(Minghui.org) To let people know about the benefits of Falun Dafa, as well as the fact that it is being persecuted in China, Falun Dafa practitioners have maintained a presence at Trafalgar Square and St. Martin Place in London for many years.
“Yes, I will sign the petition,” say many of the passersby. They are surprised to hear about the terrible things being done to Falun Dafa practitioners in China, and they hope the petition will help stop the 19-year-long persecution.
Falun Dafa practitioners on Trafalgar Square, June 9, 2018
“Setting up a booth is not difficult,” said practitioner Patrick. In front of the table was a gold “Falun Dafa Is Great” banner and behind the table was a poster explaining the petition that calls for an end to the forced organ harvesting from practitioners for profit in China. Some practitioners did the exercises, while others distributed informational materials. Display broads gave additional information.
Patrick has found that more and more people are interested in learning the facts about Falun Dafa and the persecution. “They are curious and are glad to help by signing petitions. Some people are shocked when they hear the details, and they ask why this practice is being persecuted.”
Danusia is from Poland and now lives in London. “I just talked with two young men who were interested in learning more. I told them about Falun Dafa and explained why Jiang Zemin (the former head of the communist regime) persecutes it. They were very surprised to hear about the forced harvesting of organs from living practitioners in China and called it 'absurd.'”
Lasitha from Indonesia said he comes here every Saturday. Recently he's noticed that many people are interested in the meditation. He talks to them about his experience and hopes more people can benefit from it.
“To explain why the communist party persecutes Falun Dafa, I often talk about the vicious nature of the communist party and how the regime has been systematically harming people. Many people understand and sign petitions.”
Falun Gong practitioners do the exercises together at St. Martin Place on June 12, 2018.
Mariana Filive from Hungary signed a petition on June 6 demanding an end to the persecution in China.
Mariana Filive from Hungary said she is in London studying for a Master's degree in marketing. She had heard about Falun Dafa in the past, but this was the first time she'd ever spoken with a practitioner.
The sitting meditation caught her attention, then she saw the posters about Falun Dafa. “It looks very peaceful and I want to give it a try myself,” she said. “I thought the situation in China had improved, but hearing about the forced organ harvesting let me know I was wrong. I need to follow up on it and I must help more people know about this.”
Peter, who lives 200 miles from London, thanked practitioners for telling him about what is going on in China. “Everyone should have freedom of belief. I support you and I believe more people need to be aware of this.” He said practitioners have done very well and encouraged them to keep it up.
Software developer Paul from Belgium (right) talks with a practitioner on June 12 and praised their efforts to let people know the truth.
Paul, a software engineer from Belgium, was in London on vacation. He is interested in meditation music and had heard about Falun Dafa back in Belgium.
“It is hard to believe this [persecution of Falun Dafa] is still going on. What impresses me more is the effort you have put into this. You are influencing others with your energy. This is good, because I believe even the voice of one person can change this world.”
“There are many uncertainties in life,” he said. “But you have helped the situation to move in a positive direction. Your kindness will make our world a better place.”
Susan is a retired teacher and also worked in a clinic. Having practiced Tai Chi previously, she was glad to see practitioners at St. Martin Place on June 12. She could feel the peaceful energy and was interested in learning the practice.
Seeing petitions on the table, Susan signed one without hesitation. Having lived in China for a short time in the past, she does not want the communist party to continue destroying traditional values.
“It was a totalitarian environment. People seemed to be okay on the surface, but, in reality, everyone is being suppressed,” she said. “That is frightening, because it [communist party] is taking away our freedom.
“I believe traditional values are what we need. I wish you success.”