(Minghui.org) “This is like a big family reunion. So many practitioners are here, from all over the world. Amazingly peaceful and pure,” said a New Zealand practitioner during the recent parade on Wednesday in Manhattan.
While wiping tears of happiness off her cheeks, she added, “I am so touched.”
Sarah Matheson has practiced Falun Dafa for 7 years. While holding her young daughter, she explained that she came to New York on May 13 to join this grand parade to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, which marks the 22 nd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the public.
The parade was held at the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Park in front of the United Nations Headquarters. Thousands of practitioners from dozens of nations joined the event. After traveling different paths from various parts of the world, they came with the same goal: to share the beauty of Falun Dafa cultivation practice with the world.
Below are stories from some of the participants.
Belgian Practitioner: A Field of Purity and Compassion
Belgian Practitioner Lidia Loukilykh
With a pleasant smile on her face, Lidia Loukilykh said that she was extremely happy to celebrate such a special occasion during this large gathering. Currently a resident of Belgium, Lidia began practicing Falun Gong in Russia several years ago.
“Not only did I feel a field of purity and compassion today,” Lidia said, “Passersby also seemed to notice this and shared joy with us.” She said that many people were impressed by the parade and chatted happily with each other, while others waved at the practitioners to show their support.
Philadelphia Practitioners: It Is Great to Hold this Parade on a Weekday
Jennie Sheeks and Ann Corson, both from Philadelphia
Ann Corson, a physician from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, said that she has attended several parades since she started practicing Falun Gong 7 years ago. Instead of walking with other practitioners in the parade itself, this time she chose to distribute informational materials along the sidewalk and talk with parade spectators.
“It is really fantastic to see so many practitioners here from many different countries,” said Ann. She noticed that many passersby were moved by the sincere and strong energy of the parade.
Ann said that she often talks with other people about Falun Dafa, as well as the persecution in China, in her daily life. Once, a friend who works for the Red Cross heard about persecution, including the Chinese Communist Party's forced organ harvesting from living Falun Gong practitioners. Her friend was shocked. She could not believe how such a brutal persecution could ever happen, especially to a peaceful group. That friend said she would search for more information on the Internet and find ways to help stop the brutality in China.
Next to Ann was Jennie Sheeks, also from Philadelphia. Although she has been practicing Falun Gong for just two years, Jennie said she has attended numerous events held by practitioners. “I am especially thankful for our Teacher. He saved us and sacrificed so much,” she said.
Jennie also said that it was great to hold this parade on a weekday. She noticed that more people were able to learn about Falun Dafa this way. “They will be able to see how wonderful Dafa is, and come to know that Falun Dafa is being practiced all over the world.”
Canadian Practitioner: Trying to Do Better Every Day
Francis Madore from Canada
Francis Madore, from Canada, has practiced Falun Dafa for 13 years. He used to pursue fortune and was meticulous about personal gain. He shared, “You cannot always get what you want. And that made me very upset.”
Practicing Falun Dafa helped him a lot, explained Francis. “Now I am striving to get rid of all my bad habits, and trying to do better every day.” He shared that he is now healthier and happier.
“Falun Dafa is compassionate and powerful,” said Francis. “I was able to do this. And anyone in the world can also achieve it.”
New Zealand Practitioner: Like a Family Reunion
Sarah Matheson from New Zealand
Sarah Matheson from New Zealand agreed with Francis. She said that practicing Falun Dafa made her wiser and more mature. “I have made progress in many aspects. My thankfulness is beyond words,” she said.
Sarah said that she especially appreciated the peaceful and pure energy field among practitioners: “This is like a big family reunion.”
Norwegian Practitioner: Falun Dafa Taught Me to Be More Considerate
Peder Giertsen from Norway
Peder Giertsen, a successful business consultant from Norway, has also benefited a lot from his practice. “Falun Dafa taught me to be more considerate of others,” he said, “And that is critical for my work.” After 15 years of practicing, Peder has become more confident—and more humble.
When asked why he took part in the parade, Peder shared, “I hope more people can benefit from the practice like me. Another reason is that, after we tell people today about the persecution, I hope that many of them will support the righteous.”
Swedish Practitioner: My Memory Loss Was Gone
Barbro Plogander, a practitioner from Sweden
Barbro Plogander, a practitioner from Sweden, has come to New York every year since 2006 for the experience-sharing conference and related events.
Recalling the difficult time of her life when she started practicing Falun Dafa in 2005, she sobbed and said, “I was severely ill. I suffered loss of both my long-term and short-term memory. Even before finishing reading one sentence, I'd already forgotten what the first half of the sentence was about.”
But that did not stop Barbro. She was persistent and continued to read Dafa books. One day, she asked herself whether or not she was indeed a practitioner. With no clue as how to find the answer, she looked at Teacher’s picture in Zhuan Falun . “Right at that moment I noticed Teacher’s eyes glittering, as if he was standing in front of me and looking at me.”
Barbro understood how tiny she was compared to the profound Fa. Moved by Teacher’s compassion, she wept tears of gratitude.
“Since that day, my determination in cultivation has never wavered,” said Barbro.
Sydney Software Developer: Practicing Falun Dafa Helped Me in My Work and Life
Alex, a software developer from Sydney, Australia
Alex, an Internet software developer, traveled from Sydney to join the events celebrating Falun Dafa. After beginning to practice in 2007, he found his work more productive and life more harmonious by following the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
“This is the second time for me to come to New York for a parade with other practitioners,” Alex said. “I feel great. I am fortunate to be here to celebrate something so meaningful.”
New York Practitioner: Praised as the Best Employee
New York practitioners Paul Wilson-Young and his wife
Shortly after he started practicing Falun Gong 9 years ago, Paul Wilson-Young of New York quit smoking and drinking. By following the principles of Falun Dafa and improving his mind nature, he became very considerate of his coworkers and many conflicts at work were thus avoided.
“My boss once told me that I was the best employee in the department,” Paul said with a smile. “That was the first time for me to receive such remarks.”
Paul, who works right in New York City, said that New Yorkers almost never see such a large, peaceful group in Manhattan as this year's gathering of Falun Gong practitioners. He noticed many pedestrians waving to him and other practitioners during the parade.
“That makes me feel very happy, because I know they are supporting something so great and so wonderful,” said Paul.
