(Clearwisdom.net) May 13th marks the 9th World Falun Dafa Day as well as the 16th anniversary of the introduction of the practice to the public. On May 10, San Francisco practitioners held celebration activities at Union Square.
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San Francisco Falun Gong practitioners celebrate World Falun Dafa Day at Union Square |
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Practitioners march through Chinatown |
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Students of Minghui Chinese Language School perform traditional dance |
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Practitioners demonstrate Falun Gong exercises |
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People learn the Falun Gong exercises |
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People learn the Falun Gong exercises |
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Practitioner shares his experience with Falun Dafa |
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A practitioner introduce an artwork from the "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance" Art Exhibit to several passersby |
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A child is attracted by the art exhibit |
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People learn the Falun Gong exercises |
The celebration started at 11 a.m. with the host introducing the history of Falun Dafa. "Falun Dafa was first introduced to the public on May 13, 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. Today, Falun Dafa is practiced in nearly 100 countries around the world and Zhuan Falun, the main book of the practice, has been translated into more than 20 languages," said the host.
After the brief introduction, the Divine Land Marching Band started the celebration by playing the song "Falun Dafa is Good". Students of the Minghui Chinese Language School then performed several dance programs, followed by a Falun Gong exercise demonstration. Meanwhile, artworks from the "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance" Art Exhibit were displayed and practitioners provided free teaching of the exercises.
During the celebration, several Chinese and western practitioners shared their experiences with Falun Gong and appealed to the public to take action to end the persecution in China.
Practitioner Alex is a practicing physician. He said: "I started to practice Falun Dafa 8 years ago. The practice helps me stay clear minded and my relationship with family members and friends has been significantly improved. In addition, Falun Dafa has significant health benefit and helps many people to get rid of bad habits."
Practitioner Qing Hu heard about Falun Dafa through a colleague in 1997. Back then, Hu had no interest in Qigong and didn't believe in the existence of high-level beings. After reading Falun Dafa literature, however, she realized that the teaching of Falun Dafa is very profound and decided to practice. "After giving Falun Gong a try, I realized the teachings of Falun Gong are truthful and scientific.
"In the past, I thought I was a good person. However, compared to the requirements for practitioners as outlined in Zhuan Falun, I realize that I still have a long way to go and I am so happy to know the standard for being a 'good person.'"
Practitioner Jianglan Xiong had chronic diseases in the past. In 1998, her doctor introduced Falun Dafa to her. Soon after she started to practice, her body was purified and all the diseases disappeared.
Taking this opportunity, Xiong urged the public to take actions to help end the persecution. "Because of the Chinese Communist Party's slanderous propaganda, many people have been deceived. We are beneficiaries of this great practice and we hope that more people will get to know the beauty of Falun Dafa and help us end the persecution."
During the celebration, many people watched the practitioners' activities and appreciated the "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance" Art Exhibit.
Peter Damato from New Jersey signed a petition and said that he was very happy to help. San Francisco resident Michael said that the art exhibit was very informative. "I know that Falun Gong practitioners are brutally persecuted in China. However, I didn't know why the communist party would persecute such a peaceful group." Michael said that he found the answer from the exhibit and he was happy to sign the petition. Carlito Pantig is a member of the Red Cross and has ten years of experience in meditation. Carlito said that the meditation of Falun Gong is very good for the mind.
After performing his own investigation, a young Chinese student had some questions, as what he learned overseas was so different from the communist propaganda. He talked with a practitioner and then said that he would try the Falun Gong exercises"
At 1:30 p.m., the celebration concluded with a parade which started at Union Square, proceeded through Chinatown and returned to the Square.
