(Minghui.org) The “Experience Asia” exhibition was held in the city of Gatineau, near Ottawa, on May 24, 2014. This large-scale exhibition is one of a series of events held annually in May for Asian Heritage Month. Falun Gong, the only Chinese group that was invited to give presentations, introduced various aspects of Chinese culture to event attendees including dance, culinary arts, and costumes. They also gave a demonstration of the Falun Gong exercises.
When she introduced Falun Gong, stage manager Kai Whitcomb said, “Living in this modern world, we are very busy every day. We need something to help us calm down and clear our thoughts. When one's body is dirty, you can wash it with water, but when a person's mind is contaminated, how do you cleanse it? I found Falun Gong can achieve this—purifying our spirit. Falun Gong is for every one of us.”
Falun Gong booth at the “Experience Asia” exhibition at Gatineau City Hall
The exhibtion at Gatineau City Hall had presenters from several local Asian communities such as Korea, India, Vietnam, and Thailand. Falun Gong practitioners gave an exercise demonstration on stage in the afternoon. Many people were interested and began following along with the movements.
Falun Gong practitioners demonstrate the exercises on stage at the “Experience Asia” exhibition
Gisele Ouellette, a federal government department manager, had come to watch the Falun Gong exercise demonstration. As the head of an IT department, she said she's under intense pressure at work which requires quick turnaround time and good teamwork in her group. “I often encounter various types of problems on a daily basis and it's very challenging,” she said.
She was impressed by the peaceful nature of the exercises. “Falun Gong seems to be very good and can relieve stress. I will give it a try.” She took some information and said she would read more about Falun Gong on the Internet.
The practitioners also passed out hand-made paper lotus flowers. “They are so beautiful!” exclaimed Mary Subrata, from the Malaysian community's booth. She then stayed at the Falun Gong booth to learn how to make them.
Commending the practitioners' performance during the event, Ms. Whitcomb said, “Falun Gong teaches one to be a better person by following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. This is extraordinary. The exercise demo is also wonderful and gives everyone an opportunity to learn more about it.”
