News & Observer: Followers share Chinese practice in Carrboro (North Carolina)

CARRBORO -- If it is hard to believe a simple Chinese exercise can bring heartache to thousands of lives, just ask Dang.

The Duke University medical researcher remembers Sept. 29 -- the day his older brother [Z-his brother] was arrested by Chinese police and sent to a detention camp for practicing Falun Dafa, a series of exercises designed to soothe the spirit and body.

The Chinese government sees Falun Dafa as an enemy, and Dang is worried about the welfare of his brother, whom he hasn't seen or heard from in more than two months.

"I don't know if he's being beaten to force him to give up the practice," Dang said.

"There is no way for me to check. That's why I'm worried about him."

Dang was one of about 25 Falun Dafa followers who gathered in Carrboro Town Hall on Sunday to introduce a handful of curious residents to Falun Dafa through demonstrations and a video. They also celebrated proclamations of support issued by several local governments in North Carolina. Carrboro Mayor Mike Nelson is declaring this week "Falun Dafa Week," after similar proclamations in Wake and Durham counties.

Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a traditional Chinese Qigong practice that uses exercise and meditation to relieve stress and improve mental and physical health. In 1992, it was introduced to the public in China by Li Hongzhi. Since then, the practice -- which emphasizes truthfulness, compassion and tolerance -- has gained 100 million followers in 40 nations, according to the New York-based Falun Dafa Information Center.

But beginning in July 1999, the Chinese government, seeing it as a threat to communist teachings, began to crack down on the movement. The center estimates that 60,000 Chinese followers have been detained by police, beaten or sent to labor camps, with about 80 followers dying in police custody.

Local coordinator and Raleigh resident Jeff Chen said 30 Triangle residents regularly come to informal Falun Dafa weekend exercises, with hundreds more learning the techniques from a free gathering and then using them at home.