Irish Practitioner Brian Trought: Letter from an Irish Son to his Family

Mother, Father and other family,

You're probably worried at the moment. It is a shame that I haven't taken the time to clarify everything to you all. But sometimes I feel that you just don't want to listen about the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China. So, I don't impose anything on you.

Nonetheless, I trust you've guessed how important having the Falun Gong practitioners released is to me. Maybe you have seen little change in me over the last two years (surface changes excluded). But in reality, I've benefited greatly. Physical benefits apart, I am much clearer in mind. Although I am more relaxed, I think far quicker than I used to. Also, I have become a lot more selfless. This is something I always wanted, but could never achieve in practice.

I remember that Dad once said that I was too selfless (not exact quote). You also said that you were worried that because I was too selfless; I would be taken advantage of. But how can you equate selflessness with being naive? I simply try to practise compassion. Isn't it a higher principle of compassion to not allow others to take advantage of you? In fact, in just about everything I do, I think of others first -- this is why I continue to practise Falun Gong and the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance.

I've said enough about myself. So why have written this letter? Rather bluntly, I have gone to Tiananmen Square in Beijing to appeal directly to the Chinese government to stop persecuting Falun Gong practitioners.

Don't be alarmed. Firstly, I am not alone. There are 30 other Falun Gong practitioners here. I have met most of them before, and have a good relationship with them. Secondly, we have all planned this trip very well. Thirdly, in relation to safety: under the UN Charter, we are protected by law. So, nothing can happen to us.

Your first impression may be like, "He's gone really overboard." But I was very rational when I asked to participate. I was very rational when I organised it. And I will be very rational when I go to Tiananmen Square. Just to let you know what we intend to do is to sit peacefully on Tiananmen Square (in the full lotus) for 10-15 mins, then leave.

Your first reaction may be irrational. But when you calm down and think about this, I'm sure that you'll see that I have made a decision, followed it through and have done what I felt is correct.

I hope above all that after this, you will not be disappointed in me. Rather, you will be proud of your son. Just remember this, I stood up for my belief in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I am truly pleased to have the opportunity to do this.

We'll talk further in a few days when I get home.

á

Brian