(Clearwisdom.net) On May 13, 2011, around the world, Falun Dafa practitioners celebrated the day this ancient cultivation practice was first introduced to the public. It has been 19 years since Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong (also called Falun Dafa), began to teach the practice in a modest schoolhouse in northeast China.

The Romanian Falun Dafa Association organized two events to mark the day. They presented to the public the benefits this spiritual discipline brings to the body, mind and spirit, while also making known the brutal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Falun Gong practitioners seek to assimilate to the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance, both in their thinking and in their daily actions, obtaining not only an inner calm and optimism, but also a deep understanding of life and the universe.

As they passed through Drumul Taberei Park in Bucharest, local citizens had access to the benefits of this practice. They had the opportunity to observe or learn the five sets of exercises and read display boards about the practice around the world and the persecution of its practitioners in today’s China. They also had the chance to sign a petition to stop this persecution. Many passersby of all ages were deeply impressed by what they saw and by the fact that these atrocities are still happening today.

Amnesty International has published its 2011 annual report, which includes reports on flagrant violations of human rights in China. However, these violations are still being overlooked on the world stage.

Many people expressed their concern about the heinous acts that continue to occur in China and offered to help in spreading these sad truths among their acquaintances, relatives and friends. Many left their contact information. Others wished to buy Zhuan Falun, the book of Falun Dafa's teachings written by Mr. Li Hongzhi, and to practice the exercises taught voluntarily every week in Herastrau Park.

The second event dedicated to World Falun Dafa Day was held on Beijing Boulevard, near the Chinese Embassy, where the Romanian practitioners and their guests from England, Italy and Hong Kong made a peaceful call to stop the persecution in China. They displayed banners which re-enacted some of the 100 torture methods utilized on Falun Gong practitioners in China and they also demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises.

A cameraman from the Reuters international news agency came to cover the event in Drumul Taberei Park.