(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was introduced to the public in May 1992 and has spread to more than 100 countries. More than 100 million practitioners have improved their minds and bodies through practicing Falun Dafa. The main book, Zhuan Falun, has been translated into more than 20 languages. While officials at every level of government worldwide commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public, Taiwanese practitioners celebrate the 17th Anniversary of the practice's introduction to their country.
First Taiwan practice site established
Ms. He Laiqin is one of the first practitioners who introduced Falun Dafa to Taiwan. She went to Jinan City in Shandong Province and attended Master Li’s nine-day lecture series. Within a few days, the various illnesses that bothered her for more than 20 years miraculously disappeared. Ms. He was very grateful and later that year, she attended Master Li’s fifth lecture series in Guangzhou City.
After returning to Taiwan, Ms. He set up the first practice site at Yangming Town near Taipei City. It attracted many people due to the practice's powerful effect of improving health and spiritual well-being. Seventeen years later, there are about 1,000 practice sites in more than 300 towns in Taiwan. Falun Dafa is now seen everywhere in Taiwan, even including the off-islands such as Penghu, Jinmen, and Matsu.
Over 5,000 practitioners gathered at Liberty Square in Taipei on November 27, 2010. They formed a 3-D lotus flower pattern and the words Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance
Master Li visits Taiwan
Master Li visited Taiwan in November 1997 and gave lectures at Taipei and Taizhong, about 10 hours in total. Nearly 1,000 practitioners attended Master Li’s lectures. Later, these practitioners played a very important role in introducing Falun Dafa throughout Taiwan.
Master Li gave a lecture at Sanxing Elementary School in Taipei in November 1997
One practitioner who attended the lecture said, “There were very few practitioners in Taiwan before Master Li visited here and they did not communicate much with each other. However, after Master Li visited, practitioners recognized the wonderfulness of Dafa and felt the need to introduce the practice to more people. Since then, more and more people began to practice.”
Following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance
Every morning many practitioners do the exercises in the parks or at schools. Falun Dafa requires that practitioners be good people under any circumstances. Here are some typical examples of practitioners who are outstanding citizens. Chi Jen High School principal Mr. Hung Tenghsiang won the 22nd “Hung Dao Award”, the highest award and honor available for a private school teacher in Taiwan, and he was later interviewed by Taiwanese President Ma Yingjeou. Ms. Huang Li-hwi was recognized as a Model Government Worker of the Year, an honor given by the Executive Yuan. Ms. Chang Suhsing won the “Extraordinary Teacher Award” issued by the Kaohsiung City Educational Bureau. Ms. Lee Min-yu was honored as an “Extraordinary Teacher” in Hualian County. Mr. Cao Qingcong was elected twice as Outstanding Father and Model Father. Ms. Chen Liyan was honored as Model Single Parent. Mr. Xu Zhiji was awarded as an Excellent Employee. Mr. Wu Shipan won a gold medal in the 35th Physics Olympiad, the highest honor for students in the field of physics.
Falun Dafa clubs and schoolteacher study camps
After benefiting from Falun Dafa themselves, many practitioners started clubs to introduce the practice to more people.
China Times: Falun Gong clubs in district prosecutor's office
Every year, several counties and cities hold schoolteacher camps to introduce Falun Dafa. Many educators thus have the opportunity to apply their understandings on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance to their daily teachings. Such activities are highly supported by education department officials, principals, and teachers. At National Taiwan University, there are dozens of professors, employees, and graduate students who practice Falun Dafa. At least 60 Falun Dafa clubs were launched in various universities.
A schoolteacher camp held at Huwei High School in late July 2005. About 200 teachers and employees attended the event
Peaceful appeal on April 25 raised awareness
About 10,000 Falun Dafa practitioners went to Beijing on April 25, 1999, for a peaceful appeal. After this was reported by Taiwanese news media, more and more people began to learn about Falun Dafa.
Taiwan news media report on the peaceful appeal on April 25, 1999
Government and officials support truth-clarification
In the past 10 plus years, it is well recognized in Taiwan that Falun Dafa improves the mind and body. Former President Chen Shui-bian and Vice-President Annette Lu made public announcements many times to support Falun Dafa. Wang Jin-pyng, current President of the Legislative Yuan, as well as mayors, council members, and many other government officials also support Falun Dafa. When current president Ma Ying-jeou served as Taipei City mayor several years ago, he participated in a public rally held by Falun Dafa practitioners to criticize the CCP’s persecution of Falun Dafa.
Ten thousand people practice the exercises in front of the Presidential Palace to support the lawsuit against Jiang
On May 12, 2002 when the world was celebrating Falun Dafa Day and the 10th Anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public, Hualian County Council Speaker, Mr. Yang Wenchi, called on the CCP to immediately end the persecution against Falun Dafa practitioners on behalf of all county residents.
On May 12, 2002, Hualian County Council congratulated the 10th Anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction to the public.
On June 8, 2004, 126 Legislative Yuan members proposed a resolution, requesting that the CCP immediately release arrested and detained practitioners, as well as end the persecution against Falun Dafa. The resolution passed unanimously.
Taiwan Bar Association issued an announcement on October 25, 2003 supporting the lawsuit against Jiang
There are hundreds of thousands of practitioners in Taiwan. They hope more people can know about Falun Dafa and hope the persecution will immediately end.
