(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in Greater Vancouver, Canada, celebrated the upcoming Falun Dafa Day, May 13, 2021, by holding activities in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on May 2, 2021. The special day celebrates the 29^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction as well as the 70^th birthday of Master Li Hongzhi, the founder.

Falun Dafa practitioners in Greater Vancouver celebrate Falun Dafa Day.

It was a fine, warm day. Many people stopped to take photographs and watch practitioners as they demonstrated the exercises. Some copied their movements and exercised with them. They told practitioners that they felt energized and relaxed afterward.

Group exercise in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Passersby learned the Falun Dafa exercises.

Law Enforcement Officer: Learning to Face Violence with Compassion

Mr. Mark Tickner said that he began practicing Falun Dafa in 2013. He explained that his job in law enforcement came with many physical and psychological challenges. “I asked my wife one day if there was any way to help me restore and increase my energy. She invited me to do the Falun Dafa exercises with her and gave me a book. I read it and thought it made sense. I read it again, and then I felt a change in my body. My energy level was boosted. I quit drinking soon afterward. My mind became sharper and clearer, which sped up my decision-making. My body felt recharged. I experienced a huge change in my heart. My bad thoughts were gone. It was great!”

Mark Tickner (in a yellow shirt and white pants) shows people how to do the Falun Dafa exercises.

Mark said the biggest benefit was that Falun Dafa helped him learn how to deal with people who had extreme behaviors or bad intentions. “I do my best to put the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance into practice every day. It sounds easy, but it’s quite challenging, especially in my job. I have to face tough situations—sometimes violent conflicts. Self-cultivation helped me face people with compassion. When they feel my compassion everything calms down, and this allows me to handle the situation properly.”

Practitioners Have Truly Created a Peaceful Field

Steven Lucky, a music producer, said, “I've heard about Falun Dafa for years. I used to live in Toronto's Chinatown and received some introductory flyers from practitioners. I felt that they were helping the whole world. I wanted to be part of it. It’s my honor.” 

Steven talked about his experience of doing the exercises for the first time. “I immediately felt that energy entered my organs, and I could see their different colors. I felt compassion and peace. The energy echoed among the whole group. They (practitioners) have truly created a field of peace. It not only went around themselves but also included everyone. I felt that the energy in my body was balanced. It’s a wonderful experience!”

Former Member of Political Consultative Committee Excited to Find Falun Dafa

Ms. Wang Junhua

Ms.Wang Junhua, a former member of the Political Consultative Committee of Mishan City, Heilongjiang Province, now lives in Vancouver. She said that she practiced Buddhism for years, but didn’t feel she'd found the Way that could guide her to uplifted realms. In 1996, a neighbor recommended she read Zhuan Falun. “After reading the book I understood what genuine cultivation is and how to uplift my spirit. 

“I was so excited! I learned how to handle my relationships with others, and how to get along with people. Master taught me to be considerate of others in everything I do and in every thought. I finally found the genuine Sutra!”

Falun Gong’s Peace Is What People Need

Tamith Lambi, a college student studying graphic design, said that people need to find inner strength through cultivation practice and that Falun Dafa exercises make her feel calm and relaxed. “I can feel a strength, which is what we need, especially in today’s society. We are always troubled by fear, stress, and worries. Too much stress and unbalance make people get sick. We need to recognize our inner strength. Watch these people (Falun Dafa practitioners). They are so calm and peaceful! Our community and society need more people like them.”

Tamith Lambi (right) with practitioner

When she heard how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) persecutes Falun Dafa, Tamith said, “I know why Falun Dafa has become the CCP’s target. It’s because the Party realizes how powerful these practitioners are. They aren’t easily terrified or affected, because they know their strength is from their faith. That’s why the CCP persecutes them and tortures them. I stand with the Chinese people, not with the CCP.”

Jean-Paul Lambert appreciates practitioners for letting others know about Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Jean-Paul stopped and learned the Falun Dafa exercises on the spot. He said he really enjoyed it and felt the energy in his hands. “It’s very relaxing! A good morning exercise! If you have experienced ups and downs in life, and want to empty your mind, Falun Dafa is the best way!” Jean-paul thanked practitioners for spreading the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and said he admired Falun Dafa's Master. He wants to tell Master Li, “You are guarded by angels for doing this for people!”

William James enjoyed watching the beautiful celebration and said the persecution of Falun Dafa was absolutely unacceptable.