February 20, 2003

(Clearwisdom.net)

Dear Editor - I am writing to thank you for the nice little write-up in your Monday paper detailing the "Persecution of Falun Gong" forum that was held at the university Tuesday evening. Your write-up was clear and concise, and the location was ideal.

The forum was an in-depth look at the injustices suffered by the followers of the peaceful, spiritual practice of Falun Gong at the hands of the Chinese authorities, who irrationally launched this persecution mainly out of misguided fear brought about by the sheer number of adherents. Falun Gong originated in China merely 10 years ago, and quickly gained momentum with participants currently numbering an estimated 100 million. The peacefulness, family harmony, and good health that the practitioners experienced, along with the fact that all meditation classes and materials were completely free contributed to its mass popularity. But when the estimated number of practitioners began to exceed that of the Communist party membership (60 million) the government became unnecessarily nervous about losing power, and thereby outlawed the peaceful, non-political movement.

Those people who attended the forum on Tuesday were primarily from the Guelph area; however, those practitioners who were presenting various topics were not only from Guelph, but also Kitchener, Milton and even Toronto.

Although some of the facts that were revealed about the brutal actions and attitudes of the officials in the detention centres and forced labour camps were rather disturbing, the forum also pointed out how Canada has participated in achieving the early release of eight individuals as a result of the efforts of the Global Mission to Rescue Persecuted Falun Gong Practitioners. Worldwide support is gaining momentum, and investigations into the violations of human rights are taking place by various international organizations including Amnesty International.

The concept of a "self cultivation practice" such as Falun Gong need not be so foreign to those of us in North America: the book, Zhuan Falun, written by our founder Li Hongzhi, discusses not only the unprecedented events unfolding today in China, but also provides a fresh understanding of the enormous potential in the integration of mind, body and soul.

The core of our practice is based on five Qigong exercises similar in appearance to Tai Chi, which are not only beautiful and relaxing, but provide a sustained form of energy as well. If you ever happen to come across a practitioner doing the exercises in the park, feel free to ask him or her questions about Falun Gong, for this person would gladly teach you the movements if you are interested in learning.

And, that being said, I should point out that the Guelph and area practitioners do the exercises every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in the University Centre, 5th floor chapel, and we invite everyone to come and see for themselves what it's all about. There is no cost or obligation, and you can come or go as you please.

Once again, thank you for including a notice of our forum in your paper. By informing the public about our presentation, you helped more people learn the truth about what is taking place in China. And it's through grassroots efforts such as these, in raising awareness, that have led to the rescue of eight individuals who have family members here in Canada. Every contribution helps.