to local residents. The local people expressed their interest in Dafa and their indignation at the persecution of Falun Gong by Jiang's regime. After learning the truth they indicated that the Dafa practitioners' efforts to clarify the truth to the local community was worthwhile.
The weather in New York was nice on May 4th, and many people converged on Atlantis Street. This 27th annual large-scale street market had been scheduled for the second half of last September but was postponed to the spring due to the 9.11 tragedy.
Dafa practitioners participated in the gathering for the second time. Two large posters proclaiming, "Falun Dafa is good" in both Chinese and English in red lettering on a yellow background made an eye-catching display. Other poster boards showed people how widely Dafa is practiced as well as details of the brutal persecution by Jiang's regime. The display also highlighted Dafa practitioners' spirit of upholding the truth without fearing hardships and dangers. The Dafa practitioners also demonstrated the exercises, which attracted many visitors to stop and watch. Many people requested Dafa literature and the last flyer was distributed at the end of the activity.
With practitioners continuously spreading Dafa and clarifying the truth in local communities, more and more people are finding out about Falun Gong and the persecution in China. Many people are interested in learning Falun Gong and have joined our efforts to call for an end to the persecution in China.
(Clearwisdim.net)
On May 1st, 2002, Ms. Zhang Cuiying, a Chinese traditional painter and Falun Dafa practitioner, arrived in Czech to attend her exhibition and give interviews to the media. On the second day, the exhibition opened in Prague and her fine serene paintings were praised by art enthusiasts. The visitors expressed their sympathy after learning about her experience of being illegally detained in China for eight months due to speaking up for Falun Gong and opposing the Jiang regime's brutal persecution. On May 3rd, Ms. Zhang Cuiying visited the President's Office and was warmly welcomed by the President's representative.
On the afternoon of May 1st, a Czech Radio Station interviewed Ms. Zhang Cuiying. The painter first introduced the characteristics of Chinese traditional paintings and her personal journey through her art. Then, Ms. Zhang talked about difficult times in her life when she suffered from many illnesses, forcing her to give up her painting. However, Falun Dafa saved her and she picked up the brush to paint again. From that experience, audiences started to understand the magnificent healing power of Falun Gong. Ms. Zhang then spoke about her experiences of going back to China. Upon hearing about the Chinese dictator Jiang's order to ban Falun Gong, and having been a beneficiary of the practice, she decided to go back to China and explain the truth to the government. However, she ended up being brutally tortured. The host of the radio station expressed his sympathy to Ms. Zhang, and he also showed deep interest in the Chinese traditional paintings. He said he was honoured to know Falun Dafa.
May 2nd was the first day of the formal exhibition. At the opening ceremony, a Sinologist familiar with the paintings gave a speech. He briefly introduced traditional Chinese painting and highly praised those of Zhang Cuiying. He said these paintings were graceful, and serene, and he said, "The paintings are like the painter. However, she experienced eight months of hellish torture simply because she spoke the truth--- Falun Dafa is good!" This Sinologist gave the exhibition many kinds of support. Many people presented flowers and local traditional crafts to the painter to express their respect and appreciation.
On May 3rd, Zhang Cuiying and the representatives of the Czech practitioners went to Prague Castle where they were warmly welcomed by the people from the President's Office. The President's Representative expressed regret that the President was away, but they would bring the requests to the President's attention. They were very happy to meet Ms. Zhang and the Czech practitioners. Zhang gave a painting to the President as a gift and handed over a letter. The Representative thanked her for the gift and said that they had already received the letters from the practitioners. They had heard about Ms. Zhang's experiences and showed their sympathy. He affirmed that the persecution of Falun Gong was unacceptable and should be stopped immediately. He also expressed his admiration for the ancient and magnificent Chinese culture.
(Clearwisdom.net)
Latest News from China
I have witnessed the viciousness of the police in a forced labor camp as they tortured Dafa practitioners. Because a practitioner refused to write pledges denouncing Falun Gong he was sent to a forced labor camp for two years. The police also denied practitioners sleep for over 10 days. They beat them with rubber batons, causing loss of consciousness and vomiting. Most practitioners had black and blue marks on their hips and legs. By speaking about it I am breaking through the lies that Jiang's gang has spread at the U.N. Human Rights Conference.
The Battle between violence and faith---my 26 days in the detention center: I was kidnapped because I clarified the truth to the public. While in detention, I faced the tribulation calmly and staged a hunger strike to protest the illegal persecution. In addition, I kept on sending forth righteous thoughts to eliminate the evil. I was force fed many times. Each time, I resisted the force-feeding firmly. I did not cooperate with the evil. I refused to do hard labor, wear prisoner's uniform, have my pictures taken, or recite prison rules. I grabbed every opportunity to clarify the truth and promote Zhen-Shan-Ren to the prison guards. Later, I walked out the detention center nobly.
News from Overseas
(World Journal, May 6) After 5000 Falun Gong practitioners were arrested in March, the police in Yushu City of Jilin Province arrested at least 70 other practitioners without any legal procedures. Three days ago a piece of news verified a secret document had been issued. Signed by Jilin Province Public Security Bureau and the Superior Court, the secret document authorized the arbitrary arrest and detention of Falun Gong practitioners.
On April 25, "De Standaard", one of the major newspapers in Belgium reported Falun Gong practitioners' protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Brussels. The report described the inhumane persecution, brainwashing, torture, and insults suffered by practitioner Zhao Ming while he was jailed in China.
Story of Righteous Thoughts
A practitioner sent forth righteous thoughts every hour when he made truth-clarification CDs. He also used his gong, (energy potency) developed by cultivating, to strengthen the CDs. When he was forced to leave home to avoid further persecution, he went to a village where he sent forth righteous thoughts with local practitioners whenever they distributed truth-clarification CDs to ordinary people. It was very effective. Soon, over 3,000 people from that village learned the truth of Falun Gong; thus, the evil lost their market.
All of the Heavens and the Earth Celebrate Together the Ten Years of Fa-Spreading
On World Falun Dafa Day, the greatest day, Hubei Dafa practitioners wish Teacher a Happy Birthday! We extend our most lofty respect to our great and compassionate Teacher!
(Clearwisdom.net)
á
1. [Wuhan City, Hubei Province] Peng Liang Is Transferred to the Qingling Detention Center in Wuchang
Peng Liang, the elder brother of Falun Dafa practitioner Peng Min from Wuhan City who died of persecution, has been transferred to the Qingling Detention Center in Wuchang. He is under severe torture both mentally and physically.
2. [Laiwu, Shandong Province] Police Raid Internet Access Site
On April 29, the police raided a site at Laiwu in Shandong Province where Falun Dafa materials were gathered and kept. Several Falun Dafa practitioners have been arrested.
3. [Shunping County, Hebei Province] Falun Dafa Practitioners from Shimenzhuang Village Are Arrested
On February 26, 2002, female Falun Dafa practitioners Shi Yingxian, Shi Guixian, and Zhang Jianru from Shimenzhuang Village of Hekou Township in Shunping County went out to distribute materials that tell the truth facts about Falun Gong. They were abducted by people in a neighboring village who had been misguided by the government's propaganda.
Later, police officers forcibly took away 1,800 Yuan from them, which they had saved from their meager income in order to compile Falun Gong truth-clarification materials [The average monthly salary of an urban worker is about 500 Yuan]. The police also spread lies that "this [1,800 Yuan] was the salary paid to the practitioners for distributing Falun Gong truth-clarification materials." The police just couldn't believe that there are still people who sacrifice themselves for the sake of others in this world.
Subsequently on April 20, policemen from the Hekou Township Police Station illegally broke into Shi Junyan's home and arrested him. The police also thought about taking Shi's wife away with them, but their plans were thwarted by the stern speech from Shi's family members.
List of guilty people:
Wang Jianqiang: government of Hekou Township.
Zuo Zhanyong: chief of Shunping County Police Department.
Lu Zhuqing: head of Shunping County.
Hao Junyuan: Party secretary of Shunping County.
Telephone number of Shunping County Police Department: 011-86-312-7621758.
4. [Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region] Alerting Fellow Practitioners -- One Falun Dafa Practitioner Is Being Held in the Liudaowan Detention Center
It was recently reported that a Falun Dafa practitioner (under the alias of Xiaoqing) was placed under illegal custody around September 2001. That was on Xiaoqing's second trip to Xinjaing Uighur Autonomous Region. Xiaoqing is currently being held in the Liudaowan Detention Center in Urumqi City.
5. [Yunfu, Guangdong Province] Lai Zhenxian and His Wife Escape from the Control of Evil People with Righteous Thoughts
Falun Dafa practitioners Lai Zhenxian and his wife Li Shaozhen have been forced to leave home as a result of persecution and harassment by the authorities. Their daughter, who is in elementary school, has to be taken care of by senior members of the family. There is no income for the family. The police are also looking for their whereabouts. It is reported that they successfully escaped from the police station out of their righteous thoughts. Jiang Zemin and Luo Gan's followers are planning to punish the deputy chief and another guard who were on duty [at the time of the escape].
6. [The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region] Crime Record of the Vicious Policewomen in Charge of the Female Group at the Tumuji Forced Labor Camp
Since December 1999, in order to persecute Falun Dafa disciples, the Tumuji Forced Labor Camp in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has:
Main people responsible for the torture:
Director Zhu
Policemen: Zhou Guolin, Yang Jie, Luo Jinfang, Wu Hongxia, Yin Guijuan, Ding Li, Su Hongyu, and Liu X
Phone: 86-482-6710035
As practitioners in China face tremendous pressure to give up their beliefs under the Chinese regime's brutal persecution, there are those who have given in and signed documents renouncing Falun Dafa. However, many of these people deeply regret doing so after they are released from detention and labor camps. "Solemn declarations" are the public statements made by such practitioners, often at great risk to their personal safety, to declare to the world that the documents they signed under duress are null and void and that they will continue to practice Falun Dafa.
Here are some of the Solemn Declarations from the practitioners:
Please click here for more Solemn Declarations.
(Clearwisdom.Net) Before the Chinese New Year, by chance I heard the news that my sister-in-law's father was sick and in critical condition. I felt bad about it. I figured that it was not an accident that I heard about it. Therefore I asked my sister in law, "Can you deliver a few words to your father and let him know that Falun Dafa is good, and 'Truth-Compassion-Forbearance' is good. The defamatory TV reports are to frame and ruin Falun Dafa. It is good for him to know about this." "Is it useful?" my sister-in-law asked. I asked her to make sure the message was delivered. (I sent forth righteous thoughts when I was speaking to her.)
In January I heard from my sister-in-law that her father's health had improved. Before my mother came to visit me in February, my sister-in-law told her that she delivered the message from me, and her father believed it. Soon after, his health significantly improved and he is almost fully recovered now. He reads Zhuan Falun every day and stopped smoking and drinking too.
Again, I realized the greatness of Dafa and the urgency to save people after I heard it. It reinforced my confidence to fully clarify the truth.