Approximately 20 Falun Dafa practitioners from Vancouver and Victoria participated in the annual Canadian National Health Show in Victoria on January 22 and 23, 2000, and introduced Falun Dafa to this beautiful capital city of British Columbia.
January is normally the rainy season for Victoria, but there was no rain during these two days and we even had sunny breaks on Sunday. Our Falun Dafa booth was right at the entrance of the health show and it was impossible to miss the big red sign "Falun Gong". Hundreds of people stopped at our desk, asking for information, watching the exercise instruction tape, reading the posters and flyers, inquiring about the situation in China and signing the Falun Dafa international appeal. A couple in their early 60s was the first to approach us. They were very excited to see the Falun Gong sign and told us that they had been tracking information about Falun Dafa for a couple of months and were looking forward to this moment when they knew that we would be at the health show. Another family of five drove down from the upper island especially for obtaining more information about Falun Dafa. They learned the five sets of exercises and came back the next day to join our group practice in front of the BC Parliament Buildings. More than 200 flyers were distributed. Even after the show was closed, a gentleman approached our desk, asked some questions and then took the last copy of Zhuan Falun with great satisfaction on his face. ...
During the show, practitioners were invited to give two demonstrations of the exercises each day. Accompanying the slow, smooth and elegant movements and peaceful music, a practitioner introduced the exercises to the audience. Many people were deeply impressed. One audience member said, "I cannot believe how gentle the movements are." Another wondered "wow, you can really concentrate in such a noisy surrounding?!" Many others told us they felt the energy flow from the demonstration.
In the meantime at the health show in the afternoons, group practice and information distribution were carried on in front of the BC parliament buildings. Many local residents and tourists passed by. Some stopped and watched our group exercises. Some took flyers. And a number of persons learned the exercises on the spot.
In the evening, practitioners gathered together and exchanged their experiences. Bronwen, a practitioner in Victoria who "accidentally" obtained the Dafa a month ago, was so happy and grateful to have this rare opportunity of group practice and study. She hopes she can soon practice in a group in Victoria. The next day, four persons called her and wanted to learn Falun Dafa. Apparently, it won't be long before her hope will be fulfilled: there will be a group practice site in Victoria very soon.
After watching the demo, learning the exercises and talking with practitioners, a lady from Duncan (a community 80 kilometers north of Victoria) invited us to give introductory workshops to her community. "I feel so glad to hear this" when she learned that all of Falun Dafa activities must be free and we do not accept any donations. Looking at her bright smile, we suddenly realize that many predestined and kind-hearted people are waiting for us to bring the Dafa to them. It is our responsibilities as practitioners to further spread the Dafa and let more people know the truth of Falun Gong.
January 24, 2000
Category: Parades & Other Community Events
