Cyprus: The Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren International Exhibition Premieres in the Capital of Nicosia

(Minghui.org) The Art of Zhen, Shan, Ren International Exhibition was held for the first time in Cyprus on November 11-21, 2013. The event took place in the country's capital of Nicosia.

Since its inception in 2004, the exhibition has been presented in more than 50 countries throughout the world. “Zhen, Shan, Ren” translates to “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance,” the main principles of Falun Dafa. Artists featured in the exhibition are all practitioners of Falun Dafa, a spiritual self-cultivation practice of mind and body originating from ancient China.

Many viewers in Nicosia were deeply touched by the paintings on display. Two professional artists who viewed the exhibition with their students commented on the remarkable level of artistry in the works and how they were very moved by the messages conveyed in the paintings.

People seemed especially touched by the messages of compassion. Many offered sincere thanks as they left the venue.

Guest Comments

One lady said, "I came here because of those three words," referring to Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. She wrote in the guestbook: "God is everywhere and sheds light on us. Pain is just an inevitable way towards light."

Eleni Loukaidou, a Municipal Councilor of Nicosia, wrote after attending the exhibition: "A fine exhibition... It conveys rich artistic values… A strong message of truth and kindness, but also of love, which is so lacking in these times. 'Well done' to these worthy artists."

Other guestbook comments included:

"Congratulations on an exceptional exhibition to widen our horizons onto reality of life."

"A journey onto the life of a tortured nation where we can only have compassion for its suffering."

"I was moved, shocked, and puzzled. Strong messages for spiritual freedom. Amazing art."

"China deserves peace, tolerance, and love. Love is a two-way give and take, and love offers far more than hate."

Lotus Purity

Visitors to the exhibition were given handmade origami lotus flowers as gifts. Many were interested to learn the symbolism of the lotus flower. The organizers of the exhibition explained that in traditional Chinese culture, the lotus symbolizes purity—although it grows from the muddy waters of a marsh, its blooms are beautiful, pure and clean.

Falun Dafa practitioners volunteering at the exhibition taught people how to make origami lotus flowers. The children were especially enthusiastic to learn the craft.